Synthesizer Keyboard Mad Drifting Record - Electric Keyboards That Colored Music and Many Synth Masterpieces - Part 12

A TOTO masterpiece that uses the CS-80 polyphonic synthesizer

Last time was a special feature on Eddie Jobson using the Yamaha CS-80 Polysynth. This time, I would like to introduce TOTO, a representative band that uses CS-80. TOTO is a band representing the West Coast of the United States, centered on the recording members of Boz Scaggs' "Silk Degrees". Debuted in 1978 as a twin keyboard band by David Paich and Steve Porcaro. Initially, it was called American Progressive Hard Rock. They were making sophisticated music with twin keyboards seasoned with American rock on the West Coast. Pop and sophisticated TOTO music with soulful vocals on a tight rhythm has spread the band’s name throughout the world. It goes without saying that the twin keyboard playing played a part in that. It was unusual for a rock band at the time to have two keyboards, and a new arrangement with twin keyboards was born. David took on the role of piano player, while Steve divided his time on the organ and the synth, and the TOTO sound was constructed. Looking at the photos at the time of his debut, both David and Steve are playing the Yamaha CS-80.

Yamaha CS-80

■ Recommended album: "TOTO" (1978)

The first album and TOTO's masterpiece. The best is the Grammy-winning "Sacred Sword (TOTO IV)", but this is the first. The reason is that there are high quality songs such as "I'll Supply the Love", "Hold the Line" and "Georgy Porgy". In addition to playing ability, I think the presence of members with high composition ability is the biggest factor that has allowed the band to continue for such a long time. And it is the CS-80 that creates the sound and mood of the first album. This album wouldn't be possible without this polysynth. By replacing the instruments that used to produce only single notes with those that played chords, a new style had emerged in American rock, which was centered on the piano. It was Yamaha's CS-80 that blew the first wind.

Recommended song: "Child's Anthem"

The CS-80 sounds reminiscent of an orchestra from the opening. After that, the sound peculiar to analog synths with triple portamento... You can hear the sounds that synthesizer players love, and you can feel the mood that reminds you of progressive rock. If you listen to the development from Steve Lukather's melody, you can understand why TOTO was called "Hard Prog Rock" at that time.

Recommended song: "My Love Only For You"

This song starts with Steve Lukather's guitar cutting. The progressive mood is renewed. The funky chorus complements Kimball's soulful vocals. After that, the syncopated texture of the CS-80 played by Steve Porcaro. A sound peculiar to analog synths that seems to symbolize the momentum of this album. The CS-80 even created the proper noun of the brass synth tone called "TOTO horn".。

■ Recommended album: "Hydra" (1979)

TOTO's second album deviates from the prog-rock line of the previous work, and the appearance of a good quality American pop rock band becomes deeper. Rather than rock, there are good pop songs such as "St. George and the Dragon". The band's performance is tight and the ensemble of instruments placed in the right place at the right time is wonderful. Even on this album, the CS-80's polysynth sound is a major factor in creating the mood of the album.

Recommended song: "Hydra"

The theme of the CS-80 covers the live piano from the SE part at the beginning, and CS-80 carves a brass ensemble-like riff in a form that matches the tight rhythm of Jeff Porcaro. The horn sound of the CS-80 is also studded in the middle part, and this song would not be possible without the CS-80. In "Hydra", you can hear mistakes from the performances of the talented people. Do you want your freedom ～ Do you want my love ♪ ～ A little after love, you can hear an unpleasant sound, so you can understand what I mean. Wasn't it re-recorded because the whole performance was good? I don't know the truth(^^♪

Recommended song: "99"

A representative song of TOTO in the previous term, which was made into a single and went up on the hit charts. Steve Lukather is on vocals. The solo on the CS-80 is excellent in the interlude. A very melodious solo with a single in mind. This is the sound of the horn that TOTO is good at. Rather than ad-lib, this solo gives the impression of being carefully crafted by raising it on the score in advance. The synth pad that flows in the back of the piano arpeggio is also based on the CS-80. The bleeding tone is what this polysynth is good at.

■ Recommended album "Sacred Sword (TOTO IV)" (1982)

A ghost album that won 6 Grammy Awards. There are many evaluations that TOTO's music was the most brilliant, with three singles on the chart. On the other hand, it may be an album that has reached one peak as a band and created an opportunity for the members to decide what to do next. The Eagles' "Hotel California" and Pink Floyd's "Dark Side". "First album" and "virgin work" are said to be the best for music and novels, and I feel that TOTO is no exception.

Recommended song: "Africa"

A masterpiece that won the number one spot on the US charts. A beautiful melody is developed by looping a rhythm reminiscent of African native music. Is the verse soft brass backing the CS-80? The Kalimba sound that snuggles up to it is the Yamaha FM sound source GS-1 digital synthesizer. After this, Yamaha will release the DX-7, which is a low-priced version of FM synthesis, in place of the analog polyphonic synthesizer. It will be a while before the world is enthusiastic about new sounds.

Musicians, albums, recommended songs, keyboards used this time

• Artist: TOTO
• Album: "Knight of the Universe" "Hydra" "Sacred Sword"
• Song titles: "Child's Anthem" "Dear You" "Hydra" "Africa"
• Instruments used: Yamaha CS-80, CP-80, Hammond A, etc.