This series has yet to examine rarities in the Toto catalog but “Blackeye” – the bonus track to the “I Will Remember” single – seems to be an excellent place to start. While not included on the original U.S. release of 1995’s Tambu, it is now available on iTunes and was released world wide in 1995.
“Blackeye,” which reportedly was cowritten by Steve Lukather, David Paich and singer Jenny Douglas, sounds as if it was intended for a Tina Turner album. Douglas, who handles the lead vocals, emotes sass and confidence. The groove from Simon Phillips and Mike Porcaro is even funkier than “Baby He’s Your Man,” relying on Phillips’ acoustic drums and Porcaro’s powerful five-string bass to propel the song.
Steve Lukather’s rhythm guitar brings the funk over a conventional back beat, while David Paich employs a Wurlitzer sound which is perfectly at home in this setting. Overdubs are minimal, save for Lukather and Paich’s backing vocals and Lukather’s bluesy lead and solo guitar. There’s even a fine David Paich electric solo sprinkled in for good measure.
Perhaps some of these b-side gems (like “The Reeferman” from the Falling in Between sessions, featuring the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove) will make it onto the now-overdue box set.
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