STEVE LUKATHER Announces Re-Release Of 2003 Album 'Santamental' Feat. SLASH, STEVE VAI And EDDIE VAN HALEN

TOTO's Steve "Luke" Lukather has announced the re-release of "Santamental". Originally presented in 2003, the title has been out of print for several years. For the first time, the album will be available on LP and digital, alongside CD. A physical album pre-order is live at www.stevelukather.com. The CD and digital album release is set for November 7 with LP shipments to follow soon thereafter.

"Santamental" opens with the timeless classic "Joy To The World", featuring Luke and Eddie Van Halen on guitars, keys and arrangements by Jeff Babko, Gregg Bissonette on drums, and TOTO bandmember John Pierce on bass. A rendition of "Greensleeves" follows with performances by Luke (guitars),Babko (keys),Bissonette (drums),Pierce (bass),Lenny Castro (percussion) and Edgar Winter on sax. The third recording is "Jingle Bells". In the liner notes, Luke offers: "For my hero Sammy D., with love and respect!" The track is a remix of the previously released Reprise recording. Featured performers are Sammy Davis, Jr. (sampled),Babko (piano),Luke (guitar),Bissonette (drums),Pierce (bass),a horn section with Babko on trombone, Walt Fowler (first trumpet),Bissonette (second trumpet),and George Shelby (sax). Background vocals by Scott Hamilton, Bob Babko, Lenny and Chie Castro, Ben Osgood, Babko and Luke. The track "Carol Of The Bells" follows with performances by Trev Lukather (guitar power chords captured first take),with Steve Vai and Luke. Babko, Bissonette, Pierce also featured. The original "Broken Heart For Christmas" follows. The composition is a co-write with music by Luke and lyrics by longtime writing partner Stan Lynch from the HEARTBREAKERS. Slash is featured on guitar alongside Luke, with Babko, Bissonette and Pierce performances. This recording was selected as the first track shared timed to this announcement.

The album continues with "Angels We Have Heard On High", with performances from Babko, Luke, Bissonette, Pierce and Castro. A rendition of "Winter Wonderland" is next with a contribution from Edgar Winter in a vocal duet with Luke, alongside the usual players across the album with Winter and Shelby on sax and Fowler on trumpet. An original co-written by Luke and Babko is next up titled "Look Out For Angels", with Mike Landau and Luke on guitars, with Babko (keys),Bissonette (drums),Pierce (bass),Castro (percussion) and Luke on vocals. The classic "Silent Night" is the ninth recording, which at the time was "dedicated to my friend and mentor Jeff Beck, with love and respect." The core band performs. The final recording on "Santamental" is "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)", arranged by Larry Carlton and Luke.

The whole record, from top to bottom, was made in six days, utilizing analog 24-track, no Pro Tools, no click, live tracks, no rehearsals, with Elliot Scheiner at the helm and Al Schmitt and Ed Cherney.

Steve Lukather shares, "It's been almost twenty-five years since we recorded this album. It's found a new home, and feels like the right time to put this out. For years, fans have been asking.

"I'd like to thank all my good friends who came out to contribute to this collection of songs.

"Back in 2003, that week in the studio is a moment I remember fondly and will always cherish. Great memories and a lot of fun collaborating on what became 'Santamental'. And by the way, the entire idea for this album was conceived by the legendary Elliot Scheiner, Al Schmitt and Ed Cherney."

One hundred percent of artist proceeds from this release will be directed to the Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC). TEAFC serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals with special needs and their families. Co-founded by Navah Paskowitz-Asner and Matt Asner, inspired by their six children — three of whom are autistic. Their mission is to foster acceptance and enrichment for those striving for wholeness in all aspects of life. Through a diverse range of mental health services and innovative, interactive programs, the Center proudly employs autistic self-advocates as camp counselors, educators and assistants.