Missing Toys, the AOR and orchestral art-rock supergroup formed by Mecca frontman Joe Vana, have released their first single “LifeLine”, featuring Giant’s Dann Huff on guitar. The track is taken from their debut album Not A.I., out January 15, 2027 on CD, LP and digital via Pride & Joy Music.
Vana, who began as a studio singer for Jim Peterik before founding Mecca, wanted real strings and orchestral parts for the project, with legendary arranger Michael Omartian arranging and orchestrating every part at his Nashville studio. The all-star lineup includes Stan Cotey, Tom Hemby, Nir Z, Gary Lunn and Omartian, with guests Steve Lukather (Toto), Dann Huff (Giant) and Bill Champlin (Chicago).
The album title is a statement of intent: no AI was used anywhere on the record, with all writing done organically by Vana and his collaborators. While he sees a place for AI as a tool, he is against it being part of final recordings in music.
Pre-save Not A.I. here.
Missing Toys are:
Joe Vana: lead vocals
Stan Cotey: guitar and additional keyboards
Tom Hemby: guitars
Nir Z: drums and percussion
Michael Omartian: keyboards, piano and production
Gary Lunn: bass
Guests:
Steve Lukather: guitar solo on “Lift Me Higher”
Dann Huff: lead guitar solo on “LifeLine”
Bill Champlin: lead vocals on “The Battles Won”
