El Grupo

El Grupo - Live - 2005 - El Grupo Records

"El Grupo Live” was released as a 1,000 unit limited edition CD on sale only at El Grupo's European shows in November 2005. The albums were sold on a “first come-first served” basis at the venues before and after shows. The album is not just a Steve Lukather guitar spectacular. The album features five extended rock and fusion tracks that allow all the group members ample time to demonstrate their individual talents. The album is full of humour, atmosphere and great vibes, not to mention the supreme musicianship from these four rock and fusion greats. Tracks 1 & 2 were recorded live on July 8th 2005 in Krefeld Germany by B&R Medientechnik for WDR2. Tracks 3,4 & 5 were recorded live on August 5th & 6th at The Baked Potato, Los Angeles, CA. This album is HR by A.O.O.F.C and is not easy to find. Grab it while you can! [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 156 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Dismemberment - Lenny Castro, David Garfield 15:21
2 I'm Buzzed - Michael Landau 16:52
3 Birdland - Joe Zawinul 9:45
4 Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix 10:14
5 Led Boots - Max Middleton 13:28

BAND

Steve Lukather - Guitar, Vocals
Oskar Cartaya - Bass
Steve Weingart - Keyboards
Joey Heredia - Drums, Percussion, Chant

ABOUT ALBUM

It is always a privilege to review a CD which is not on general release. It is an even greater privilege to witness an exceptional album being mixed by consummate professionals. On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I was invited to join Steve Lukather and Oskar Cartaya at Bob Bradshaw’s north Hollywood studio as they deliberated the nuances of performances recorded at shows in Krefeld, Germany and the Baked Potato in Los Angeles. This limited-edition CD perfectly captures the genial ambience and jamming brilliance of four of Los Angeles jazz club favourites on stunning form during Steve Lukather & El Grupo’s Summer Tour 2005. With over 65 minutes of the finest moments from those shows, this CD offers fans a special opportunity to enjoy high-quality and professionally mixed live performances without compromise. For those fortunate enough to acquire a copy of “El Grupo Live”, this is a gem that surely compares with the quality of Luke & Larry Carlton’s Grammy Award winning “No Substitutions”. With a collective discography which traverses a massive array of international artists and a spectrum of musical cultures, and a determination to stretch beyond the boundaries of formulaic studio sessions, the four friends challenge themselves and their audiences with extemporisation that makes many of us laugh with incredulity. Not only does the set-list often change from show to show but each and every performance is entirely unique. El Grupo’s club gigs set the standard for improvisation; their hard rocking fusion of jazz, funk and latino grooves never cease to astonish those of us who have seen a number of their shows. The truth is that any one of the takes which Bob Bradshaw recorded would have thrilled listeners. Unlike the production-drenched perfection of studio albums, this CD is completely unadulterated but for the splicing necessary to condense parts of a live performance to a single CD. Tasteful yet fiery licks abound, and as the tour flyer promised, fun is evident in large portions. Featuring Lukather on guitar and vocals, Steve Weingart on keyboards, Oskar Cartaya on bass and Joey Heredia on drums & percussion, this collection features “Dismemberment”, I’m Buzzed”,“Birdland”,“Little Wing” and “Led Boots”. The results of the diversity of the band’s respective musical backgrounds is compelling; from an intricate passage of solo guitar to a latino party rumba, and from heavy funk to Heavy Weather, this collection is a totally honest representation of the performances on the night. As I sit writing this with the El Grupo Live CD playing, I’m reminded of the great times I had at the European Summer Tour shows, partying along with Lukather’s passionately loyal fans who supported their musical hero with an open mind and keen ears for musical excellence. The CD will exclusively be available for purchase at the forthcoming Steve Lukather & El Grupo shows in November 2005. There are currently no plans for this album to be issued on general release, either online or in record stores. To be sold on a first come-first served basis at the venues before and after shows, El Grupo hope to be able to sign and personalise as many CD’s as possible after each gig. With a 16 show tour kicking off in New York City on 29 October 2005 before a further 3 week trip around more of Europe’s premier jazz clubs, the set list will undoubtedly be revamped to incorporate tunes from Lukather’s festive season album, “Santamental”. From [EL GRUPO LIVE CD - Exclusive Preview] © Will Minting, October 2005 © http://www.musicmeter.nl/album/32593