On the home stretch of 1995’s Tambu, we find Toto flexing their musical chops with another instrumental workout, “Dave’s Gone Skiing.”
The previous instrumental, “Jake to the Bone” from 1992’s Kingdom of Desire, was so well received, one might surmise that Toto decided to provide a similar treat for fans on this album. At the same time, it might be safe to assume from the title that this track was conceived on a day when keyboardist David Paich was not present in the studio.
Kicking off with a sparse drum cue, “Dave’s Gone Skiing” immediately switches into clean unison runs, underscored by exceptionally crisp and intricate drumming patterns from Simon Phillips. This introduction sets the tone from the outset. This is a very direct sounding recording, with no synthesized tones or outrageous effects here. Like most of the album, “Dave’s Gone Skiing” is an honest and exposed sound that brings the instruments to the fore. At the same time, it is also has an urgency and precision that makes it different to the previous instrumental track, “Jake to the Bone.”
Without a doubt, the new chemistry of having Phillips in Toto contributes significantly to this. David Paich reflected in a 2006 edition of Inside Musicast that Simon played songs more like a drummer, whereas the late Jeff Porcaro approached his performances more as a songwriter. I think this holds up: The drumming on this track is precise and a showcase of technique that really propels the song forward.
For the solos, it’s nice to hear Paich stretch out on piano. His stacked quartal voicings are a great contrast to the business of the supporting pulse, and the way he plays with the dynamics and musical figures shows a musician who is happy to explore the space. Repeated motifs and a cascade of notes round out the solo spot. It’s a joy to listen to.
Steve Lukather’s solo is lyrical in nature and, initially, he forces the tone to almost breaking point in spots, driving it to the edge before caressing it back gently. As to be expected, his command of the instrument is something to behold: superb note choices, pyrotechnic runs, deft control of harmonics. One gets the impression that these instrumental tracks provide an opportunity for him to express himself more creatively than standard pop songs might.
The track rounds out with some urgency; double kick drumming from Simon Phillips, the addition of some Hammond organ from David Paich, and the motif from the beginning. Not to be overlooked, pay attention to Mike Porcaro’s bass here. The mark of a good bass player is not just how they lock down the groove, but also the space they provide, or how they get out of the way. This is a showcase of precision and tightness.
Mike Porcaro and Simon Phillips work together exceptionally well here, and you just gotta dig that final unison run that takes us out.
- Toto, “Spanish Sea” from ‘Old Is New’ (2018): Toto Tuesdays - June 15, 2021
- Toto, “Devil’s Tower” from ‘Old Is New’ (2018): Toto Tuesdays - May 11, 2021
- Toto, “Alone” from ‘Old Is New’ (2018): Toto Tuesdays - April 27, 2021
