| SantaMental | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 7, 2003 | |||
| Recorded | 17–24 June 2002 | |||
| Studio | The Steakhouse (Hollywood, California) | |||
| Genre | Rock, jazz fusion, Christmas music | |||
| Length | 43:12 | |||
| Label | Bop City Records | |||
| Producer | Steve Lukather Elliot Scheiner | |||
| Steve Lukather chronology | ||||
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SantaMental is the fourth and the holiday studio album from Steve Lukather, released in 2003.
When Lukather's record company, Bop City Records, approached him about recording a Christmas album, he quipped, "Why me? Do I look like Father Christmas to you mofos?" The company wanted him to do the record knowing he would approach the project with a unique angle and produce something different from the typical Christmas album. Lukather recruited keyboardist Jeff Babko and guitarist Larry Carlton, who Lukather had worked with previously, to help arrange the songs. The result was a challenge to Lukather, who had to be creative to turn the traditionally simple songs into something interesting for listeners. [1]
The musicians Lukather chose for SantaMental, most of whom are hard rock veterans, lent a heavy feel to the album. Van Halen recorded guitar tracks for "Joy to the World" after not having been in the studio for some time but immediately made an impression on Lukather with his level of playing. Vai provided guitar work for "Carol of the Bells" along with Lukather's son Trevor, then 14 years old. Slash, who recorded his part in one take, played on the Lukather/Stan Lynch composition "Broken Heart for Christmas." Lukather spoke highly of Slash after the project, calling him the "Keith Richards of our generation." Famous session guitarist Michael Landau played on the song "Look Out For Angels," [1] and there is a previously unreleased version of "Jingle Bells" sung by Sammy Davis Jr. [2]
All songs traditional arranged by Steve Lukather and Jeff Babko, except where noted.
In a 2021 interview with CJRT-FM's Brad Barker, Babko identified figure skater Scott Hamilton as a backing vocalist rather than Scott Hamilton the musician, stating that "he was a fan of Lukather's." [3]
Steven Lee Lukather is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, arranger and record producer, best known as the sole continuous founding member of the rock band Toto. His reputation as a skilled guitarist led to a steady flow of session work beginning in the 1970s that has since established him as a prolific session musician, recording guitar tracks for more than 1,500 albums spanning a broad array of artists and genres. He has also contributed to albums and hit singles as a songwriter, arranger and producer. Notably, Lukather played guitar on Boz Scaggs' albums Down Two Then Left (1977) and Middle Man (1980), and was a prominent contributor to several studio albums by Michael Jackson, including Thriller (1982). Lukather has released nine solo albums, the latest of which, Bridges, was released in June 2023.
Toto is an American rock band formed in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. Toto combines elements of pop, rock, soul, funk, progressive rock, hard rock, R&B, blues, and jazz. Having released 14 studio albums and sold over 40 million records worldwide, the group has received several Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009.
Kingdom of Desire is the eighth studio album by Toto, released in 1992. It is the first album on which guitarist Steve Lukather assumed sole lead vocal duties and the final album to feature drummer Jeff Porcaro, who died during rehearsals for the tour promoting this album. The album was mixed by Bob Clearmountain and dedicated to Jeff in his memory.
The Best of Both Worlds is the second greatest hits album by American rock band Van Halen, released on July 20, 2004, on Warner Bros. The compilation features material recorded with lead vocalists David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, but omits Gary Cherone's three-year tenure with the band. Prior to The Best of Both Worlds's release, Hagar reunited with Van Halen, and the band recorded three new tracks to include on the release.
The Music of Christmas is the first Christmas album and seventh studio album overall by American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman. It was released on September 26, 1995.
Eat 'Em and Smile is the debut studio album by former Van Halen singer David Lee Roth, released on July 7, 1986, after his unpredicted successful debut EP Crazy from the Heat (1985).
Birdland is a studio album by the reconstituted English rock group the Yardbirds, which was released in 2003, and the band's fifth studio album overall. Original drummer Jim McCarty and rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja reformed the group in 1994 and, for the album, the Yardbirds lineup included lead singer and bassist John Idan, lead guitarist Gypie Mayo, and harmonica player Alan Glen. The album features contributions by several guests, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, Brian May, and original group guitarist Jeff Beck.
A Christmas Album is the first Christmas album by American singer-songwriter James Taylor released on a limited-edition basis in 2004, with distribution through Hallmark stores. The albums were also not carried by all Hallmark Cards stockists.
James Taylor at Christmas is the 17th studio and second Christmas album by singer-songwriter James Taylor, released by Columbia Records in 2006. It was his last release for Columbia since signing with the label in 1977.
Home For Christmas is the eighteenth and final studio album by Hall & Oates, and their first full-length album of Christmas music. It was released in the US on October 3, 2006. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of this album goes to Toys for Tots. It was only available at Trans World Entertainment music stores in 2006, but has since become available at all retail outlets.
Lukather is the first solo studio album by Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, released on August 28, 1989 through Columbia Records.
Toto XX: 1977–1997 is a compilation album by Toto to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The album features rare original demos, outtakes, previously unreleased recordings and live tracks from the band's 20-year career. Despite being labeled as a compilation album, Steve Lukather in 2014 defined the album as the tenth studio album overall.
Luke is the third solo studio album by American musician Steve Lukather, released in 1997. It was a much different and more introspective album than Lukather's previous two solo efforts. The album is a concentrated collection of many of Lukather's musical influences, and he deliberately let those influences come out on the album. Luke was recorded mostly in live sessions with minimal overdubbing and processing afterward. It features instrumentation not heard on previous Lukather albums such as pedal steel, harmonicas, Mellotrons, and experimental guitar, bass, and drum sounds.
"Top of the World" is a song written by the group Van Halen for their 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, released as the second single from the album, and spent four non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart in the U.S., becoming their eighth number one on this chart. It was the only single off the album to crack the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #27. The main guitar riff from "Top of the World" is actually carried over from the closing guitar background riff from 1984's "Jump".
Ever Changing Times is the fifth studio album by Steve Lukather. It was his first album since leaving Toto. In March 2008, a site was launched in order to promote the album. According to Lukather, the album shows a lot of his influences and music he likes.
The Christmas Collection is a Christmas compilation album released by American pop and Christian singer Amy Grant in 2008.
Hey Ricky is the title of the tenth album release by Melissa Manchester. It was issued on Arista Records in April 1982.
In the City of Angels is the fifth solo album by Yes lead singer Jon Anderson, released in 1988.
Bowling in Paris is an album by singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop, released by Atlantic Records in 1989. It was his first studio album released in America since 1980's Red Cab to Manhattan. Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Sting contributed to the album.
I Found the Sun Again is the eighth studio album by Steve Lukather, released by The Players Club. It was released on February 26, 2021, the same day as his bandmate from Toto, Joseph Williams, released his album Denizen Tenant under the same label.
