Steve Lukather: The Guitar Legend Who Recorded Four Sessions a Day
Steve Lukather has carved out an illustrious path as a guitarist, renowned not only for his contributions to the band Toto but also for his extensive work with a plethora of iconic artists. His collaborations span decades, featuring legends like Boz Scaggs, Michael Jackson, Don Henley, and Quincy Jones, especially during the vibrant music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In a recent conversation with Matt Pinfield on the New & Approved show,Lukather reflects on his early revelation of his guitar prowess and the journey that led him to refine his skills through rigorous session work.
The evolution of Guitar Skills in a Digital Age
Lukather expresses his belief that today’s young musicians have access to superior and more affordable equipment, allowing them to achieve impressive sounds that may not accurately reflect their true abilities. He feels that this convenience has led many to overlook the immense talent and dedication that were essential in his era to produce recordings and deliver live performances that closely mirrored the original tracks.
From Childhood Dreams to Session Mastery
During the interview, Lukather shares a nostalgic moment from his childhood when he learned to play the electric guitar solo from “Gloria” by Them at just eight years old. “People were skeptical about my ability at that age,” he recalls. “But for some reason, I could hear the music, and it just clicked for me.It’s hard to explain; one day I couldn’t play, and the next day, it all just fell into place.”
He describes his natural talent as if it were a skill he had carried over from a previous life, stating, “I must have known this somehow because no one taught me.”
As he matured, lukather honed his craft as a session guitarist, developing the techniques that would earn him acclaim as one of the most respected players of his generation. Over the years, he has contributed to countless tracks, often without credit, as a sought-after studio musician. He recalls the intensity of his schedule,sometimes recording up to four sessions in a single day,which not only sharpened his guitar skills but also enhanced his abilities as an arranger.
the Art of Spontaneous collaboration
“We encountered music we had never heard before, with no rehearsals or demos,” he explains about his session experiences. “We would arrive,and the artist would play their song on the piano or strum their guitar,and we’d all listen. Each of us had ‘arranger’ ears, allowing us to identify parts that complemented the melody and rhythm.”
“We’d take a rough idea and,within an hour,create a polished piece — not completely finished,but pretty close,” he adds. “Doing that multiple times a day really builds your skills.”
Reflections on Live Performance and Musical Integrity
Lukather believes that the dedication required to master an instrument before the digital age fostered a deeper appreciation for musicianship among both artists and audiences. he frequently enough finds himself amazed when watching live performances from rock’s golden era on platforms like YouTube.
“They were performing live on television,and it sounded just like the record,” he notes. “there was no Pro tools back then; these musicians could truly play! Their harmonies were spot on. Don’t tell me it’s impossible.”
“What’s strange now is that you can sound great without being that skilled.People often express surprise when they see a live performance that’s genuinely impressive. It’s like saying, ‘I hope your doctor is actually good at their job,’” he quips.
“I might come off as a grumpy old man, but I find humor in it all. Still, sometimes I wish we could unplug everything and see where everyone really stands.”
Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Lukather is gearing up for a North American tour with Toto, Christopher Cross, and Men at Work, set to kick off in the summer of 2025, starting on July 18 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
In a recent interview with Guitar Player, he discussed his prized guitar, which he humorously noted was recently appraised for “a significant amount of money.” He added,“I’m hesitant to take this beauty out on the road!”
