I Won't Hold You Back (acoustic Toto cover) - Mike Massé feat. Bryce Bloom

"I Won't Hold You Back" by Toto, an acoustic cover by Mike Massé featuring Bryce Bloom. This is for Luke.
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Liner Notes:
I thought I might try some Toto for a change.... If you aren't familiar with it, this beautiful ballad is on "Toto IV," the same 1982 album that had "Rosanna" and a little ditty called "Africa." Oh, and it won a Grammy for Album of the Year, so there's that.
The original arrangement features piano and a lot of orchestration. So the challenge was condensing all of that energy into an acoustic performance. Not to mention capturing the gorgeous lead vocal, and those epic harmonies originally provided by Timothy B. Schmidt from the Eagles.
Because of the success of my acoustic cover of "Africa," I've actually had the pleasure of meeting Steve Lukather, the guitarist from Toto who wrote and sings this song. I emailed him some questions I had about the vocals, but I didn't mention that I was recording an acoustic cover. With his permission, here's some of our exchange:
MIKE: Hey Luke, I thought I might as well go to the source on this, if you don't mind. Is the lyric at the end of the second verse:
"But it gives me time to realize that you're the one who's there"
OR
"But it gives me time to realize that you're the one who's sad"
I hear it as "there", but the internet has it as "sad" everywhere. I've watched a few of the live videos of Toto on KZbin (nice work, btw!), and I'll confess that none of them settle the issue in my (admittedly fading) ears. I'm still betting on "there" though. By the way, your vocal is just killer on that song. You don't get enough credit for your singing. You sound so great with Timothy B. Schmidt.
LUKE: "You're the one instead."
MIKE: Lol. None of the above. Duly noted, thanks. I'm guessing they sped up the tape a little after you recorded it, because it's at around 444 Hz instead of A440.
LUKE: Back in the day at mastering, often Jeff or Dave...or any of us...might say "Let's bump the tempo up a taste and see how that feels," PRE digital read outs. As this was a SLOW song, I am not surprised. I don't remember either, really....
We had a UK string section--cats from London Symphony section--so they tune to 442. So...it could be anything. hahaha It's CLOSE to A 440, anyway.... lol
MIKE: Yeah, I figured something like that. By the way, I can clearly hear "instead" now, but I'm glad I asked.
LUKE: Haha All good man.
I next asked Luke about what mic he used, because I was using a Townsend Labs Sphere L22 modeling microphone, which gives you various vintage mic options, all emulated digitally (it works!). I had settled on a Telefunken 251 model as the closest match to the original tone. So I was happy to see that it was among the likely candidates (see below). And I was experimenting with various reverbs, wanting to get the right vibe (and verb). Luckily the reverb he mentions, the EMT 140, is among the reverb emulations I have with my Universal Audio Apollo/UAD gear. Yes, I get how surreal it is to have Steve Lukather guiding my Toto cover!
MIKE: Any memory of what your vocal mic might have been? Did you have a go-to back then?
LUKE: [AKG] C24...or [Telefunken] 251.
MIKE: Do you remember what reverb unit you likely would have used on the vocal?
LUKE: It would have been an EMT, I am pretty sure. A real one, not the robot-looking thing. Not the 250.... Old school. We mixed at Record One, so.... it was 1981-82.
I later sent Luke an mp3 of a rough mix with this message:
Hey Luke,
I wanted to share this with you. It's my acoustic cover of "I Won't Hold You Back." (You may have guessed I was working on a cover of the song.) It's a home studio recording, and this is my latest mix. It's still pre-release, but I wanted you to be the first to hear it. I really hope you like it. As a guitarist, you deserve an all-guitar rendition of this lovely song. This recording is my personal way of saying thank you for the music, sir. It was the best I could do, and I'm really happy with how it turned out. I owe that largely to the source material.
Luke's response:
This is so killer! Thanks, man. Love it all. And the solo section was a refreshing take with great vocals! I am honored, man. Thanks a lot. Hope you make some big noise with this like this last one! It's A GREAT version! - Luke
So Luke likes it. Mission accomplished. :) I hope you like it, too.
Thanks to Bryce Bloom for contributing the great bass part.
Thanks to Nathan Mitchell for filming. The video looks great.
Thanks to Wild Dog Stomp pedals out of Australia for providing the awesome stomp. Here's my model: www.wilddogsto...
Love,
-Mike

[@mikemasse]

*For a complete list of upcoming concert dates and tickets, visit my site: **mikemasse.com/concerts*

[@TheKeymaster316]

Little further south....Richmond, VA. ;-)

[@gizablowie2526]

Sooo happy you're coming to the UK!!! Tempted to go to both concerts :D

[@ImNicky295]

See you in NYC in April.

[@mikespink1965]

I'm going to see you in London :-)

[@patpathoneyhoneypatpat8813]

Don’t forget London Mike , got my tickets booked for 229 the venue . To anyone reading this and thinking about going, think no more just book you will not be disappointed. 3rd time round for us and the 17th May can’t come quick enough. Raw talent at its best , need I say great cover again Mike 👍

[@TrebleForTheBass]

I truly hope Luke has heard this. He wrote this song on his own and it means a lot to him

[@bryceb8331]

He has :). Mike was talking to him when we were recording it and he was really awesome and gracious.

[@alexkiri]

Give us more Toto, Mike!

[@douglasespindola5185]

Indeed! A brazilian request here, haha!

[@perseusarkomanis7287]

I will Remember would be PERFECT!

[@reyjay1]

In case you haven't seen it.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g33VdGqbaNuGrJo

[@karmaisabitch2870]

@@perseusarkomanis7287 YEAH on of my all-time favs I WILL REMEBER... i bet Mike would rock it....so lets hope ;-)

[@joshmore7175]

Yes!

[@sbennett2112]

The vocal part through the guitar solo was stunning!

[@MatiasBaldanza]

There is so much more to Toto than just Africa... One of their greatest songs, indeed! You blew it out of the park with this amazing version, Mike!

[@ericbest4456]

Brother I've sang metal for over 18 years, and I love Toto you nailed the harmonys perfectly.😢

[@mvikberg]

I really love this song by Toto, but this version is amazing 👌😊💕 I never think a cover is better then a orginal, but this one is woooow, really well done. 😊👌👏👏👏

[@ronniebryant5364]

Mike.. I’ll listen to your music over the crap they’re putting out today. Thank you.

[@mansondelacy]

I've never heard someone cover a guitar solo with their vocals, let alone Lukather's famous guitar solo. I'm impressed!

[@b0njov1]

You’ve made this Toto fan very happy!

[@jeffbaloga4376]

Quite possibly the best vocal piece to date. A masterpiece!! (Be very proud Mr. Massé)!!!

[@jeffjohnson895]

I used to be a disc jockey and this was my absolute favorite love song. You killed it Mike. Bravo!

[@berncape3225]

Hello.. I am the one of your millions fans... I really love to listen all your songs... ❤❤❤

[@paulferreira5133]

The triplets before the last chorus. Come on, man. So great.

[@mikemasse]

Yeah, so many fun rhythms in this song.

[@joshmore7175]

You’ve picked one of my favourite Toto songs 😍

[@joshmore7175]

If you do another Toto song, it took years for you to do this so I’m not holding out hope, but a version of I Will Remember would be the greatest thing ever

[@karmaisabitch2870]

@@joshmore7175 the same i told him on FB ;-) yeahhhhhh

[@KimmiePatts]

@@joshmore7175 yes, I love that song!

[@MissJensk1]

Mine too!

[@jcbourgeois1977]

Please do a cover of "I'll Be Over You " by Toto Keep up the awesome job

[@metalbornmetalbred]

The essence of song is to sing and no one does that better than you, Mike.

[@martinkeller2741]

I have watched many of your videos. You are truly a great musician. As one who played in a band years ago, I am envious of your talent. Keep up the great work!!

[@shardanmusic6006]

Wow those harmonizations on the refrain are awesome!!! You did a really good work!!

[@jeffmruth]

Awesome Mike! Took the family to your last show, we are all fans now!

[@ronburns5755]

Dude, singing the solo, amazing!!!!

[@lauraaliciaaristeojimenez250]

MILLONES DE GRACIAS. Alimento mí Alma al escuchar cómo toca la guitarra y el sentimiento que transmite al cantar. Es una caricia para mí corazón ❤️💜❤️ gracias, gracias, gracias. 👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼

[@mandynavarette8155]

This is such a beautiful song. 🥺

[@allenbonusOFC]

So good boss. So chill. Mellow yellow.. 💛 🙄😏

[@jasontheflyingfarrierhays]

Damn Mike, you really did this justice as an acoustic version. Your vocals are top tier. Fantastic.

[@laguitarraacustica-mark9212]

Mike super si moj oblúbený interpret.👍

[@johnnycool3138]

absolutely wonderful

[@earsonfire861]

Very very nice, Mike. Thank you.

[@livingthepostcardlife811]

You certainly are Covering the Music and Covering the WORLD! Thank You

[@suetullgren4564]

Good God this is the first time ive listened to Mike! One of the best cover artists ive heard. Thanks for your gift Mike!

[@wynnwesley33]

Beautiful cover, Mike and Bryce. Keep them coming!!

[@LasVegasVocalist]

Awesome Job on this song Mike!

[@karmaisabitch2870]

i'm sooooo excited...can't wait

[@MissJensk1]

This takes me back to 1983 & my broken heart. Awesome.

[@johncox5611]

Plays for Toto fan wife on studio monitors...Shakes her head and smiles.

[@sergiomiraballes1554]

Truly wonderful job also in the choir section!!!

[@walshy2116]

ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT!!! Absolutely impeccable!!!! I’m a singer and guitarist and can tell you this is the real deal!!!!!

[@DavidSandoval1229]

I’ve enjoyed listening to every recording of yours. This one here is exceptional. My friend, you have such a gift and I thank you for sharing it with all of us. I look forward to hearing more, maybe live someday. Great job!

[@prabhandeepsingh6072]

Bravo!! Encore!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@tonydiaz2541]

Been a fan of Toto since there 1st album in the late 70's. When the sheet music came out, this was the first song I learned to play. This was fantastic. Coming from playin the piano since the mid 70's, this acoustic version brings more feelings to an ordinarily phenomenal song.

[@mcnel7433]

Guitar skills + amazing voice. That's real talent man

[@cristhiancristaldo3092]

I love that ballad of Toto's that good times ... congratulations Mike ..!

[@genesee99]

Wow! Just. Wow!!!

[@herta31000]

This might top the Africa video. Would love to see you come to St. Louis!

[@JeffCogswell]

Wow!!!! Awesome!!!

[@FirstNameLastName-el5vr]

ur voice never get old man

[@tomperkins7537]

Mike you are so talented I hope to see you in Plano Feb 5th.

[@KimmiePatts]

I am sooooo looking forward to this one Mike and Bryce. It's my favorite TOTO song and I just know you guys are going to nail it. Waiting with anticipation. ✌

[@KimmiePatts]

Wow! Just wow, in a fantastic way. 🧡🧡✌

[@mikemasse]

@@KimmiePatts Thanks, Kimmie!

[@indirakumta2116]

Heavenly. What a voice you have ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jamesmcgrath9552]

Fantastic Mike and Bryce!

[@japheteenriquez8382]

I think this song is my favorite song right now I love it

[@karmaisabitch2870]

Steve is one of my heros 😉 met him a few times as producer at venues...he is so down to earth! and btw about his words about your version... I agree with him 100% ❤

[@Edwin-mr3ni]

What a voice ! Damn...

[@videoscan]

That was just amazing... really amazing

[@whoone4107]

Wow! I hope you can have a show here in the Phillipines...we love to see you!

[@BarriePoole]

Beautiful Job Mike!!!!!!!!! I remember awhile back you mentioned in one of your videos that you were working on this one and have been anxious to hear it and I love it!!!! I was anticipating the solo part and you did not disappoint!!!! Love what you did there! Toto should be very proud! and you of course should be very proud! Cheers Mate!

[@mikemasse]

Thanks, Barrie!

[@kipthecourtjester]

Good job!! Killer job! So appreciated! This is going on my iPhone!

[@waynes1348]

This is fabulous!!! We’ll done, Mike!!

[@ThomasACarlos]

Wow !! By far, the best performance I have heard from Mike.

[@PTShakey]

I dont have to mention phenomenal vocals but the arrangement with acoustic guitar sounds as good as piano. you guys are ABSOLUTELY KILLING IT!

[@THE_Michael_Westen]

goosebump feeling.

[@badhabit7553]

You deserves more more than this.

[@itsmamilowla6977]

Nakaka inlove Naman yong voice nya..gusto ko Rin kumanta..

[@kei.c9302]

My favorite song..😍

[@mattnakaya2243]

One of my favorite songs. Brilliant!!! Job well done.

[@studlygrish]

DAMN! THAT WAS SO GOOD I HAD TO PLAY IT AGAIN!👍

[@jonasmatranas1386]

So impressive! One of the best songs cover I ever heard. 👍👍👍 Great job!

[@Hypo666crisy]

Wow.... just WOW!

[@mikespink1965]

Mike, you just keep getting better and better. Awesome job and perhaps one of your best covers ever. Thanks as always for entertaining your fans (and the world I hope). All the best.

[@LeoSusana]

Awesome take on one of my fave Toto songs. Until it arrived I was wondering "What's he gonna do with the solo?" Yeah! That was a great surprise Mr Massé. Thank you.

[@video728]

Nice cover of this timeless classic Mike

[@theshadowtalks]

Wow! So so beautiful. What a gift you have Mike!

[@KatSoPoLiS2012]

Brilliant as usual!

[@lyricmannixon1793]

I´ ll be over you ¨ is great ! i hope you do that . you are the greatest mike !

[@j0s3s0s4]

Good version indeed and I just noticed an interesting coincidence, 1982 was the year this song was released, probably prepared during 1981 and mine is like No. 1981 ¡almost a direct hit!. Now more seriously, this is a beautiful rendition of a classic song I've enjoyed since I discovered Toto with Isolation album; few times you find an alternate version so good it becomes an instant new classic in my humble listener only opinion. Nice work and instantly added to my favorite's list.

[@maryclark1049]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. Thanks for this cover😊 Good job👍

[@zacfletcher9191]

Mike this is absolutely superb. A pleasure to listen to!

[@briansmith274]

Excellence! Maybe your best cover yet!

[@andylopez7351]

Woooowwwww nice nice nice... TOTO FOR EVER!! Great cover Mike!!!! Yeah!!!!

[@aleriszky1461]

you always manage to dazzle us, Mike! i even like this video before i see it!

[@AlMuchiii]

Just do it Mike!!!!

[@willardtorres]

I so love this cover, so clean and so heartwarming!😊😊😊

[@littleshadow2819]

I'm starting like him, just bcoz I love playing guitar so... His rendention in every song he covered that amaze me... Keep it up.

[@lindafan1]

This song always brings me to tears. This is just beautiful!

[@markmcmillan443]

Great Job !!!!

[@Constantijn09]

An absolutely wonderful version of a very cool song

[@paulmathezing4357]

Great job! Looking foreward to the next video. Love from The Netherlands

[@debbieomi]

There just aren't enough good things to say about this! On listen number 5 and I daresay the replay is going to be worn out just tonight. I'm about 300 miles north of Ann Arbor and I am going to really try to make this show.

[@rainbowmoonreadings4541]

Simply great!!!

[@samtinyasolo9478]

Amazing indeed

[@warrenwong8918]

Wow Mike. Great song. Thanks so much

[@mikegrady5669]

Damn Mike! U killed it. Big fan

[@Drifter2100]

You are an absolutely wonderful singer.

[@sandwichsupernova]

Wonderful cover!! Fantastic stuff, Luke-approved, and a great story to boot. :D Keep up the great work!

[@chrisw4665]

This... Is....Amazing!!!!!

[@ronfoulkes7523]

Flawless. Amazing voice.

[@Ivanov250976]

Thank you!!! Very beautiful!!! Amazing!!!

[@brandoncriner5480]

Wow. Those are very complimentary vocals to a great song.

[@nkmrakr]

Very very nice ! From Osaka , Japan.

[@dbrad66]

World class...