The Pump (Live 2001)

The Zoo Crew is thrilled to spin "The Pump (Live 2001)" by Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather from their Grammy-winning album No Substitutions: Live in Osaka for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This 14-minute-plus rendition of the Jeff Beck classic, originally written by Simon Phillips and Tony Hymas, is a fiery showcase of the duo’s guitar prowess, recorded live at The Blue Note in Osaka in November 1998. One juicy tidbit from the tour is that the setlist included scorching covers like Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House” and “Little Wing,” which didn’t make the album’s final cut, much to the chagrin of fans, as noted by Larry Carlton’s webmaster. Steve Lukather himself has called “The Pump” one of his favorite Jeff Beck covers to perform live, a sentiment he shared in a 2000 Total Guitar interview, highlighting how the song’s dynamic range let both guitarists stretch into adventurous solos. The track’s production, helmed by Steve Vai, is a hi-fi gem, with each guitarist panned to a separate stereo channel—Carlton on the left, Lukather on the right—creating a thrilling “guitar duel” effect that’s perfect for audiophiles.

Another cool story comes from the album’s legacy. The Osaka shows were the first time Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather performed together live, despite being friends for over 25 years. Lukather recalled in a 2002 Grammy acceptance speech that standing on stage with Carlton, his teenage idol, felt like a “dream come true.” Carlton echoed this in the album’s liner notes, praising Lukather’s “honesty toward the music” and how his passion inspired everyone on stage. Fans on platforms like Steve Lukather Fans (Facebook group) still rave about the Paris concert from the same tour, captured on a 2001 DVD, which includes behind-the-scenes footage and guitar tips from Carlton. The chemistry between these two guitar titans, backed by ace players like drummer Gregg Bissonette, makes “The Pump” a standout for its raw energy and improvisational flair.

Larry Carlton’s journey to guitar legend status began in Torrance, California, where he was born in 1948. As a teenager, he was drawn to jazz and blues, inspired by icons like B.B. King and Wes Montgomery. By his early 20s, Carlton was gigging in Los Angeles clubs and landed his big break as a session musician with The Crusaders, which led to his iconic work on Steely Dan’s Royal Scam. His smooth yet fiery style made him a go-to for artists like Joni Mitchell and Quincy Jones, and he’s since racked up thousands of sessions and multiple Grammy Awards. Carlton’s solo career took off with albums like Room 335, cementing his place as a jazz-rock pioneer. You can keep up with him on his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, or check out fan discussions at sites like Larry Carlton Fans (Facebook group).

Steve Lukather, born in 1957 in Los Angeles, got his start as a self-taught guitarist, idolizing Larry Carlton and Jimi Hendrix. By his teens, he was playing in local bands and caught the attention of industry heavyweights. At just 19, he co-founded Toto, the band behind hits like “Africa” and “Rosanna,” while also becoming a prolific session player, contributing to albums like Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Lukather’s versatility—blending rock, jazz, and pop—made him a staple in the LA studio scene, with credits alongside Paul McCartney and Santana. His solo work and collaborations, like No Substitutions, showcase his soulful shredding. Follow Lukather on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and join fan communities like TotoFans.com or Steve Lukather Fans (Facebook group) for more.