Toto/Kanagawa,Japan 2002

TOTO released their cover album “THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS” in 2002 and performed in Japan for the first time in three years. The super original recording is now available. This work includes the “December 3, 2002: Pacifico Yokohama” performance. This is the best audience recording. The biggest point of this work is the transcendental sound that cannot be imagined 17 years ago, but first of all, the position of the show. This week, the tour’s masterpiece “TOKYO 2002 FINAL NIGHT” will also be released at the same time, so let’s check the schedule. December 3rd: Pacifico Yokohama [This work] December 4th: Zepp Sendai December 5th: Morioka Civic Culture Hall December 7th: Tsukisamu Green Dome December 9th: Tokyo International Forum December 10th: Tokyo International Forum ・December 12th: Nagoya City Public Hall ・December 14th: Osaka Employees’ Pension Center ・December 15th: Zepp Fukuoka ・December 17th: Tokyo International Forum “TOKYO 2002 FINAL NIGHT” 10 performances in total. The group will travel across the archipelago from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, with four performances held at large venues in the Kanto area. A tour schedule that shows off the immense popularity that shows no decline. Among them, the Yokohama performance of this work was Lee’s first day. This work, which records such a show, has the best sound that can be labeled as “super”. It is an original recording only for this work, but it is really amazing. The direct feel of the core is powerful yet beautiful, and the delicate sound is vivid down to the details. If you listen carefully with headphones, you will notice the slight venue acoustics, but even that does not become cloudy or muddy, and it is as neat as an official live album. In fact, with this sound, Steve Lukather’s guitar shines with a glossy metallic luster, Simon Phillips’ drumming becomes even more dynamic, and the late Mike Porcaro’s bass becomes even more dynamic. Even more surprising is the vocals. Bobby Kimball’s beautiful voice boasts a level of detail that allows you to feel each syllable of the lyrics, not just one word, and even when the various ensembles and thick choruses overlap, the clarity remains unwavering in the slightest. It is a super famous recording of a level that you do not often see even in modern times, where equipment is more advanced than at the time. What is drawn with that quality is a super luxurious set celebrating the 25th anniversary of the formation. Of course it’s a dazzling greatest hits, but there are also cover songs from “THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS” included. Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” THE TEMPTATIONS’ “I Can’t Get Next To You,” and Steely Dan’s “Bodhisattva,” dedicated to the late Jeff Porcaro. With the exception of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” which was revived on the current 40th anniversary tour, there is plenty of delicious repertoire unique to this tour. The 25th anniversary tour is also left in the official work “LIVE IN AMSTERDAM”, but this work has a different set. Songs such as “Could You Be Loved,” “Stop Loving You,” and “White Sister” are part of the repertoire that cannot be heard on the official live album. You can enjoy all of that with super-excellent sound. The performance of such a set is also wonderful. Of course, it’s a TOTO show, so it’s always incredibly complete, but the arrangements unique to the 25th anniversary are gorgeous. The two special medleys are a masterpiece, especially the opening “Girl Goodbye” and the power of “Good Bye Eleanor,” “Child’s Anthem,” and “I’ll Supply The Love.” The audience was astonished and delighted by the breathless rush. Of course, in this work, the ultra-thick performance sound does not give up the leading role even one millimeter, but waves of loud cheers that decorate the performance writhe around the venue. Combined with a performance full of stealth, it creates an indescribably huge spectacle. Then, Paich’s singing voice overlaps with Bobby’s well-developed vocals, and Mike melodically intertwines the bass. This fact itself now makes me feel nostalgic and warm. It is a live album where you can fully immerse yourself in the ensemble with its finest sound. David Paich hasn’t retired yet, and Mike is still alive and well. The 2002 performance in Japan included even Bobby. This is a masterpiece live album that allows you to fully experience the scene from the BGM before the performance to the final announcement of pamphlet sales with ultra-excellent sound. Although it is actually an audience recording, the quality is comparable to not only the sound board but also the official live version. Live at Pacifico Yokohama Hall, Yokohama, Japan 3rd December 2002 TRULY PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1(74:42) 1. Intro.2. Girl Goodbye 3. Good Bye Eleanor 4. Child’s Anthem 5. I’ll Supply The Love 6. Could You Be Loved 7. Gift With A Golden Gun 8. While My Guitar Gently Weeps 9. Bodhisattva 10. Africa 11. David Paich Keyboard Solo 12. Stop Loving You 13. Steve Lukather Guitar Solo 14. Waiting For Your Love 15. Georgy Porgy 16. Lion 17. Hydra 18. English Eyes Disc 2(67:26) 1. Simon Phillips Drum Solo 2. I Won’t Hold You Back 3. Rosanna 4. Afraid Of Love 5. Hold The Line / Can’t Get Next To You 6. Home Of The Brave 7. White Sister Steve Lukather – Guitars & Vocals David Paich – Keyboards & Vocals Mike Porcaro – Bass Simon Phillips – Drums Bobby Kimball – Vocals Tony Spinner – Guitars & Vocals John Jessel -Keyboards & Vocals