The Paris Concert - Larry Carlton,Steve Lukather DVD Review

DVD Review

Two 'old' American chums turn up in a sweaty venue in Europe to play out their musical fantasies for a sold out gig. It turns out to be a battle of the giants at a low-key venue in Paris, which brings mind-boggling results. When you bring together two men with this amount of natural talent from different genres, (even though they're not household names) you're sure of a great night, which this certainly was. Caught live at the New Morning in July 2001, this intimate concert, pairing two of the greatest 'axemen' of their generation, Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather is nothing short of a musical masterpiece. Carlton the 'mentor': Lukather the 'pupil'. It turns out to be a mutual appreciation society. Both are in total awe of their respective skills and achievements - they regularly pay homage to each other - gladly it's not sickly sweet - a bit of fun mixed with respect. For years, Lukather is better known for his outstanding contribution to American West Coast soft-rock band Toto, which I had the privilege of seeing a couple of years ago at Manchester Apollo. This boy can play. Carlton, famous for his involvement with the Crusaders, Steely Dan and Mike post's Theme from Hillstreet Blues, is regarded as the unsung hero of contemporary jazz fusion.

On stage, the pair is equalled by a solid rhythm section of sticksman Gary Ferguson and bassist Chris Kent. World class pianist Rick Jackson adds the finishing touches.

Predictably, the relatively short setlist of six tracks is instrumental, though Lukather does take to the mic in short spurts, exercising his little known Blues repertoire, cranking up the atmosphere in the process.

What you hear, because stage presentation is in short supply, is one of the most spell-binding 'skills exemplars' ever caught on film.

From the outset, the performance provides a close-up of two men at the peak of their powers as both get a chance to play out their combined musical fantasies. Both get a chance to show their individual and often differing styles, which perfectly juxtapose each other. 'Luke' is the more flamboyant showman, whereas Carlton, is more subdued and subtle in the 'touch' department. Combined, a lifetime of musical experiences comes gushing out to the thrill of the Parisienne crowd who sweat it out with the band. The part improvisational jam session, layered on solid formats, glued me to the screen throughout the show. Carlton draws heavily on Joe Pass and B.B.King, where his gentle technique originates. 'Luke', a big Beatles fan, draws on Page, Beck and Hendrix et al. His use of reverb hails back to old skool guitar heroes, though he can mix it, as he opens up to throwing in jazzy sounds with great sensitivity.

When he 'solos' he likes to thrust his guitar in your face, as a couple of fans found to their delight: he bends the strings to snapping point. Both show great passion and pleasure in combining, and in some ways, healthily competing with each other. The sound of their 'twin guitars' is reminiscent of Wishbone Ash and Thin Lizzy. With only one recognisable tune, the finale, Put It Where You Want It from Carlton's Deep Into It album, the crowd are left breathless. Me to.

Result? A draw. Conclusion? Must have DVD for real music lovers, and budding guitarists.

Elly Roberts