Steve Porcaro’s official return to Toto hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves, probably because he’s always receded into the background amongst wide-angle personalities like Steve Lukather or Bobby Kimball. An import-only bonus track from the upcoming Toto XIV fixes that.
“Bend” is, in fact, all Porcaro — a triumph of conception, from top to bottom, from an often-overlooked figure who added some deliciously offbeat things (that crazy “Rosanna” solo? Seriously?) to Toto’s first six albums. And that’s to say nothing of one of Michael Jackson’s signature songs in “Human Nature.”
You’d never know it, of course. Even on Toto’s most recent tour, in celebration of their 35th anniversary, frontman Joseph Williams initially took the mic for renditions of the deprecating Porcaro’s “It’s a Feeling,” from 1982’s Toto IV. Only later, as the tour progressed, was Steve Porcaro pushed back to the front for this signature expression of a cuckold’s sorrow.
“Bend” showcases all of those same strengths, both in his delicately conveyed way with a vocal and the striking complexity of his idiosyncratic keyboard work — things that often got lost in a band of such outsized, polished talent as Toto, back in the day. Not anymore. Steve Porcaro is allowed to explore out to the edges of his musical vistas here, and the results are as involving as they are gorgeous. Narratively, “Bend” works almost as an answer to the roiling worries of “It’s a Feeling,” arriving in a moment of long-view acceptance when it comes to such matters of the heart.
That makes “Bend” a perfectly attenuated addendum to Toto XIV, which elsewhere underscores such a flinty maturity. Of course, Steve Porcaro’s presence on this album (due March 20, 2015 in Europe; in the UK and Oceania on March 23; and North America on March 24 via Frontiers) also completes a larger connection to Toto’s history, in siblings Mike and Jeff Porcaro’s devastating absence.
Yet the free-spirited Steve Porcaro — there from the beginning, creating both songs and intriguing synth asides for Toto through 1987, then only contributing occasionally before returning full time in 2010 — somehow got lost in the band’s continuing narrative. “Bend” makes a larger point, though, about his underrated role in Toto.
You realize all at once: Steve Porcaro was (and is) Toto’s secret weapon.
- Nick DeRiso’s Best of 2015 (Rock + Pop): Death Cab for Cutie, Joe Jackson, Toto + Others - January 18, 2016
- Nick DeRiso’s Best of 2015 (Blues, Jazz + R&B): Boz Scaggs, Gavin Harrison, Alabama Shakes - January 10, 2016
- Nick DeRiso’s Best of 2015 (Reissues + Live): John Oates, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Faces + others - January 7, 2016
Completely agree Nick. I wish Steve would release that long promise solo album. His songs have that lush-swept-way feeling that the best of Bryan Ferry’s music has.
Thanks Nick…import only? I live in Spain…I hope I am getting the import!
Great article and nice tribute to Steve’s talents. I competely agree, I’m thrilled that he’s part of the band on XIV and on tour again. His quirky sounds and approach to songwriting adds this tangy twist to Toto’s albums. Steve and Joseph are a great combination too, just listen to Leah, off the Fahrenheit album. That bridge… So beautiful.
Bend is a little gem on XIV.
I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to see Toto live for the past 3 years, all after Steve rejoined the band! I have had the pleasure of meeting Steve twice, once at a meet-n-great and the following year backstage after the concert. He is such a genuinely nice and approachable person, and quite a character!
I hope we all can get access to his song!