EL GRUPO: Live

El Grupo

Live

© 2006 El Grupo (899048000222)

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High Energy Jazz Rock Fusion Recorded Live and featuring Steve Lukather

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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 revitalised reworkings of Los Lobotomy’s Dismemberment, Michael Landau’s I’m buzzed, Weather Report’s Birdland, Jimi Hendrix’s Little wing and Jeff Beck’s 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.
- Will Minting 2005-

reviews

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  • Great Live Set!
    author: Jerry Kirkpatrick

    Steve Lukather has been involved with a number of amazing projects since the Toto days, from collaboration with Larry Carlton to Santamental. This live performace with an all-star lineup is no exception. Incredible musicianship, great arrangements on the cover tunes, and a superb live sound mix. This CD is a keeper!

  • el grupo
    author: suzanne seaton

    The cd is worth buying for the track "I'm buzzed" and just to listen to Luke, Oscar and Joey groove. Amazing!

  • What Can I Say??!!
    author: Ricardo Ferreira

    The recordings that have lukather really letting loose are ones that should be treasured by any fan. And having the other muso's do the same makes this album sublime. MORE!!!

  • ON THE TOP !!!
    author: Waechter Stefan

    I know Steve Lukather very well since his early years 1978 and he developed into one of greatest popular guitarists. This album is one of the best. It's a thousand pities that the other Lukather-Philipps-Production "Doves of Fire" is not available too.

  • High Energy
    author: Scott Robinson

    Everyone should hear El Grupo. Killer jazz rock fusion. Everything you hear, you go wow! This is great. You hear intense complex variations in sound. Someday I hope these independant musicians get together and blend even more genres like candy dulfer combined with jersey band etc.

  • LUKERULESYEAH!
    author: Martijn

    Awesome album and a great memory for everybody who was there! It's your Grupo Too!!!!!

  • FUSION LIVES!!
    author: CHARLES D.

    REALLY GREAT CD, STEVE AND THE BOYS PLAY THEIR ASSES OFF ON THIS ONE! JAZZ/ROCK/LATIN/FUNK FUSION PERFORMED BY MASTER MUSICANS. BUY IY RIGHT NOW!

  • Great!!!
    author: Tom

    I hate to jinx it but, everything that Luke touches turns to gold. This cd is no exception. Great live sound, blemishes and all. The only negative that I can see is that perhaps the keyboardist might want to bone up on live improv. Great keyboard sounds though. I finally got my kids to listen to an instrumental. "Play Birdland Dad, play Birdland". Jazz/fusion MUST HAVE!!!

  • Do these guys really need my review of this?
    author: Steve Lockridge

    Some unknowns might benefit from my review but not these guys. They are seasoned professionals who just walk on stage and magic happens. Steve Lukather has been my favorite guitarist since 1982 and this CD was not disappointing in any way. Plus, Joey Heredia rocks on the drums!!

  • Can't get enough of Luke...
    author: Bj

    Take 4 passionate musicians.... let them pick some of their favourite songs..... then let them loose in a relaxed live environment..... and you get a sensational gig that makes for a brilliant cd. I bought it as a TOTO/Steve Lukather fan, but the appeal for a cd of this calibre is far wider.I'd but it just for the version of Little Wing!

  • Viva El Grupo!
    author: Dave Maida

    I caught this show in NYC and the CD is as great as the show was that I attended. These kats are all over-the-top players and this has to be one of the top five fusion recordings ever. If you're a true musician or music lover, a must for your CD melting pot by all means. Viva El Grupo!!!!

  • Fiery Fusion Fallout
    author: Matt Bendel

    An absolute STELLAR performance by LUKE and his crew !!! There's nothing like a group of crack musicians dropping in under the cover of darkness...BLOWING EVERYTHING UP...then slipping away into the night. These are bad dudes that deliver the goods in a BIG WAY !!! Luke and the boys show us how it's done downtown in a way that INSPIRES !!! Check out Birdland !!! Thanks guys !!!

  • GREAT!
    author: Bjørn Gau

    I really liked this CD! And I hope to be able to hear them live sometime. I think they should bring their baked potato and get over to Norway as soon as possible. Keep up the good work!!

  • Magical live album !
    author: pierre

    This is a great CD !! Steve Lukather is one of my favourite guitar player. This album is fantastic!! I enjoy Luke`s performing and of course the high level of the band! Little Wing version is awesome on the cd. No one can play and sing hendrix as steve. I`m waiting for a new solo cd (maybe a progressive one!) Buy and enjoy this album as soon as possible. Thanks to CD Baby for delivering that cd so quick in France!Thanks again!

  • A-w-e-s-o-m-e
    author: wrongworld

    Well, probably I am one of the few that got this record due to fact Oskar Cartaya is the bass player, and I didn't regretted it. No offense to the Luke fans: I know him since many years, he is a real top notch guitar player, but I wanted to hear Oskar in a music territory that is a little different from his "standard". This record rocks!

  • Awesome
    author: Vinny

    Being a fan of The Dixie Dregs. I like this CD cause of its diversity and the talent is at its finest. The fact that its live with a studio production sound.

  • so good
    author: luke8

    i saw el grupo in luxembourg last year and what a concert. it was amazing moment. i am a big fan of toto and steve lukather of course.it s a genius. i will see toto in march and i am very excite i wait march impatiently

  • Smokin!!!!!
    author: Upstateaudio

    Great live CD. Superb playing. Very exciting and imaginative. Fusion at its best.

  • author: THE ASSASIN

    Just AWESOME! I want everybody to listen to this CD. The band captures their live moment. Just blow live! I love this CD.

  • author: Wimpie DIXI

    being a musician for about 24 years and a HUGE lukather fan, i can REALLY appreciate this kind of stuff !! This is a nice example of the best session-musicians brought together and have some fun. It's jazzy, funky, experimental, even latin vibes, and of course that orgasmic sound of stevie's musicman guitar, mixed by his right hand Bob Bradshaw... beter then sex... BUY AND ENJOY THIS ONE !!!! so long bro's

  • author: Wimpie DIXI

    being a musician for about 24 years and a HUGE lukather fan, i can REALLY appreciate this kind of stuff !! This is a nice example of the best session-musicians brought together and have some fun. It's jazzy, funky, experimental, even latin vibes, and of course that orgasmic sound of stevie's musicman guitar, mixed by his right hand Bob Bradshaw... beter then sex... BUY AND ENJOY THIS ONE !!!! so long bro's

  • Great CD!
    author: Tony

    Great Cd! These guys really knows how to groove and have fun!

  • Awesome
    author: Luigi

    Another GREAT one from Steve and Friends.. go & buy it!!!

  • Just one word : great !
    author: Paul

    Lukather and friends did a great job, but what else can one expect from a project involving Luke. I can't wait to hear their future studio album, planned for this year

  • author: miryam

    can't wait for new cd of them and steve get on playin' and writin'

  • great, great, great!!!
    author: Dominik Düntzer

    This CD shows how live music should be! I saw El Grupo on that tour and it was amazing. That's the REAL Lukather. No unnecessary things, just great music - played by the best. You can hear the joy they had on the stage. Every song is performed in a special way, better than the original I think. And so that CD gives you the possibility to be a part of a great band playing a great gig! I hope you all can see them on tour soon, because - like Luke says: It's your Grupo too!!!

  • must have
    author: Thomas

    this cd is a must have for a music man. not to many songs but the songs are long an exelent played. the gays on this cd knou wath they are doing.

  • This band smokes!
    author: Michael Mycek

    If you want a live in your face CD, buy El Grupo Live. This band smokes! Have a fire extinguisher ready. Steve Lukather and friends do some heavy covers of Jeff Beck, Weather Report, and others that will leave you like you just had a fabulous orgasm!

  • Everything I expected but better!!!!!

    I bought the CD simply on the fact of Steve Lukather. I have been a fan of his since Toto's first album in 1978 and have every one of his albums with and without Toto. This CD is amazing - the virtuosity of the band - all members are outstanding. If you appreciate IMO one of the top guitarist in the world as well as fusion/jazz/rock then this is a must buy. If you own any of Luke's other albums do not hesitate to purchase - you will not be disappointed. I have had the CD for a week and it has not left my CD player. Each song is excellent - not a weak song here. Please continue to make the music!!!!!

  • awesome
    author: fabry

    this is a must for every fusion-rock lover....

  • It is perfect for my taste of music, awesome!
    author: mick pena

    It is perfect for my taste of music, killer musicians in all respects, awesome!

  • ingenious players, what a show
    author: Markku

    If you like to hear when guitar gives everything it can with magical background players, this is definately cd for you. Those guys do everything they like, wow, thank you cd-baby to bring this cd available for everyone, your dellivery really rocks!! Greetings from Finland

  • Perfect!!!!!
    author: Paul Dolejschi

    The whole CD is a great!!! piece of music, the second track (I'm buzzed) tops it all. AMAZING!!! Also must mention the drum solo over the delicious samba groove at the end of the CD!!

  • LUKE IS FAVORITE!
    author: Rafaël Nussy

    I was seven when I heard Steve Lukather for the first time on the radio playing Rosanna. From that time I always listening to him and watch the way of his guitar playing. Like they said : It's HIGH ENERGY! Now I'm thirty three years old...And I still follow my father of guitar playing. He Inspired me how to play with heart & soul. I call it PASSION for the music! I love you my BROTHER!! God bless you!!! Take care....Rafaël (from the Netherlands)

  • Excelent
    author: Jytte

    It is a great CD, and I really enjoy it. It gets better and better, for each time I play it.

  • awesome
    author: a. munoz

    Anything any toto mmember does is assssssssssssssss kicking . luke is awesome

  • Super..
    author: Roberto vidal

    Thank's a lot....it's super...I' really like it!!!

  • really smoove. you should check out Lancelot Johnson(cd baby artist)
    author: Lancelot Johnson

    pretty smoove. check out the Lancelot Johnson (cd baby artist)

  • CD BABY - YEAH BABY - I'LL BE BACK BABY!
    author: vdrumatic

    Luke is one of my favorite guitar players, the whole band is SMOKIN'. I'm extremely happy I bought this CD and I extremely happy I bought it from CD BABY...

  • author: paul peipman

    Fusion..raw and live...fantastic CD..highly recommended. Lukather is the Bomb.

  • Just pure perfection
    author: Simen

    Great CD. I especially like "Led Boots", but that might change. This kind of CD needs to be listened to over a long time before it really rules. And ALREADY I would rank i awesome. Just think in two months it will be better than awesome :) Hopefully this won't be the last we hear from El Grupo. Viva La Grupo!

  • WOW Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    author: Todd Lambert

    This CD is amazing. Another great project by Steve Lukahter I would encourage any Toto/Lukather/Los Lobotomy fans to by this CD.

  • Great cd of a bunch of great musicians
    author: T.L. Petrejus

    Great cd. Steve Lukather at his best working together with a couple of great musicians. Jazz-funk-rock of great quality. Now i regret i din't go to your live concert last summer. We did go to Toto three times last year as Steve is my (and my wife's)favourite musician. Hoping to hear more of El Grupo in the future.

  • just pure luke...

    one of the reasons why i bought the cd was because i had seen luke and el grupo during their summer tour in france. i wanted the memory of this unique experience to be captured and kept alive, which the cd perfectly does. what i can say is that it provides for an occasion to get 100 percent pure lukather, sound, soul and spirit. to all those who are not yet convinced that he's a genius and well worth listening to, i would strongly recomend it. moreover, the band is a killer. my favorite passage on the cd is the latino part in led boots which shows a high degree of musianship and sounds refreshing. the cd also covers a rather wide musical range, from smooth jazz in the intro of little wing, to fusion and pure rock, which of course, gives luke the opportunity to show his mastery in different musical and emotional areas.

  • Incredible, fantastic, killer, truly a thrill to listen to
    author: Blue Tick

    I've been a loyal Toto/Luke fan from the beginning (1978) so any of his project CD's are a rare treat for me. This is no exception. They absolutely KILL!!!! Buy it, if you like exquisite musicianship, you will not be disappointed.

  • Honest, handmade and real!
    author: Armin Kloppert

    After having seen El Grupo last year in Krefeld, Germany, I simply was deeply impressed by these fantastic musicians! As a big fan of Steve Lukather I somehow had to get the CD. Now I'm so happy, because thanks to CD Baby, I finally had the chance to get it. I often listen to El Grupo, the atmosphere is gorgeous and the versatility of these four band members as well as the total fun they had can be heard and felt throughout the whole album! The only thing I have to critisize is that the tracks are a little bit to long. It would've been better, if the band had played another two or three songs instead. I'm thinking of some other tracks from the Los Lobotomys-album like Big Bone, Jorainbo and Lobotomy stew.

  • Brilliant grooves
    author: Arno C

    Wow, I didn't believe my ears when listening to this CD. I attended the concerts of El Grupo twice in the Netherlands and man, they rocked! This CD is truly a piece of mixing art that does right to the five huge tracks on it. All band members perform great, but Luke truly does it for me! The sound sometimes takes some getting used to, but you'll definitely end up liking all tracks and admiring every second that passes on this awesome live CD (and I mean LIVE!!!)

  • The way to do it perfect.
    author: Stéphane from Paris

    One of the best live CD i've heard. One of the best performance i've heard : fantastic job of Steve and a big mention for the bassist too. One of the best mix of such differents musics. Buy it too get your day sunny !!!

  • A really good CD!
    author: Daniel

    This is a CD with Steve Lukather and that is why I bought El groupo live. Steve Lukather from Toto is the best guitarist ever and this gig is very good. I love Luke`s voice and therefore I prefer his solorecords like Lukather, Candyman and Luke and of course everything with Toto. This CD is special but I like it! It`s similair with No Substitutions but El groupo is better I think. Little Wing is on of the best songs on the album. I`m really looking forward to Luke`s new solo albums, especially the vocal one. I recommend you to buy this album as soon as possible.Enjoy! Thanks to CD Baby for doing a great job delivering the cd so quick!Thanks again!

  • Incredible
    author: nadir, saint-etienne, france

    I saw EL Grupo the first of july 2005 in Paris – Elysee Montmartre- it was so amazing, very interesting and so cool….Right now I’m satisfied to have the record of 2005 tour. thanks you cdbaby.

  • author: Roberta

    The band know what I think about them and this CD and the only thing that I can say is simply AWESOME!!!I'll never forget those two fantastic days I spent with them at Blue Note in Milan,Italy!They have a wonderful soul and they're spectacular on stage!Thank you guys!And thank you CD Baby!!! Love, ROBERTA

  • WARNING rough ready and will rock your bones
    author: NedK

    Steve your playing was rough the band where ready and you rocked I was at your UK gig and you delivered... don't have reservations on releasing this stuff it's excellent a moment in time... this CD needs to be played LOUD ****** LOUD ****** more ****** LOUD

  • preaching to the converted but awesome !
    author: Liam Turner Belfast uk

    I saw them in the Robin in England and have been trying to get my hands on this ever since . I can`t believe it is humanly possible for anyone to play their instruments as well as this.. Fantastic ! Luke , if you read this please bring SOMEONE to Ireland on tour

  • Great!
    author: Eirik, Norway

    This is a very special, rare recording of some tremendous musicians!! Absolutely great!!

  • Waaaaaaaaaaaaooooooooooooou !
    author: Threeminutesboy

    This CD really rocks ! Lukather at his best awesome !! Can't get birdland our of my head !!

  • Awesome. Having seen El grupo live at The Robin in Bilston, I just had to get th
    author: Lee

    Pure class. Awesome. Having seen El grupo live at The Robin in Bilston, I just had to get this CD and it did not disapoint. Magnificent musicianship. A MUST buy for pure music lovers. Get it while you can.

  • great CD, awesome musicianship, very versatile
    author: nik

    This is a great recording of some of the finest musicians, a lot of room, not only for Luke (guitar) but also keys, drums and bass, played with excitement and thrill. This combination of rock, jazz, fusion is a must have if you're into the groove. A very nice selection of songs ... By the way the liveshow(s) were awesome, this CD features for me a fantastic memory !

  • Correction to: A privilege and a joy for any real music lover
    author: A.M.

    Giving it the 5 stars it surely deserves (and more), It didn't go well the first time (sorry about this). A.M.

  • I'm very jong and I like this!!
    author: Mayanga

    I'm only 13 years old and I got this cd as a present, my aunt is crazy about Lukather's music, that's why I got it haha but I love it. My friends are listening to it right now, we dance to the songs, is modern and some songs are just plane beautiful!! Love the music, is great. Thank's so much for making it.

  • Thrilled to bits
    author: Andy Brand

    Just thrilled to bits with this CD. A gang of brilliant musicians with noone stealing the limelight. Each track has a similar basic jazz fusion style but at the same time manages to sound different from the other, giving the CD a very varied feel. 'Birdland' in particular is awesome and probably the track none believers should listen to first. Outstanding stuff.

  • One Bunch Of Bad Mofo's!!!!!!!
    author: Chewy

    Real music, being played on real instruments, being made by real musicians. It doesn't get any better then this.

  • Best of many worlds
    author: Peter

    Being a musician myself it´s really hard to believe that people can play like that. The guys at El Grupo mix so many different styles and thereby create their own. You can feel how much fun they had during the tour. Plus I´m glad that Luke does not play any Toto songs as many other solo artists do. This sh## is much better. And Steve Weingart plays the Nordlead like a devil....

  • not soo bad!
    author: ziad

    luke said this wasn't his best night. well, maybe as a singer, but hey, who cares as long as the groove is alive? (btw if you want to see him on a bad night, you better watch the live in amsterdam dvd... sorry!) i think he plays really great on this "boot", not to mention the rest of the band, er, group. the sound: really fresh and raw and yet smooth and balanced. me like. me like very mucho!

  • Magic raw and incredible!
    author: Petr Furuz

    Of my 3000 cd's, this is probably one of my top 5! Raw, magic and BEAUTIFUL! How can anyone play like this? Mr Lukather and the drummer...I mean...what planet do they come from? I am SO glad this cd now is finally available! And for you hi-fi geeks, the recording has an incredible sound, maybe one of the best I have heard from a liverecording, it sounds so natural and loud and clean! Mr Lukather performs his ultimate version of "Little wing" (he also sings a lot better than I have heard him in years), and the drummer sets fire to "Birdland". However, in my humble opinion, Michael Landau's "I'm buzzed" made my arms an electric field of goose-bumps! Music-nirvana? Yes. So raw and beautiful that smile and tears might come from your face! Heartfelt recommended!

  • Who wouldn't want this cd in their collection?
    author: Alan G, Liverpool, UK

    What music lover would not want to have this cd in their collection? The standard of musicianship is simply breathtaking, the live performance recording (warts 'n' all) gives you the real sense of being there, and if you've never heard funk/blues/rock segue into Cuban before (and that's just on one track!), then you're in for a major treat. Buy a copy of this cd now, or regret it for the rest of your life.....

  • This is realy smooth.
    author: TAK STUDIOS inc/TOMMY PRODUCTIONSinc.

    This is one hot band. i see and hear big things from this band.

  • A privilege and a joy for any real music lover
    author: A.M.

    I'm a huge fan and became a bigger one after attending the show and listening to this recording, but anyone can tell that this is music which deserves again a Grammy. It's a joy to listen to, is fun, is amazing to listen to the great playing from these first class musicians.. the way they challenge each other, complement eacht other, you can hear this. There are so many highlihgts on this recording, but to name just a few: Dismemberment: one of the best versions I've heard from this one, I'm Buzzed with an intro to die for, The intro to Little Wing is magical and Birdland and Led Boots rock! Amazing CD!!

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