Don’t Give It Up (Live 2001)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Don’t Give It Up (Live 2001)" by Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather from their Grammy-winning album No Substitutions: Live in Osaka. Recorded live in November 1998 at The Blue Note Osaka, this song kicks off with audience-inciting feedback, showcasing Carlton’s smooth, soulful guitar on the head, followed by intense solos from both guitarists. The track, a 6:38 blues shuffle penned by Carlton, is a highlight of their virtuosic interplay, with JazzTimes noting its “rollicking contributions” from keyboardist Rick Jackson and drummer Gregg Bissonette. Fans on Rate Your Music rave about the duo’s genius, with one calling the performance “pure genius,” though some lament the album’s short 52-minute runtime, wishing for additional tracks like their unreleased cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House.”

A juicy tidbit from the album’s lore comes from Carlton’s webmaster, who confirmed that three tracks—“Red House,” “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers,” and “Little Wing”—were performed that night but left off the final release, possibly due to an off-color Sammy Davis Jr. joke Lukather told during a retuning break. Lukather himself shared in a 2000 Total Guitar interview that touring with Carlton in Japan taught him about chord melodies and musical thinking, calling it “really awarding.” The album, produced by Steve Vai, won the 2002 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album, and Lukather reflected on the honor, saying, “When I was just starting to play, Larry was my hero. To be standing here 25 years later on stage with him with awards in our hands, it’s a dream come true.” Carlton echoed the sentiment, noting Lukather’s “honesty toward the music” as contagious, inspiring everyone on stage.

Larry Carlton began his career in the 1960s, picking up the guitar at age six and honing his skills in Southern California. By his teens, he was gigging in local clubs, blending jazz, blues, and rock. His big break came in the 1970s as a session musician, playing on over 3,000 recordings, including Steely Dan’s iconic albums like Aja and The Royal Scam. His distinctive, lyrical style earned him the nickname “Mr. 335” for his Gibson ES-335 guitar. Carlton also joined The Crusaders, contributing to their jazz-funk sound, before launching a solo career with albums like Room 335. Despite a near-fatal shooting in 1988, he made a remarkable recovery, continuing to tour and record, cementing his legacy as a four-time Grammy winner.

Steve Lukather kicked off his career in Los Angeles, inspired by Carlton’s work with Steely Dan and Jimi Hendrix. Starting guitar at seven, he was self-taught, absorbing influences from Jeff Beck and The Beatles. By 17, he co-founded Toto, blending rock, pop, and progressive elements, with hits like “Africa” and “Rosanna.” Lukather’s session work exploded in the 1980s, including playing on Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Known for his emotive, versatile style, he’s released solo albums and collaborated with artists across genres. In a 1984 Guitar Player interview, he credited Carlton’s The Royal Scam solos for reshaping his approach, saying, “Guitar wise, the album changed my whole life.”

For more on Larry Carlton, visit his official website, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can join the Larry Carlton Fan Club on Facebook or check out larrycarlton.net for updates. For Steve Lukather, head to his official website, and connect on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Toto fans can join the Toto Fan Club on Facebook or explore totoofficial.com for band-related content. Zoo Freaks, keep grooving to this killer track!