The comparison of Tom Bowes' rendition of SVHTG is not only unfair but pointless. He does a good job interpreting the song, as does current singer Larry Braggs. Neither hits every nuance that made the tune unforgettable. And, don't forget, you're also hearing live v. the studio recording radio version you're playing in your memory and comparing it to.
Digging this guy's sound. Nice and smooth, not over the top and a nice range. Cut the brother a break unless you've been on the stage, night after night, like some of us.
Dude got some swa...couldn't even finish the word..anyhoots, not what I'm use to seeing when it comes to TOPs' lead singers...at least the musicianship is still TOP...can't duplicate the few brothers' that sang lead for the group; can't be duplicated...
Yeah, this singer bugs me like very few others do. It's not his singing (he actually has a pretty good voice), it's his physical look. He just never fit with the band.
The problem is that he over did his technique in an effort to sound "Black". It would have been better had he simplified the way he approached the song and only added a few flourishes in their proper locations. Speaking as a professional singer, it never pays to overdo a song.
Tom Bowes is a great singer, as is Brent Carter, Lenny Williams, Ellis Hall. I'm not sure what the criticism is all about. This guy sings his ass off. He does the song his own way. Maybe people are used to Lenny's version. Listen to "Credit" and some of the others. He's a smokin' singer. His range is amazing. He's hitting D's and E's in his regular voice. Very cool.
@jollyarms2 - Agree - saw this rendition of TOP and was NEVER disappointed - was surprised to see a white dude with long hair doing lead vocals - but have been a fan for about 40 years and I thought Tom Bowes rocked.
@jollyarms2 Agreed, I think it is all taste and looking at the bulk of someone's work is always mandatory in coming to a conclusion on someone's ability. Personally, my favourite was Ellis Hall, especially for this song, although every singer had their strong merits.
Not a bad vocalist but a very bad fit for TOP. The guy zero chemistry with the band. There is just nothing soulful about his delivery and this was meant to be a very soulful song.
How funny, reading some of these comments. TOP was never built around the lead singer. It was always the sound of the horns. They went thru soooo many lead singers, and continue to do so. Each one of them was given a "license to drive" to bring their own personality to the songs. It was the brass that was/is the staple. It just dont change. As long as Castillo is alive, it will always be, after all, he was the founder.
@EMANNER1 This particular song was built around the vocalist. This tiny, whiny little voice does not do this great song any justice. Listen to that great band playing behind Minnie Mouse and you can't tell me that this guys vocals are a 2 and Lenny Williams not a 10? Compare the live Soul Train version with Williams to this.
@Carameldevine YOU ARE RIGHT! DESPITE WHAT HE BRINGS IN "ATTITUDE DANCE", HE DOESN'T SEEM TO BRING IT HERE. OBVIOUSLY, NOT ALL SONGS ARE INTERCHANGEABLE WITH ALL TALENTS, YET HE WAS WITH THE BAND FOR 7 YEARS. HE MUST HAVE BROUGHT SOMETHING GOOD. PRETTY MUCH THE WAY I DON'T ENVISION CHAKA KHAN SINGING "FREE" AND DENICE WILLIAMS SINGING "IM EVERY WOMAN"
@EMANNER1 I don't understand how he lasted that long. Soul/funk definitely not his forte. If they wanted to go the blue-eyed soul route, why not a Steve Winwood/Bobby Caldwell/Bill Medley type?
re: comments below: This video isn't Tom at his best... but as a lead vocalist he was quite popular.. He had a lot of energy and worked the crowd really well.
I think people who are only willing to accept Lenny Williams forget that Lenny was not the vocalist on You're Still a Young Man and Down To The Night Club... nor on Knock Yourself Out... and further, the members of this band have always been changing... that's part of the concept... DEAL WITH IT.
Journey doesnt compare to the originality muscianship & diversity of the unstoppable machine known as Tower of Power. LW will always be the dearest to my heart & favorite TOP vocalist but they have ALL brought something new & interesting .The band always sounds best with DG but that doesnt mean they sucked without him..despite personell changes thru the years, they maintained who they are...not so with the stones or the Doors or even james brown....remove mick jim or james & you got nothin....
It has nothing to do with race. Tower of Power without Lenny Williams is like Journey without Steve Perry. The Supremes without Diana Ross. It is not the same.
Tom (the singer) is on pitch...but he is terrible for this band. Not because he is white, but he doesnt have the soul needed for their style. He simply doesnt work. He belongs on broadway truely but not in the best funk band to come out of Oakland...or anywhere else for that matter.
it sounds like english isnt his first language....so in that respect, he's not doing all that bad....not very soulful, but not bad either, and certainly no Lenny Williams, but then, no-one will be able to replicate his voice on this track...ever
black does not equal soul. i'm seeing so many comments where people are just disregarding this guy because he is white. he is an awesome singer, stop saying he sucks; that's just ridiculous and if you're saying that you obviously don't know anything about singing or music.
No, no ,no, I'm sorry T.O.P. has always been one of my favorite bands but this guy murdered this song in the WORST way... Truly sad because I love that song and he just killed it for me... I won't push play on that version again...
watch the live version with Lenny Williams and you will see even though this guy is singing his heart out, he just does not meet Lenny Williams standards by a long shot.
Ondabayou was obviously raised by bastard alligators instead of parents so he has to call people names that he himself is probably one of...if you don't care for a song great but calling him a faggot, go F yourself moron. At least this guy is keeping this song alive.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
And nobody asked your pussy ass to reply to me either, boy. Why don't you take a trip to norrtheast Lousisana, and meet me, and I'll introduce you to a 6'-4", 240 lbs. Cajun headache.....witcho' punk ass....I'll rip your fuckin' head off mother fucker....apparently you don't know who your addressing, boy!
i know exactly who i am addressing: A 6'4", 240 pound idiot who is the product of some very scary inbreeding who can't spell his home state correctly. It hurts, but it's true my friend.
You're right, I DID accidentally mispell my state...probably for the first time in my 39 years on this earth. Amazing what can happen when you're responding to a fool who has no other life than to get on Youtube to stir up shit with strangers. And guess what....I'll STILL kick your ass, punk!!!!
Yeah, Tom Bowes was pretty strong with TOP. I caught him with TOP when they did a benefit for the Earthquake Relief (Loma Prieta) here in the San Francisco in 1989. I videotaped their part of the concert. Steve Grove was playing 1st tenor.
this honky i got to give props cos he can sing. he just had the tough job to fill the shoes of guys like Lenny Williams, Hubert Tubbs, Edward McGhee. that hairstyle was the fashion then for white dudes so dont hate
This dude,Tom Bowes,is an awesome singer with a great range and influences from the likes of Stevie Wonder,you've got to give him CREDIT.Great contribution for music appreciation.
greg adams - trumpet, emilio castillo - 2nd sax, rocco prestia - bass, and "doc" kupka - baritone sax are there, they are original members...this is not a cover band! although this is one of their weakest incarnations, the band is hot now!
david garibaldi (original)is back on drums and larry bragg (new)is doing the lead vocals.
Dude if you're referring to my comment I been a Tower fan since way before you thought Chicago was cool. So research I do not need to do. Quick without looking, who is David Bartlett. I thought so!
In my opinion next to Garibaldi, David Bartlett was the second best fit to Tower of Power. If you know of anything else he's done please let me know. I cant find anything he's done.
Sorry cant help. Far as I know, he appeared, suddenly, on Urban Renewal and then DG was back for In the Slot. I don't think I saw anything about him in and around the 40th Anniv thing... Kinda mysterious. How bout Brent Byars? Percussion. Gone and never seen again after TOP, no?
@darrellrw2 From the info I got on the internet, Bartlett went on to play for a San Francisco band called Pure Honey. He passed away about 15 or so years ago, OD'ed. Shame, he did some great work on Urban Renewal.
Speaking of which, when did those that needed to finally get sober ?? Garibaldi didn't come back on the TOP scene til 98, and from what I've read elsewhere on here he took a hiatus from the band because of other's issues ..........
What's with all this juvenile name calling? If you don't like it go watch the original singer. Christ people are so bitter over nthing these days. If anyone thinks they can do better post it here so we tear you to shreds.
Dude you should'a stayed doing a cheap imitation of Axle Rose instead of trying to step into these shoes. This is an old, old video, Greg Adams is still there and hasn't gotten into his GQ look yet. That might be Nick Millo on Keyboards. But Emilio, what were you thinking putting this dude in front of your band! You should have at least stayed with Michael Jeffries. Even though he was more Disco than soul.
Yes, it was Nick Milo on Keyboards. During that time [early 90's] Richards Elliot and then Lee Thornburg were on sax, and Carmen Grillo was on Guitar. I saw them play many times during that period, and believe me, Tom Bowes did not resemble Axel Rose in any imaginable way!
This singer is Tom Bowes. I heard was that around 1990, the band was on Tour with NO singer, and Tom asked if he could sing [they played in smaller clubs back then]. He was hired on the spot. He toured with them for some time, and recorded 2 albums: Monster on a Leash and T.O.P. ['Please Come Back To Stay'].
I can tell you that this video is not of good sound quality - he did sound much better in person [the ALL did!].
Hey, what's up. Though I can agree with your point regarding hitting all of the notes and vocal nuances, I firmly believe "having soul", is a very subjective description. Because I have known many players of different colors, they.. ALL have had SOUL! Also, before I started to sing a mostly classical repertoire, I performed this classic gem in front of a 13 piece group. And I sang it like Mr. Williams originally recorded it. With the correct technique, anyone should be able.
To sing this song and do it good you must have soul and hit the notes Lenny Williams did so brillantly and still does. Lenny set the bar so high nobody can cover this song and do it justice. In other words its Lenny's vocals that will stand the test of time.
I agree, fuck what he look's like, we all looked like that in this era. Dude is singing his ass off, Just like any singer who re-makes a another song from another artist. only one L/W but, not him, but gave it his all.
This was some great TOP Greg was blowing trumpet,Carmen Grillo on guitar, Tom Bowes on vocals. TOP recruited at least 5 guys from NYC that had a passion for their music
in cover bands and took them out to perform on stages all over the world. Never forget TOP is a soul band.
Mr.Lenny Wiiliams; damn tough act to follow for ANY vocalist.But, I like this dudes style. He's giving what he's got, and that's his OWN soulful slide. People will always compare to the Benchmark set my Mr. Williams, and that's good. It will keep singers reaching to be their best, and that's good for the public; they know what they expect from anyone taking on this repertoire of TOP!. When you sing this Classic, you need to hit every note with same nuances as recorded by Mr. Williams, thats best
hey what era did you come from ? apparently you know nothing about good music to even make a comparsion maybe you should go to journeys or darryl website and listen to them!
On behalf of white people everywhere, let me apologize for this soulless singer. He would've been awesome in Journey or just about any pop/rock band of the 80's. Just not the right fit for TOP.
The dude sang the hell out of the song, but lets face it, it's like having Darryl Hall fill in for Marvin Gaye. You just feel bad b/c it's an impossible task.
Tom was their lead singer for several years in the 80's and did in my opinion a great job! For all you fashion police out there this video was from the mid 80's,and I shudder to think what you turkeys were wearing back then!!
he's pretty good... a challenge to follow the great Lenny Williams especially on one of their biggest hits. The hippy look isn't doing him any justice... lol
i agree, this guy sings well..but he lacks soul...well he's white..i mean..its rare to find a white soulful singer..they're out there, but definately not this one..happnes to be one of my favorite T.O.P. Tunes
Man, and I thought they were a black band all of this time. I'm talking about 30 years. I'm not disappointed, just surprised?? It doesn't change my mind about the band. I still love their music. Wow.
xeuropn he is not the original lead singer. Lenny williams did the original version. This is in no way comparable to his version. Why would they even let him even sing this, i don't know.
there we go again let's put race in to it. My god can anyone do or say anything without a RACE issue taking front stage. Look the dude is not L.W. but, he did give it all he's
got and that has count for something. things will never change unless we do. Bottom line people. Key word: PEOPLE!!!
I think he sounds great. The original is always best but this guy does a good job. Jesus people are picky and critical, if you can't say anything nice then.....it will make you a nicer person and more fun to be around!
Perhaps those here who are so quick to criticize Tom Bowes' performance could give us a link to their performances so we can hold them to the same standard. In November of 1994 TOP played 38 shows in 23 days in Japan. Tom sang his ass off on all 38 and finished that tour just as strong as the first show.
I doubt any of you sniveling little bitches have ever even been in the same room with a singer as strong as Tommy Bowes or Ellis hall so show some respect.
I think this guy can sing. I don't think this is the best music for him to perform. The original is a classic and with all due respect to Mr. Bowes, this just falls flat. It's lacks the spark of the original vocal. I'm sure the tour was well received, but any ear can see that this doesn't compare.
I agree, he gave his all and get's good props for following in the footsteps of the most soulfull singer on this planet (L.W.)good job Brother, hey it got me up and dancing.
This punk needs a freakin' haircut! He's way out of his league, and Lenny Williams was THE Tower of Power vocalist....PERIOD.....bar none.....no arguments!
Lenny was the king. This guy is a dork. Ellis was bad too. The current singer, Larry Bragg is one bad mother______ on vocals! He's the best they've ever had.
Still a great performance and all time classic track. I think Tom works his guts out on the song, he puts in an A1 performance. Always loved the song. Was Lenny Williams the original TOP lead vocalist? Thanks for posting this....
Lenny Williams joined TOP on the 3rd lp.The first lp, East Bay Grease had Rufus Miller on lead vocal, with Rick Stevens lead vocal on "Sparking in the Sand. Bump City the 2nd album had Rick Stevens as the sole lead singer,album includes You're Still a Young Man, Down to the Nightclub. Rick Stevens is currently incarcerated,convicted of murder.
This guy looks like a shithead and is singing like INSYNc with that stupid voice. He needs to sing basics, like old school. Clean this white boy out of there! Swoooshhhhhh
Yep. I liked this lineup. Saw them many times. Greg adams & the Bergermeister. One thing I remember is they never played the same set. They great now too but they have standardized their show.
The lack of groove has nothing to do with the singer...it's because these were the years when the greatest R & B drummer in history was absent from TOP...David Garibaldi!!!
I agree with smokeybojangles and thejoyofsax, I just am not feelin'him on this song, it's missing the soul. But I do think he did on great job on soul with a capital s.
The comparison of Tom Bowes' rendition of SVHTG is not only unfair but pointless. He does a good job interpreting the song, as does current singer Larry Braggs. Neither hits every nuance that made the tune unforgettable. And, don't forget, you're also hearing live v. the studio recording radio version you're playing in your memory and comparing it to.
LeondelSon 4 days ago
i wish the 90's didn't happen.
BerkeleyBuilt 2 weeks ago
whoo i can sing better than that ...sorry guy ...
tommystanford55 1 month ago
He definetly has a good stlye
Abiaalradio 1 month ago
I think it sounds great. Why compare just enjoy both versions.
DA90027 2 months ago
Digging this guy's sound. Nice and smooth, not over the top and a nice range. Cut the brother a break unless you've been on the stage, night after night, like some of us.
CombatFFI 2 months ago
Hold the Fuck Up!!
PaulGreen11 2 months ago
que bosta!!!!!!
robson25ism 3 months ago
One of my favourite TOP songs and sung very well even if it wasn't Lenny
selpingos 4 months ago
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I think he did a great job. Stop the bigotry... Goes both ways...
DNSMLT 4 months ago
I think he did a great job. Stop the bigotry... Goes both ways...
DNSMLT 4 months ago
I think he did a great job. Stop the bigotry... Goes both ways...
DNSMLT 4 months ago
What the Fuck is this....why evern try it OMG Lenny Willians the only voice for this .
TheMixer1 4 months ago
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gretschsounds 5 months ago
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gretschsounds 5 months ago
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gretschsounds 5 months ago
DUDE is more worried about his hair than singing
DEEJAYRIG 7 months ago
this guy sounds pretty darn good. thanks for posting!!!!!!!
dogcat126 8 months ago
Can anyone tell me if this show is available on DVD ? I have the one from 1998 but would like to buy this one.
Duncan464 10 months ago
Some songs should NEVER be copied. THIS is one of them. Disgusting rendition.
risky725 10 months ago
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gretschsounds 10 months ago
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gretschsounds 10 months ago
@gretschsounds who the hell is this "Fabio" Geez, he sucks
spazjaz176 5 months ago
Give the guy a chance....Lenny was the best, but this guy tries really hard....r
rokoping 10 months ago
Dude got some swa...couldn't even finish the word..anyhoots, not what I'm use to seeing when it comes to TOPs' lead singers...at least the musicianship is still TOP...can't duplicate the few brothers' that sang lead for the group; can't be duplicated...
21melendez 10 months ago
i have to make 27 head shots
bandagdobrasil 10 months ago
If this is their worst, I gotta love the best even more, cause this shit is still goood!
htownsfinest50 11 months ago
Actually Tom sings the song beautifully in his OWN voice...
ridingroy 1 year ago
Yeah, this singer bugs me like very few others do. It's not his singing (he actually has a pretty good voice), it's his physical look. He just never fit with the band.
Zeitgeist74 1 year ago
@Zeitgeist74 He still sings his ass off and now without the hair, lol check out The Funkphilharmonic here at youtube
SAXYRIC359 5 months ago
he is good !!
MISSLAURAJEANN 1 year ago
he is good, its not his job to sound exactly the same
grabngonuts 1 year ago
THis guy makes it SOOO very easy to GOOOO! lol!
I still think its a joke and the Band is in on it!\WHERE's Lenny
ogundipe21 1 year ago
THis guy makes it SOOO very easy to GOOOO! lo!
ogundipe21 1 year ago
Jeezus, how did this happen? Lenny Williams is somewhere watching this and laughing his ass off. Are you sure this isn't karaoke?
pepper6324 1 year ago
Jollyarms2 is right everybody else is trying to thik black and white in alllll it's meaning.
sudilade 1 year ago
The problem is that he over did his technique in an effort to sound "Black". It would have been better had he simplified the way he approached the song and only added a few flourishes in their proper locations. Speaking as a professional singer, it never pays to overdo a song.
gildavis 1 year ago
This dude aint got 1/10th the soul Lenny Williams has to sing this song!
chino1922 1 year ago 5
mediocre voice. love this song, love the band, but not this rendition.
mandalaworld 1 year ago
Tom Bowes is a great singer, as is Brent Carter, Lenny Williams, Ellis Hall. I'm not sure what the criticism is all about. This guy sings his ass off. He does the song his own way. Maybe people are used to Lenny's version. Listen to "Credit" and some of the others. He's a smokin' singer. His range is amazing. He's hitting D's and E's in his regular voice. Very cool.
jollyarms2 1 year ago
@jollyarms2 - Agree - saw this rendition of TOP and was NEVER disappointed - was surprised to see a white dude with long hair doing lead vocals - but have been a fan for about 40 years and I thought Tom Bowes rocked.
MikeCoggan 1 year ago
@jollyarms2 Agreed, I think it is all taste and looking at the bulk of someone's work is always mandatory in coming to a conclusion on someone's ability. Personally, my favourite was Ellis Hall, especially for this song, although every singer had their strong merits.
TearTheRoofOff 1 year ago
This guy sucks.
Twom44 1 year ago
Are they running out of black lead guys?
MasterBlasterMusic 1 year ago
It's good to know the TOP members realised they made a mistake here. Hopefully the rubbish can wasn't too far away to get rid of this "talent".
kax61 1 year ago
This cat makes this tune about 3 shades whiter.....
cantstandfools 1 year ago
Horrible!!!! WTF were they thinking picking this dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good for Karoke!
chino1922 1 year ago
Great tune!! This guys great!
rickw1100 1 year ago
Which one is castillo?
ironman1438 1 year ago
Great live version.
fpz2006 1 year ago
Rick Stevens- period.
TheJonBoy72 1 year ago
man dis dude sucks!!!!! he can't even pronounce da fucking words!!!!! sounds like hes got shit in his mouth!!!!
FUNJOY08 1 year ago
WEAK!
jameykeys1 1 year ago
Not a bad vocalist but a very bad fit for TOP. The guy zero chemistry with the band. There is just nothing soulful about his delivery and this was meant to be a very soulful song.
wheatonmommy 1 year ago
How funny, reading some of these comments. TOP was never built around the lead singer. It was always the sound of the horns. They went thru soooo many lead singers, and continue to do so. Each one of them was given a "license to drive" to bring their own personality to the songs. It was the brass that was/is the staple. It just dont change. As long as Castillo is alive, it will always be, after all, he was the founder.
EMANNER1 1 year ago
@EMANNER1..... too bad the horns from Chicago and TOP never got together on stage
stubbyguy 1 year ago
@EMANNER1 This particular song was built around the vocalist. This tiny, whiny little voice does not do this great song any justice. Listen to that great band playing behind Minnie Mouse and you can't tell me that this guys vocals are a 2 and Lenny Williams not a 10? Compare the live Soul Train version with Williams to this.
Carameldevine 1 year ago
@Carameldevine YOU ARE RIGHT! DESPITE WHAT HE BRINGS IN "ATTITUDE DANCE", HE DOESN'T SEEM TO BRING IT HERE. OBVIOUSLY, NOT ALL SONGS ARE INTERCHANGEABLE WITH ALL TALENTS, YET HE WAS WITH THE BAND FOR 7 YEARS. HE MUST HAVE BROUGHT SOMETHING GOOD. PRETTY MUCH THE WAY I DON'T ENVISION CHAKA KHAN SINGING "FREE" AND DENICE WILLIAMS SINGING "IM EVERY WOMAN"
EMANNER1 1 year ago
@EMANNER1 I don't understand how he lasted that long. Soul/funk definitely not his forte. If they wanted to go the blue-eyed soul route, why not a Steve Winwood/Bobby Caldwell/Bill Medley type?
Carameldevine 1 year ago 2
What a bunch of racists. Tom's got a great voice.
Rocketeer22 2 years ago
Why are they racists? Am I missing a story about these guys?
malcolmtent86 2 years ago
i love TOP particularly this song.. sad to say this version sounds like a boy band thing
shanghaiKISS02 2 years ago
It's called "Blue Eye Soul" or Whiteman Funk
Hardrod2 2 years ago
Sounds of Blackness Changes for the Better , TOP, have'nt ,, simple as that
Savaloyski 2 years ago
ToP at their worst. sorry.
mozdickson 2 years ago 17
@mozdickson I beg to differ: youtube.com/watch?v=oXp00d1qFU0
aKnightInTunisia 1 year ago
@mozdickson
If this is TOP's worst, then it's still better than everybody else's best.
garywhooper 1 year ago
sound much better when i dont look at a video.....this guy can sing but.....damn it he looks like a grunge man or something
mantatnam 2 years ago
You're right. It's pretty good.
BARRIEMOREBARLOW 2 years ago
Something isn't quite right with this
BARRIEMOREBARLOW 2 years ago 3
agree
hadd13 2 years ago 2
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This guy sucks!
Mitchellpaul25 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This guy suck's!!!
Mitchellpaul25 2 years ago
I think he did an awsome job
BUT! nothin like the original.
And I could care less what color
he is or what planet hes from.
The original version was just
dripping all over with some
one who had his heart so
terribly broken.
thesnazz 2 years ago
re: comments below: This video isn't Tom at his best... but as a lead vocalist he was quite popular.. He had a lot of energy and worked the crowd really well.
I think people who are only willing to accept Lenny Williams forget that Lenny was not the vocalist on You're Still a Young Man and Down To The Night Club... nor on Knock Yourself Out... and further, the members of this band have always been changing... that's part of the concept... DEAL WITH IT.
EddieLandsberg 2 years ago
attitude dance as well, yo
dontdodat00O 2 years ago
Journey doesnt compare to the originality muscianship & diversity of the unstoppable machine known as Tower of Power. LW will always be the dearest to my heart & favorite TOP vocalist but they have ALL brought something new & interesting .The band always sounds best with DG but that doesnt mean they sucked without him..despite personell changes thru the years, they maintained who they are...not so with the stones or the Doors or even james brown....remove mick jim or james & you got nothin....
rbxb 2 years ago
It has nothing to do with race. Tower of Power without Lenny Williams is like Journey without Steve Perry. The Supremes without Diana Ross. It is not the same.
missmabel1 2 years ago
I agree that no one can duplicate Lenny Williams on this track..but you gotta admit...Tom did an awesome job.
belizeangal2 2 years ago
Tom (the singer) is on pitch...but he is terrible for this band. Not because he is white, but he doesnt have the soul needed for their style. He simply doesnt work. He belongs on broadway truely but not in the best funk band to come out of Oakland...or anywhere else for that matter.
BreckerEnthusiast 2 years ago 2
it sounds like english isnt his first language....so in that respect, he's not doing all that bad....not very soulful, but not bad either, and certainly no Lenny Williams, but then, no-one will be able to replicate his voice on this track...ever
hendrixwarren 2 years ago
black does not equal soul. i'm seeing so many comments where people are just disregarding this guy because he is white. he is an awesome singer, stop saying he sucks; that's just ridiculous and if you're saying that you obviously don't know anything about singing or music.
ibby40k 2 years ago
lol
Dasilvaasd 2 years ago
No, no ,no, I'm sorry T.O.P. has always been one of my favorite bands but this guy murdered this song in the WORST way... Truly sad because I love that song and he just killed it for me... I won't push play on that version again...
Dartagnan68 2 years ago 3
This version is a travesty
KuriPango 2 years ago 10
watch the live version with Lenny Williams and you will see even though this guy is singing his heart out, he just does not meet Lenny Williams standards by a long shot.
luvureally 2 years ago
Ondabayou was obviously raised by bastard alligators instead of parents so he has to call people names that he himself is probably one of...if you don't care for a song great but calling him a faggot, go F yourself moron. At least this guy is keeping this song alive.
DA90027 2 years ago 3
I'm a coloured female singer and I think this guy is great!! He's got soul!
Everyone has a right to their own taste but don't be a hater..that's so stupid!!
Funkydiva65 2 years ago
Who is THIS faggot? Fabio's brother? He is a disgrace to the mighty Lenny Williams. Get a bra & some panties with that hair, dude.
ondabayou11 3 years ago
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etacovda 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
And nobody asked your pussy ass to reply to me either, boy. Why don't you take a trip to norrtheast Lousisana, and meet me, and I'll introduce you to a 6'-4", 240 lbs. Cajun headache.....witcho' punk ass....I'll rip your fuckin' head off mother fucker....apparently you don't know who your addressing, boy!
ondabayou11 2 years ago
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retoor2 2 years ago
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etacovda 2 years ago
i know exactly who i am addressing: A 6'4", 240 pound idiot who is the product of some very scary inbreeding who can't spell his home state correctly. It hurts, but it's true my friend.
etacovda 2 years ago 2
You're right, I DID accidentally mispell my state...probably for the first time in my 39 years on this earth. Amazing what can happen when you're responding to a fool who has no other life than to get on Youtube to stir up shit with strangers. And guess what....I'll STILL kick your ass, punk!!!!
ondabayou11 2 years ago
that explains it. 39 years? Just a pup. Little experience, no backbone. May i suggest Webster's Dictionary?
etacovda 2 years ago 2
He looks like Ted Nugent.
jazztenor71 3 years ago 3
Yeah, Tom Bowes was pretty strong with TOP. I caught him with TOP when they did a benefit for the Earthquake Relief (Loma Prieta) here in the San Francisco in 1989. I videotaped their part of the concert. Steve Grove was playing 1st tenor.
luisamarte2000 3 years ago 2
I guarantee this guy will sing absolute circles around ANYBODY posting here.
Vibrolux10 3 years ago
this honky i got to give props cos he can sing. he just had the tough job to fill the shoes of guys like Lenny Williams, Hubert Tubbs, Edward McGhee. that hairstyle was the fashion then for white dudes so dont hate
shiori0929 3 years ago
hey shiori0929---------u left out LEAD SINGERS--RICK STEVENS & RUFUS MILLER
nola2laca 3 years ago 2
This dude,Tom Bowes,is an awesome singer with a great range and influences from the likes of Stevie Wonder,you've got to give him CREDIT.Great contribution for music appreciation.
spicksandspecks1 3 years ago
This is a cover band. Where are the original members???
chazverado 3 years ago
greg adams - trumpet, emilio castillo - 2nd sax, rocco prestia - bass, and "doc" kupka - baritone sax are there, they are original members...this is not a cover band! although this is one of their weakest incarnations, the band is hot now!
david garibaldi (original)is back on drums and larry bragg (new)is doing the lead vocals.
groove4dayz 3 years ago
How funny!! Do some research Homeboy before you slam these guys!
gsman5828 3 years ago
Dude if you're referring to my comment I been a Tower fan since way before you thought Chicago was cool. So research I do not need to do. Quick without looking, who is David Bartlett. I thought so!
darrellrw2 3 years ago
David bartlett was the drummer on Urban Renewal. Next.
stmaxlv 2 years ago
In my opinion next to Garibaldi, David Bartlett was the second best fit to Tower of Power. If you know of anything else he's done please let me know. I cant find anything he's done.
darrellrw2 2 years ago
Sorry cant help. Far as I know, he appeared, suddenly, on Urban Renewal and then DG was back for In the Slot. I don't think I saw anything about him in and around the 40th Anniv thing... Kinda mysterious. How bout Brent Byars? Percussion. Gone and never seen again after TOP, no?
stmaxlv 2 years ago
@darrellrw2 From the info I got on the internet, Bartlett went on to play for a San Francisco band called Pure Honey. He passed away about 15 or so years ago, OD'ed. Shame, he did some great work on Urban Renewal.
zebop 2 months ago
@zebop
Speaking of which, when did those that needed to finally get sober ?? Garibaldi didn't come back on the TOP scene til 98, and from what I've read elsewhere on here he took a hiatus from the band because of other's issues ..........
feelthefear73 1 week ago
What's with all this juvenile name calling? If you don't like it go watch the original singer. Christ people are so bitter over nthing these days. If anyone thinks they can do better post it here so we tear you to shreds.
DA90027 3 years ago
FUCK THIS GUY
FRANKREMIERDERO 3 years ago
vaya mierda de cantante
tomaswarr 3 years ago
Dude you should'a stayed doing a cheap imitation of Axle Rose instead of trying to step into these shoes. This is an old, old video, Greg Adams is still there and hasn't gotten into his GQ look yet. That might be Nick Millo on Keyboards. But Emilio, what were you thinking putting this dude in front of your band! You should have at least stayed with Michael Jeffries. Even though he was more Disco than soul.
darrellrw2 3 years ago 2
Yes, it was Nick Milo on Keyboards. During that time [early 90's] Richards Elliot and then Lee Thornburg were on sax, and Carmen Grillo was on Guitar. I saw them play many times during that period, and believe me, Tom Bowes did not resemble Axel Rose in any imaginable way!
2MochaJazz 3 years ago
Who is this DOUCHEBAG singer?!?!? Jesus, what happened to Tower of Power?
jamesoverend 3 years ago 3
This singer is Tom Bowes. I heard was that around 1990, the band was on Tour with NO singer, and Tom asked if he could sing [they played in smaller clubs back then]. He was hired on the spot. He toured with them for some time, and recorded 2 albums: Monster on a Leash and T.O.P. ['Please Come Back To Stay'].
I can tell you that this video is not of good sound quality - he did sound much better in person [the ALL did!].
2MochaJazz 3 years ago
To ruedydude:
Hey, what's up. Though I can agree with your point regarding hitting all of the notes and vocal nuances, I firmly believe "having soul", is a very subjective description. Because I have known many players of different colors, they.. ALL have had SOUL! Also, before I started to sing a mostly classical repertoire, I performed this classic gem in front of a 13 piece group. And I sang it like Mr. Williams originally recorded it. With the correct technique, anyone should be able.
Arythmnmaker1 3 years ago
To sing this song and do it good you must have soul and hit the notes Lenny Williams did so brillantly and still does. Lenny set the bar so high nobody can cover this song and do it justice. In other words its Lenny's vocals that will stand the test of time.
ruedydude 3 years ago 3
I'd like to learn more about Lenny Williams.
Can anyone lead me in the right direction. Thanks.
xeuropn 3 years ago
I think he sounds great, this is not an easy dsong to sing.
DA90027 3 years ago
I agree, fuck what he look's like, we all looked like that in this era. Dude is singing his ass off, Just like any singer who re-makes a another song from another artist. only one L/W but, not him, but gave it his all.
gumpdog36 3 years ago
I agree. I saw Tower play many times when Tom Bowes was the singer, and he sang [and danced] his ass off!
He recorded 2 albums: Monster on a Leash and T.O.P. Not so shabby!
2MochaJazz 3 years ago
This was some great TOP Greg was blowing trumpet,Carmen Grillo on guitar, Tom Bowes on vocals. TOP recruited at least 5 guys from NYC that had a passion for their music
in cover bands and took them out to perform on stages all over the world. Never forget TOP is a soul band.
gmajorspresents 3 years ago
Mr.Lenny Wiiliams; damn tough act to follow for ANY vocalist.But, I like this dudes style. He's giving what he's got, and that's his OWN soulful slide. People will always compare to the Benchmark set my Mr. Williams, and that's good. It will keep singers reaching to be their best, and that's good for the public; they know what they expect from anyone taking on this repertoire of TOP!. When you sing this Classic, you need to hit every note with same nuances as recorded by Mr. Williams, thats best
Arythmnmaker1 3 years ago
hey what era did you come from ? apparently you know nothing about good music to even make a comparsion maybe you should go to journeys or darryl website and listen to them!
klevrgrl 3 years ago
Great singer for a "WHITEBOY"?!??..F*** you all jealous LOSERS ...be you White OR Black...he is a GREAT singer PERIOD!!!!!!!
SamLeChiq 3 years ago
This guy has talent for a whiteboy! Not bad!
titus252 3 years ago
On behalf of white people everywhere, let me apologize for this soulless singer. He would've been awesome in Journey or just about any pop/rock band of the 80's. Just not the right fit for TOP.
tjunderwood 3 years ago 4
Amazing! I have several great words to describe this guy. Wow, the best, the greatest, Awesome etc.........
pbv40 3 years ago
The dude sang the hell out of the song, but lets face it, it's like having Darryl Hall fill in for Marvin Gaye. You just feel bad b/c it's an impossible task.
momodavy 3 years ago 2
Tom was their lead singer for several years in the 80's and did in my opinion a great job! For all you fashion police out there this video was from the mid 80's,and I shudder to think what you turkeys were wearing back then!!
britales 3 years ago
Where's Lenny??? He was the best singer they ever had!
bludrums 3 years ago 3
this guys needs to enter the american idol contest!
chamoruyu 3 years ago
he's pretty good... a challenge to follow the great Lenny Williams especially on one of their biggest hits. The hippy look isn't doing him any justice... lol
efunkadelic 3 years ago
Can anyone do better??
gumpdog36 3 years ago
i agree, this guy sings well..but he lacks soul...well he's white..i mean..its rare to find a white soulful singer..they're out there, but definately not this one..happnes to be one of my favorite T.O.P. Tunes
saxgroovez 3 years ago
This guy does not have the soul to sing this song. The first time I saw, I thought that this medocre guy should've never been in this great band.
Neenockamockawok 3 years ago 9
Man, and I thought they were a black band all of this time. I'm talking about 30 years. I'm not disappointed, just surprised?? It doesn't change my mind about the band. I still love their music. Wow.
xeuropn 3 years ago
xeuropn he is not the original lead singer. Lenny williams did the original version. This is in no way comparable to his version. Why would they even let him even sing this, i don't know.
luvureally 3 years ago
Amen to that!
mimi911roxs 3 years ago
im not gonna judge this performance by the singer
the singer i give a 3 star rating... the rest of the band 5 for sure. soul vacc: live is still the best version of this song. and ive heard a lot
transparentblack 3 years ago
gotta love the dance moves
lol
tlryan135790 3 years ago
there we go again let's put race in to it. My god can anyone do or say anything without a RACE issue taking front stage. Look the dude is not L.W. but, he did give it all he's
got and that has count for something. things will never change unless we do. Bottom line people. Key word: PEOPLE!!!
gumpdog36 3 years ago
Say what you will but, at 2:58 homeboy is nice.
gumpdog36 3 years ago
I think he sounds great. The original is always best but this guy does a good job. Jesus people are picky and critical, if you can't say anything nice then.....it will make you a nicer person and more fun to be around!
DA90027 3 years ago
Im sorry but Lenny Williams brought it better..
a1cjlock 3 years ago 2
I "know" I could do better. Who is this guy.
rensey2729 3 years ago
Perhaps those here who are so quick to criticize Tom Bowes' performance could give us a link to their performances so we can hold them to the same standard. In November of 1994 TOP played 38 shows in 23 days in Japan. Tom sang his ass off on all 38 and finished that tour just as strong as the first show.
I doubt any of you sniveling little bitches have ever even been in the same room with a singer as strong as Tommy Bowes or Ellis hall so show some respect.
BC Top '94-2000.
hibrassmann 3 years ago
I think this guy can sing. I don't think this is the best music for him to perform. The original is a classic and with all due respect to Mr. Bowes, this just falls flat. It's lacks the spark of the original vocal. I'm sure the tour was well received, but any ear can see that this doesn't compare.
GymProv 3 years ago
I agree
oldskoolsoul 3 years ago
I agree, he gave his all and get's good props for following in the footsteps of the most soulfull singer on this planet (L.W.)good job Brother, hey it got me up and dancing.
gumpdog36 3 years ago
haha. german tower of power.
SongstaForLife 3 years ago
This punk needs a freakin' haircut! He's way out of his league, and Lenny Williams was THE Tower of Power vocalist....PERIOD.....bar none.....no arguments!
ondabayou11 3 years ago 2
This guy STINKS! That's right! You cant say or do anything to make you better. Stop singing this classic!!
jpracingph 3 years ago 2
Lenny was the king. This guy is a dork. Ellis was bad too. The current singer, Larry Bragg is one bad mother______ on vocals! He's the best they've ever had.
cop515 4 years ago 3
well, t.o.p was never about the vocals anyway, really. when you look at the past 40 years the musicianship is where it's at.
jazzfolkrocker 4 years ago
So nice to hear again superb!
captainfantastic76 4 years ago
Still a great performance and all time classic track. I think Tom works his guts out on the song, he puts in an A1 performance. Always loved the song. Was Lenny Williams the original TOP lead vocalist? Thanks for posting this....
Bolly558 4 years ago
You're welcome !
attaquemojo 4 years ago
Lenny Williams joined TOP on the 3rd lp.The first lp, East Bay Grease had Rufus Miller on lead vocal, with Rick Stevens lead vocal on "Sparking in the Sand. Bump City the 2nd album had Rick Stevens as the sole lead singer,album includes You're Still a Young Man, Down to the Nightclub. Rick Stevens is currently incarcerated,convicted of murder.
ag1960 4 years ago
This guy looks like a shithead and is singing like INSYNc with that stupid voice. He needs to sing basics, like old school. Clean this white boy out of there! Swoooshhhhhh
incadish 4 years ago 4
Tom Bowes is good. I don't know what your smoking.
CubsRule06 4 years ago
I agree. He sucks.
twerpey 4 years ago 2
Tom Bowes doesn't fit - plain and simple. He can't really hit the really high notes and he isn't particularly soulful.
Nostaljack 4 years ago 5
Absolutely agree 100%!
oldskoolsoul 4 years ago 3
Awesommmmeeeee.....thats the Tower of Power I know. :) thanks ATTAQUEMOJO
I saw these guys live a good 5 times.
I love the Barry Sax.
BlogCatalog 4 years ago
mto foda!
lincerdrums 4 years ago
Awesome vocal and awesome band. This is talent that must be offered the ultimate respect.
larryrobson 4 years ago
Yep. I liked this lineup. Saw them many times. Greg adams & the Bergermeister. One thing I remember is they never played the same set. They great now too but they have standardized their show.
56BUICKRiviera 4 years ago
Daaaaamn, who´s that singer?
He dosn´t fit at all. He looks like a stripper. And this guy should groove? no way man
PaulTheApe 4 years ago 2
The lack of groove has nothing to do with the singer...it's because these were the years when the greatest R & B drummer in history was absent from TOP...David Garibaldi!!!
tbed63 4 years ago
He is grooin
BlogCatalog 4 years ago
my band use to open for TOP in the 80's, Doc, please don't let another WHITE guy sing this great old HIT. It needs that soul, like the old days.
jvdpro 4 years ago 2
Automatic 5-point penalty for the yellow balloon pants.
bebopPete 4 years ago
I agree with smokeybojangles and thejoyofsax, I just am not feelin'him on this song, it's missing the soul. But I do think he did on great job on soul with a capital s.
oldskoolsoul 4 years ago 2
I've gotta go with SmokeyBojangles -- the vocalist is a little weak. This song requires a soulful black dude like Lenny Williams.
thejoyofsax 4 years ago
TOP is a great live band. Tom Bowes was one of their better vocalists.
ag1960 4 years ago