As a special treat, I figured I would ask guitar legend Steve Lukathur. On the topic of sessions, you can’t ask for a better musician to interview than this guitarist. Recording approximately 700 records over the last 22 years, Steve has worked with "everyone who is anyone:" Miles Davis, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson; not forgetting his work as a member of the multi-platinum rock group, Toto.

Here’s what Steve had to say about his experiences in the studio:

Steve Lukather: It’s hard to break in. I was in the right place at the right time. I had lots of friends that put themselves on the line for me and I showed up and did a decent job. You need to have a good sound, be chameleon-like, and be able to fit right in. Your personality has a lot to do with it too. I’ve seen great players come in with an attitude and people are like, "lose this cat."

BB: Do you read music?

SL: Yes, you have to have some knowledge about what’s happening unless they hire you for your particular style, and that’s more of a specialist thing. That doesn’t happen that much in the session "scene."

Copyright 2002 Bobby Borg.
Excerpt from “The Musician’s Handbook: A Practical Guide To Understanding The Music Business,” which is scheduled for release in the Spring 2003 by Billboard Books.
For more information, visit bobbyborg.com, or write: bborg@earthlink.net
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