If there is one good thing that has come from the COVID19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns, it is that some of the best music is being made behind closed doors.  Enter Jack Russell, Robby Lochner and Friends with their revised and acoustic version of Toto’s Hold The Line.  Robby Lochner says, “If it wasn’t for the Covid thing, the track would still be sitting unfinished.”  Robby Lochner (Steel String Guitars) and Jack Russell (Vocals) enlisted the help of some “world-class” musicians, as Robby puts it, and the group consists of:  Robin McAuley (Vocals), Javy Bojorquez (Bass), Jose Antonio Rodriguez (Flamenco Guitars), Felix D-kat Pollard (Drums), and Morgan Myles (Backing Vocals).  The song was mixed by Robby Lochner and Mastered by Harold LaRue.

Robby’s choice to play Toto’s Hold the Line wasn’t random, and he says, “I have been sitting on the guitars for this song since 2012,” and describes the song as “memorable”.  Hold the Line was released back in 1978 as Toto’s first single, and it quickly became a huge success in the US rising to #5 on BIllboard Hot 100 in 78-79 and up to #14 on the UK charts.  It’s also RIAA certified as “GOLD”, selling more than 500,000 units.  The original song was written by the Toto’s keyboardist, David Paich and the lead vocals are performed by the incredibly talented Bobby Kimball.  David Paich wrote the song in two hours and explains the meaning of Hold The LIne, “The phrase ‘hold the line’ is an expression we use when we want someone to remain at their current position and simply don’t go anywhere.”

In this ‘updated’ version, the musical arrangement is fresh and the instrumental choice presents a sound that is innovative.  Robby credits Jose Antonio Rodriguez for the song arrangement, which has a much crisper feel than the original.  The combination of Robby Lochner’s steel string guitar and Jose Antonio Rodriguez’ flamenco guitar run seamlessly together.  It presents a softer sound, and the acoustic style sounds more ‘organic’.

Not only is the song choice notable on this project, but the musicians are legendary, experienced masters of their craft that have played all over the world and for all types of audiences. Some need no introduction:  Jack Russell and Robby Lochner (Jack Russell’s Great White), Robin McAuley of the McAuley Schenker Group, Jose Antonio Rodriguez (Spanish flamenco guitarist, composer, and music professor), Felix D-kat Pollard (Lionel Richie, Taylor Hicks, Jessica Simpson, George Duke, Clay Aiken), Javy Bojorquez (Music producer/arranger/composer/director), and Morgan Myles (powerhouse vocalist and songwriter).  These artists were cherry-picked, and they make this version of Toto’s Hold The Line unforgettable.  Robby adds, “My goal with recording any musician is to get their personality on the track. I find it easy with pros of this level to get their personalities to disc. Of course it’s a matter of opinion; however, I feel it was achieved.”  It can be viewed at 4uXWchttps://youtu.be/1LLkqM.  The single can be purchased at https://robbylochner.bandcamp.com/track/hold-the-line.

Jordonna: You chose to play Toto’s Hold The Line.  How was the song chosen for this project?

Robby Lochner:  I have been sitting on the guitars for this song since 2012. Initially, we were looking to have it on Herman Rarebell’s Acoustic Scorpions record. He didn’t want to use the track, so it sat for 8 years. It was just nylon guitars, steel string guitars and a click.  Although, I did recut the steel string rhythms. I hadn’t heard the track in years and remembered it being really good. When I relistened, I confirmed it was as good as I remembered. If it wasn’t for the Covid thing, the track would still be sitting unfinished.

Jordonna: There are the best of the best musicians picked for this project:  Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group), Jose Antonio Rodriguez (Spanish flamenco guitarist/composer/music professor), Javy Bojorquez (35 yr veteran music producer/bassist), Morgan Myles (Vocals/Guitarist), Felix D-kat Pollard (Diverse Drummer), and of course Jack Russell (Vocals Jack Russell’s Great White), and yourself Robby Lochner (Jack Russell’s Great White Guitarist).  Each adds his/her own flavor to the music.  How were each musician handpicked for this project?

Robby Lochner:  I met Jose from my friend Corey Whitehead who had introduced both Jose and I to Herman Rarebell to play on his acoustic Scorpions’ record.. It was clear from the guitars Jose had sent me, not only on Hold The Line, but all the Scorpions’ tracks he played on, that his playing was world-class and that the unused tracks shouldn’t just sit. When I played Hold The Line to Jack, he immediately wanted to sing it. We had discussed having another singer involved, and I mentioned Robin to Jack. I knew they got along well and figured they would sound amazing together. Jack wanted me to reach out to Felix for the drums. I had met Felix around 17 years ago when he began playing in my friend Claude VonTrotha’s band (CVT Band). The first CVT gig Felix played, I was there and was blown away by his playing. Felix has played with Lionel Richie,Sheila E., and Destiny’s Child, to name a few. He also played with an artist I write and produce for, ‘Emily Eyre’ on her record Redefine which dropped Aug 14.

Two years ago, CVT opened for GEORGE at the Whisky, and Jack sat in with them. Jack kept telling me how great he thought Felix was; so when the opportunity arose…  As for bass, Jack asked me to find someone really good out of our regular circles. I was racking my brain and thought about my friend, Luis Maldonado’s brother, who plays with Luis in the band ‘Train’. At that point, I immediately remembered Javy. I hadn’t talked to Javy in years but knew he was the guy. He’s an incredible bass player who has done huge tours with ‘Joan Sebastian’. Javy had also played bass on 5 tracks on my second solo CD. After having recorded with him years ago and knowing his live experience, there was no question he is world-class. As for Morgan Myles, she was a guest on an episode of a live stream Facebook show I cohost on Monday nights called ‘The Hangout Live’ with Jack FM personality Matt Drake. Morgan sang live on the show and was so good that I knew right then I needed to somehow get her on the track.

Jordonna: In the beginning of the original song, it had the piano played by David Paich and keyboards by Steve Porcaro.  This version begins with flamenco guitar, steel string guitar, drums, and bass, which have a softer acoustic sound.  How was the arrangement derived?

Robby Lochner:  That arrangement is Jose. He sent me 4 separate guitar tracks. From there I played the original lines, which worked perfectly around what he did. The only change I did was I chopped up his solo. Originally he had played the whole solo. I put a harmony to what Jose played on the 6th & 7th measure then pulled his part out and did a blues/rock style lick. I then brought his solo back in and harmonized to what he had there to lead the transition back in. He plays a couple of measures. Then I cut his part and played the solo out. I was concerned as to what he would think. I mean, this guy is a world renowned player having worked with Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola,John Mclaughlin, George Benson; and here I am chopping out some of his solo. Thankfully, he loved it. His exact words were, “It’s brilliant!”.  Wow…

Jordonna: Sometimes when both types of guitars are playing (flamenco and steel string), a flamenco guitar can be drowned out by a steel string guitar.  How did you get that perfect blend of sound between the two?

Robby Lochner:  The  way his parts were played allowed my parts to fit perfectly. From there the key was, when I mixed it, I made sure his guitars were heard.

Jordonna: There was a moment in the video when Robin McAuley looks surprised that Jack Russell belts out some of his powerful vocals.  Was the taping improvised or did you practice beforehand?

Robby Lochner:  That was at the start of the solo. There was no rehearsing that. Robin threw it out there. Robin had the biggest smile right after that though. We changed screens at that point, and you miss that. I would’ve liked to have kept the smile; however, the solo was already going. And I didn’t want to take away from highlighting Jose’s solo.

Jordonna: Jack Russell has described your relationship as ‘an old married couple’ and that you ‘often finish each others’ sentences.’  How have you been on the ‘same page’ musically for so many years?

Robby Lochner:   It comes from trust and having faith in each other.

Jordonna: You have spoken about ‘time crunches’ when delivering music.  Do you work better under pressure, or when you have more time to work out the details?  And you have said that the most important thing you can do is to warm up vocally.  How do you warm up, and how do you keep your vocal chords in great condition?

Jack Russell: I work better under pressure. I’ve always been a good procrastinator and have said, ‘why get done today, what I can get done tomorrow?’ lol. For years I have been  following a routine on show or recording days that starts 6 hours prior to go time. It’s been working so I continue with it.

Jordonna: Harold LaRue (Mastering Engineer/Audio Production) did the mastering of the song.  He’s been in the music industry for over 30 years.  I had previously asked about the arrangement of the song.  How were the vocals, rhythms, tempos, and instruments pulled together to create a new sound for this song? Are you working on any other projects?  And will you be creating your own version of any other songs and utilizing various other musicians?

Robby Lochner:  Jack and I already released our own version of “Born to be Wild”. There will be more, though our focus is also on a new JRGW record. The Tempo and rhythm were set by Jose. I sent our guitars to Felix and Javy fully trusting they would play what was required. For the vocals, I did record Robin, Jack, and Morgan. My goal with recording any musician is to get their personality on the track. I find it easy with pros of this level to get their personalities to disc. Of course it’s a matter of opinion; however, I feel it was achieved.

Jordonna: Jack Russell’s Great White has some dates coming up in August and September.  Are you still on track with those?  And how is the band passing time during this COVID19 pandemic?  Are you still getting in rehearsing time?  Working on new projects?

Robby Lochner:  There are still dates in the books, though I don’t see us touring this year. We haven’t canceled any dates. We’ve just been watching them be rescheduled month-to-month. We haven’t rehearsed yet. Everyone has been doing their own things. I have been releasing videos of songs I’ve written, some performance pieces and some lessons along with Jack Russell, Robby Lochner and friends, which we plan to continue. As I mentioned earlier, I have been streaming the show “Hangout Live” on Facebook every Monday @ 6pm pst. The Hangout has been a blast! We’re booked 2 months in advance and maybe switching to a bigger format soon. Our guests have included, Jack Russell, Luis Maldonado (Train), Carmine Appice (Ozzy,Rod Stewart, Vanilla Fudge) Kevin Martin & Adam Kury (Candlebox), Morgan Myles, Bill Leverty (FireHouse), Joey Allen (Warrant), Jeremy Popoff (Lit),  Rage (mega video producer) Don Dokken, J.Lee (Actor ,producer), Chip Z Nuff, Magic Moreno(Aretha Franklin,Lionel Richie,David Lee Roth, Phil Collins, Barbara Streisand) and many more coming up! For not doing the regular tour schedule, things sure have been busy…

By Jordonna Lobese