Mascot Label Group released the seventh solo album, Transition, from guitarist STEVE LUKATHER (TOTO) on January 21st. Classic Rock Revisited's Jeb Wright recently caught up with Lukather to discuss the new record. An excerpt is available below.

Jeb: Let’s talk about the new album, Transition. This is really a different approach for you.

Steve: "That is really sweet of you to say. It’s getting a good response. You hope for the best and this is a little bit better than I had hoped for. As an aging old Queen, I am feeling pretty good about things. People seem to be reacting to the work that we put into the record."

Jeb: This album is a very personal album.

Steve: "Of course it is, as I can’t bullshit myself, or anybody else, anymore. I’m 55 years old. I’m not trying to fool everyone like I was when I was 20. I’m not trying to bullshit my way through this. I’m not trying to run as fast as I can. I am not being loud, obnoxious and showy and trying to make my mark like I did back then. It is actually quite the opposite. I had my fun and it was fun. When it wasn’t fun anymore, I stopped. I have a lost decade. It is pretty scary how things can get away from you. Anymore, a year can go by really fast. The 2000’s had some good stuff and some not so good stuff."

Jeb: How much did the new Steve inspire these songs?

Steve: "All of it. CJ Vanston is really brilliant and we have a great partnership, both musically and production-wise. We just sat down and we started writing. The lyrics were very personal, as I wrote most of them myself. They are very much from the heart and are about things that have happened to me. I am being more honest and I was able to spend the time to do it right. I wrote this over the course of five tours. It is not a guitar player type of record."

Jeb: I thought I knew what to expect from you but this is not what one would expect from you.

Steve: "I take vocal lessons twice a week from Gary Catona, who is like the vocal coach to the stars. I quit smoking and drinking and started eating organic, as well. I am into my fourth year of all of this. I am a much more focused person and I am really aware of what I am doing. I am trying to erase some of the more spotty aspects of my life. I want to prove to everybody who thinks I kind of went crazy that I am more refocused."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Lukather is gearing up for an extensive European tour that will include two UK concerts at London’s Islington O2 Academy (March 29th) and Bilston’s Robin 2 (March 30th).

One of the original founding members of the multi-million selling rock band Toto, Lukather will showcase his innate feel for rock and jazz guitar music, along with his impeccable song writing talents. Transition showcases extraordinary guitar playing performed across some of the most heartfelt songs of Steve’s career. The album will be released in three formats including limited deluxe edition CD, jewel case CD, and vinyl. Order Transition album and merchandise here.

Tracklisting:

'Judgement Day'

'Creep Motel'

'Once Again'

'Right The Wrong'

'Transition'

'Last Man Standing'

'Do I Stand Alone'

'Rest Of The World'

'Smile'

Over the previous decade a series of trials including divorce, the death of his mother and business hassles had dampened his joy in music making — a passion that drove Lukather to excel since seeing THE BEATLES on the Ed Sullivan as a seven-year-old growing up in San Fernando Valley.

“Transition is a turning point for the album and a turning point for me,” Lukather explains. “As we were writing the songs, I was thinking about everything I’ve seen — all the people I’ve lost in my life, the great and the difficult experiences I’ve had, and how ultimately it was time to get it together and embrace things for what they are. We’ve only got one life to live so we should make the most of it.”