| Steve Lukather |
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Steve "Luke" Lukather (born '''Steven Lee Lukather''' on October 21 , 1957 in San Fernando Valley , California ) is an American Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and guitar player, best known for his work with the rock band Toto . In addition to his work with Toto, Lukather has released several solo albums and, as a studio session guitarist, has arranged, composed, and recorded on over 800 number one albums.http://www.ernieball.com/mmonline/artists/ EARLY LIFE At an early age, Lukather learned how to play keyboards and drums. But when he got a copy of '' Meet The Beatles! '' at seven years old, he wanted to to become a guitar player. SESSION MUSICIAN CAREER Lukather made himself famous (along with high school friend Michael Landau ) for being one of the most sought-after session guitarists in Los Angeles in the 1970s and 1980s . He is capable of emulating many styles on-demand, often under pressure of tight recording deadlines. Famous sessions include: Michael Jackson 's " Beat It " and " Human Nature " (co-written by Toto member Steve Porcaro ), Don Henley 's " Dirty Laundry ", Lionel Richie 's " Running With The Night ", Randy Crawford 's " You Might Need Somebody ", and Richard Marx 's '' Repeat Offender ''. Besides sessions, Lukather also wrote hits for Olivia Newton John ('' Physical ''), George Benson (" Turn Your Love Around ") and The Tubes (" She's A Beauty " and " Talk To Ya Later "). SIDE PROJECTS When not working with Toto, Lukather has side projects which show his versatile style: playing jams with other session musicians in El Grupo, touring with Edgar Winter and with Larry Carlton amongst others. In 1981 , he filled in for Larry Carlton and recorded ''Live at the Baked Potatoe'' with Greg Matheison , a 7 track album featuring Jeff Porcaro on drums and Pops Powell on bass. The release is available via Japanese import. In 1985 Lukather released the instructional "Star Licks" guitar video tutorial. Featuring many of the licks and solos from the first five Toto studio albums. It was released on DVD in 2005 . In 1989 , he played on the Fusion album ''Los Lobotomys'' which was another live recording and featured among others, Joe Sample , ( The Crusaders ), Vinnie Colaiuta , ( Sting ) and David Garfield on keyboards. In 1997 , he became involved in the David Garfield project ''Tribute To Jeff'', which was recorded in memory of Toto's original drummer, Jeff Porcaro . The studio album featured many fellow musicians and friends of Porcaro's, including Eddie Van Halen and Boz Scaggs . The album was re-released in 2005 with two extra tracks. With '' (2003) and '' Mythology '' (2004). In 2006, he contributed a guitar solo for the song "Utopia" on Tony Levin 's album '' Resonator ''. Known to his friends as "Luke," he still records and tours with Toto and continues to be an in-demand studio player and producer. Lukather also has a very sought after speaking voice. He has been asked to do Voice Over s on numerous occasions. STYLE Influenced by blues-rock guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page , jazz guitarists such as Larry Carlton , and Jazz Fusion players such as Al Di Meola , Lukather's style is unique. He is known for fast, melodic lines that often combine blues phrases with jazzy 'out' notes. His vibrato is very pronounced and unique. Well versed in theory, Lukather can follow chord charts and changes as a jazz musician would, and this vastly enhances his value as a session musician. In interviews, he has explained how he thinks of the guitar in a 'chordal cluster' format, and not the typical linear 'scale format.' In addition to his playing ability, he has built one of the largest effects rack of any rock guitarist. His tone is very 'signature,' with a smooth overdrive/distortion, deep stereo delay, and various other effects on tap. Lukather has held a long association with Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics, who has designed and manufactured key elements of his effects rack. He is one of the few official endorsers of EMG pickups having collaborated on his own Lukather signature "SL20" replacement set. He is the only member of Toto who has never missed a live show with the band. In September 2006 , Lukather announced plans to record two solo albums, one of which will be instrumental. These will be the fourth and fifth solo releases for Lukather (not including 'Santamental'). DISCOGRAPHY
GRAMMY AWARDS
REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
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