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“Steve Lukather’s guitar collided with a mic stand. He banked the guitar against it and made it a feature of the song. I don’t even understand!” Toto’s Dennis Atlas and his star-studded solo album
Dennis Atlas, who joined Toto as second keyboardist in 2024 at the age of 28, has released his second solo album, Principle, featuring an array of high-profile guest musicians. His growing role within Toto followed the retirement of longtime keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, and the California-based musician has used the opportunity to bring in notable collaborators for his own project.
The album's guest list includes Toto bandmates Steve Lukather and David Paich, alongside Marco Minnemann of Aristocrat and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal of Sons Of Apollo. Rather than high-energy rock, Principle leans into progressive influences, with Atlas citing Queen, Rush, Kansas and Styx as early inspirations and describing himself as "a progger at heart." One notable anecdote from the recording involves Lukather's guitar accidentally colliding with a mic stand, a moment that ended up being incorporated as a feature within one of the songs.
In short
- Toto keyboardist Dennis Atlas releases second solo album, Principle
- Guests include Steve Lukather, David Paich, Marco Minnemann and Bumblefoot
- Album takes a prog-leaning, emotional direction rather than rock
Explained simply
Toto is an American rock band founded in the late 1970s that achieved major international success through the 1980s and beyond, known for their technical proficiency and sophisticated approach to rock music. Dennis Atlas, a 28-year-old keyboardist, joined the band in 2024 as second keyboardist following the retirement of Greg Phillinganes, who held the role for many years.
Atlas comes from a progressive rock background, influenced by bands such as Queen, Rush and Kansas whose approach emphasises complex musical arrangements and ambitious songwriting. His appointment to Toto brought these influences into the band at a time when it was refreshing its membership.
As a musician rooted in progressive rock, Atlas pursues his solo career as an outlet for exploring musical ideas that reflect his artistic direction. These projects allow him to work with various collaborators whilst developing the progressive rock sound that defines his musical identity.
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