Carlton/Lukather Review of "No Substitutions" @ iTunes By: Robert Silverstein recorded souvenir of the Carlton/Lukather November '98 tour of Japan, "No Substitutions" is a guitar lovers dream come true. Carlton, one of the legends of the L.A. session scene, has recorded with everyone from Joni Mitchell to Steely Dan, while Lukather is best known for his guitar work in Toto as well as string of fine solo albums. Recorded in Osaka, Japan, "No Substitutions" finds the pair backed by top players such as Gregg Bissonette (drums), Chris Kent (bass) and Rick Jackson (keyboards). Kicking the CD off with a fifteen minute cover of the Jeff Beck classic "The Pump", Larry & Luke also tackle the Miles Davis favorite "All Blues" as well as three Carlton originals. Although more moody and atmospheric than most jazz-rock, No Substitutions comes nowhere near to being smooth jazz. Both Carlton and Lukather literally play their axes off while the album sizzles with a sense of immediacy confirmed by the whoops and hollers of the Osaka crowd, who are clearly savoring every moment. Perhaps the album is best summed up by Favored Nations label chief Steve Vai when he states, "This is the kind of music that real guitar lovers live for. These guys have a touch on their instruments and a musical awareness that is both uncanny yet accessible to listeners of all kinds of music." Some of the hottest guitar work ever recorded by these two legends, "No Substitutions" is topped off by eye-catching artwork and mutually praising liner notes by both Carlton and Lukather. © Robert Silverstein / MusicWeb Express 3000 The Pump Don't Give It Up (It Was) Only Yesterday All Blues Room 335