The best rythem section jam I ever heard from TOP was around 1994 at Arizona Charlie's in Vegas. It was Russ McKinnon, Nick Milo, Carmen Grillo and Rocco. They kicked ass. I've seen Tom Bowes with them a few times and he did a great job live.
Greg Adams was with TOP for 25 years,Greg wanted to move on and do his own thing,just like Lenny Pickett.Some times you need to move on in order to grow a little more.
Why are people saying this was ToP's worst period? I love the old classics (Back to Oakland) as much as everyone else, but Monster on a Leash and T.O.P. are simply fantastic albums and even though Tom Bowes's voice doesn't work as well on this song as Lenny Williams's, he's still a bloody good singer.
@cabirius,...you are entiteled to your own opinion, this is a free forum but don't underate Russ McKinnon his chops come from years of playing and Drum Corp, yes his style is not like Herman Mathews, Herman is more a ''huck a buck player' (his own words) Russ plays the drums like an instrument not a time keeper,..So my Vote goes to Monster on a Leash/Soul with a Capitol S era
Ones the guys from Tower of Power had a restaurant in Studio City called 10 Pesos. It was the best kept secret for music in all of LA. Professional musicians who were friends could go there and practice their chops before a tour or just play with friends. I saw Stephen Stills there once. But that is a whole other story.
I remember seeing this segment in 1996. This is as far as I can recall a documentary about music in California. It includes music by The Doors, Santana and punk bands like X and of course the R&B scene that includes this one. This is the decade that TOP's career revived in a big way. I only have some problems with Tom Bowes singing this one. Also this is the video that I heard what is hip for the very first time.
This may have been Tower's worst period, but I'm really digging the way they changed it up from 5:00 until about 5:15. I'd love to hear that on a studio album.
That's the worst period for Tower. The singer is trying too hard to be soulful. The Rascals, Mike McDonald, The Righteous Brothers, Eric Burton that's all natural soul.
@jwjeffrey I have to garee. That was the first singer I heard from TOP, but there always seemed to be something not quite right about Tom Bowes. Rocco is frickin' GOD on bass, tho.
Anyone who disses this lineup, Bowes, or McKinnon really has no idea what time it is.
feelthefear73 1 month ago
We finally got a warm day here in Seattle (first one this year) made 75.
And yet I have chills!
Great!!!!!!!
1wayne12345 9 months ago
One of my favorite Tower of Power songs ever
WarriorMigs24 9 months ago
rhythm.....sp....sorry
sorenrules 10 months ago
The best rythem section jam I ever heard from TOP was around 1994 at Arizona Charlie's in Vegas. It was Russ McKinnon, Nick Milo, Carmen Grillo and Rocco. They kicked ass. I've seen Tom Bowes with them a few times and he did a great job live.
sorenrules 10 months ago 2
Lee is back w/ Tower
rufuscoss 1 year ago
Greg Adams was with TOP for 25 years,Greg wanted to move on and do his own thing,just like Lenny Pickett.Some times you need to move on in order to grow a little more.
jwjeffrey 1 year ago
What happened to Greg Adams and Lee Thornberg? Its not the same without those guys
56BUICKRiviera 1 year ago
Why are people saying this was ToP's worst period? I love the old classics (Back to Oakland) as much as everyone else, but Monster on a Leash and T.O.P. are simply fantastic albums and even though Tom Bowes's voice doesn't work as well on this song as Lenny Williams's, he's still a bloody good singer.
Krolblach 1 year ago 2
@cabirius,...you are entiteled to your own opinion, this is a free forum but don't underate Russ McKinnon his chops come from years of playing and Drum Corp, yes his style is not like Herman Mathews, Herman is more a ''huck a buck player' (his own words) Russ plays the drums like an instrument not a time keeper,..So my Vote goes to Monster on a Leash/Soul with a Capitol S era
rufuscoss 1 year ago
He's no Dave G.
roccopep 1 year ago 2
The present band is much better than this band from the 90`! Especially the drummer, organist and the singer!
cabirius 1 year ago
Ones the guys from Tower of Power had a restaurant in Studio City called 10 Pesos. It was the best kept secret for music in all of LA. Professional musicians who were friends could go there and practice their chops before a tour or just play with friends. I saw Stephen Stills there once. But that is a whole other story.
Trixiekitsch2008 1 year ago
"The Funky Doctor" can fix anything that ails ya!!!!!
topfan337 1 year ago
I remember seeing this segment in 1996. This is as far as I can recall a documentary about music in California. It includes music by The Doors, Santana and punk bands like X and of course the R&B scene that includes this one. This is the decade that TOP's career revived in a big way. I only have some problems with Tom Bowes singing this one. Also this is the video that I heard what is hip for the very first time.
bpabustan 1 year ago
Rocco is working really hard to get some groove out from that drummer.. Seems like Bill Ward is playing with earth wind and fire.
drebatista 1 year ago
Tommy Bose Era was my entry into Tower, and I'll be forever grateful. The first two times I saw them live was with this line-up.
neuroperformance2010 2 years ago
This may have been Tower's worst period, but I'm really digging the way they changed it up from 5:00 until about 5:15. I'd love to hear that on a studio album.
sigsegv11 2 years ago
i really like the guitar tone and the singer has a unieque voice
guitarmike7495 2 years ago
Russ McKinnon = No Slouch.
radanon09 2 years ago
Spot on Bro
drummer4christianzz 2 years ago
That's the worst period for Tower. The singer is trying too hard to be soulful. The Rascals, Mike McDonald, The Righteous Brothers, Eric Burton that's all natural soul.
jwjeffrey 2 years ago
@jwjeffrey I have to garee. That was the first singer I heard from TOP, but there always seemed to be something not quite right about Tom Bowes. Rocco is frickin' GOD on bass, tho.
dharmaseed 1 year ago
I like the lead ,,,,
Falzone77 2 years ago
Yeah, the lead vocal is a little painful.
atty1chgo 2 years ago
ughh i don't like tom singing this.
bmc825321 2 years ago
GREAT Groove !!!! I was kicking stuff under the desk !! Thanks for posting
robstorms 2 years ago
Great Post, I really miss Greg's horn style.
rynuma 2 years ago
Nice Cut Bro Its Yer Theme Song
sfdog1369 2 years ago