MIKE PORCARO – Brotherly Love {SHM-CD Edition With Bonus CD}

For almost a half century, the name Porcaro has been synonymous with musical greatness.
It began with Papa Joe Porcaro, whose roots go back to gigging in Connecticut before transplanting and continuing his music career in Los Angeles. Soon to follow were three amazing prodigies who embraced the L. A. music scene in the mid to late 70’s and didn’t let go.
Jeff, Mike and Steve Porcaro’s talents transcended their band TOTO and touched thousands of recordings for more than 4 decades.
But their success in the music industry is only a small part of what makes the Porcaro family so special.

When you consider the loss of Jeff in an accident in 1992 and the impact this had on the world of music and his fans – even to this day – I can’t imagine how this impacted the Porcaro family.
MIKE PORCARO‘s “Brotherly Love” is a 2 CD set that was recorded live in Koblenz, Germany in 2002 as a tribute to Jeff.

It features an all-star cast of musicians, including ex TOTO’s Bobby Kimball, David Paich, Joseph Williams, rock legends Glenn Hughes, Alex Ligertwood, David Garfield, Greg Bissonette and more, and of course brother Steve Porcaro and father Joe Porcaro.
The songs on this project cover many Porcaro influenced selections, including ones by TOTO, Boz Scaggs, Los Lobotomys, Al Green, Steely Dan, etc.

The overall performance is simply outstanding.
It’s curious to listen the voice of rock Glenn Hughes singing (with Bobby Kimball) the TOTO classic “Rosanna”. This version is spectacular, with more than 10 musicians involved. Killer guitar solo by Doug Bossi.
But where Glenn Hughes really shines is on Hendrix’s “Manic Depression”, where his vocals really explodes, literally. Screaming guitar on this track and excellent drumming by Greg Bissonette.

All songs are superb and are performed with class, featuring new arrangements and beautiful melodies. Mike’s groove is so deep-in-the-pocket-tight, but loose enough that his bass parts always seem to blend so nicely with everything.

CD 2 features more jammin’, where all are freely to show their virtuosity.
Particularly “Big-Bone”, an instrumental written by Jeff, is terrific. Drummer Steve Gadd did a great job fitting Jeff’s shoes.
According to Bobby Kimball, the musicians who were on the show hadn’t realized it was being recorded, which adds freshness to this awesome double set.

“Brotherly Love” only was released in Japan, and this great double SHM-CD, unfortunately, it’s out of print now. The few copies on sale at some record shops are reaching the $ 200, but if you are a rabid Toto fan, it worth the investment.
On March 15, 2015, Mike Porcaro died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles after years suffering amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This post is a tribute to him – and his talented family – for the wonderful, first-class music they have delivered for decades.
A MUST HAVE

Creatchy Records ~ VQCD-10237/8
WArD Nippon 【2 SHM-CD】

Disc 1:
1. Rosanna (7:08)
2. Manic Depression (4:43)
3. Georgy Porgy (9:38)
4. Lowdown (8:07)
5. E Minor Shuffle (8:05)
6. English Eyes (7:21)
7. Human Nature (5:24)
8. Straight No Chaser (8:52)
9. Africa (6:52)
10. Let’s Stay Together (Bonus Track) (8:37)

Disc 2:
1. Stuffy (1:31)
2. Jeff’s Strut (8:06)
3. Babylon Sisters (7:31)
4. Big-Bone (7:44)
5. Corbitt Van Brauer (10:43)

Mike Procaro – Bass
David Garfield – Keyboards
Steve Porcaro – Keyboards
Michael O’Neill – Guitar
Lenny Castro – Percussion
Glenn Hughes – Lead Vocal (1, 2, 10)
Alex Ligertwood – Lead Vocal (3, 4, 9, 10)
Bobby Kimball – Lead Vocal (1, 6, 9, 10)
Steve Gadd – Drums (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15)
Gregg Bissonette – Drums (1, 2, 5, 9, 13, 14)
Robin DiMaggio – Drums (4, 9)
Chase Duddy – Drums (6)
Joe Porcaro – Drums (8), Percussion (9)
John Robinson – Drums (10)
Bernard Purdie – Drums (13)
Larry Klimas – Sax, Flute
Ralph “Mosch” Himmler – Trumpet
David Paich – Piano (9), Additional Vocals (9)
Doug Bossi – Guitar Solos (1), Additional Guitars (6)
Joseph Williams – Backing Vocals (6, 9)

OUT OF PRINT
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/VQCD-10237
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