This and "You're Still A Young Man" are their best ballads. The lead singer on this is the great Lenny Williams. Listen to them doing "Soul Vaccination" and "Squib Cakes" for more of their upbeat funk. That deep saxophone is a baritone sax.

@shellymarquez9320

Жыл бұрын

Soul With a Capital S, Oakland Stroke and Diggin on James Brown are more you need to hear!

@nashtndawg

Жыл бұрын

And we gotta know What is Hip??!!

@FlipArt57

Жыл бұрын

I totally agree. Especially "You're Still A Young Man"

@curtisscarmon3267

Жыл бұрын

Rick Stevens was the singer on the 2nd album Bump City who sang you're still a young man.

@scovig

Жыл бұрын

The entire LP “Tower of Power” is great. Not a lame track in sight.

Tower of Power came to play at an assembly at my high school in 1973. One of the highlights of my high school years!

@mmc9828

Ай бұрын

Wow! You had a pretty hip school!!

The lead singer is Lenny Williams and you gotta hear his powerful ballad as a solo artist called "Cause I Love You" It's ridiculously good!

@LMmccallL57

Жыл бұрын

I've suggested Lenny and that song over and over, but still nothing. 🙁

@1dognight166

Жыл бұрын

@@LMmccallL57 keep at it ,I will.

@traceyrankin936

Жыл бұрын

Yeah Lenny Williams is amazing. And the Tower of Power horns are legendary. They are still touring today. And yes! You must check out Lenny Williams masterpiece of soul Because I Love You. You will swoon!

@michaelparmes1032

Жыл бұрын

Lenny Williams…Cause I Love You. This is an R&B classic.

@renee176

Жыл бұрын

And the world of R&B that song is a true classic!! Folks of a certain age will know it by heart!

THAT is a Baritone saxophone. It's played by none other than the Funky Doctor himself, Stephen Kupka.

The low horn you're hearing is the glorious baritone sax of Doc Kupka, who also has written all the horn arrangements for TOP for fifty years. If you want to hear him really tear shit up in one of Tower Of Power's most beloved legendary tracks, dig on "Squib Cakes." Some of the most delectable, very tastiest funk ever.

@gilbertbronsal3007

Жыл бұрын

Hey Joe Day : it's actually the Trumpet player, Greg Adams, who did the bulk of the horn arrangements. Kupka was actually the primary Lyricist on their songs, while Emilio Castillo came up with the music.

@IN2BEATS1

Жыл бұрын

@@gilbertbronsal3007 You are correct sir.

@sheldonbermont9373

Жыл бұрын

Greg Adams is the arranger. Doc is usually the co-writer w/ Emillio

@michellefernandez7769

11 ай бұрын

Tower of Power , Sparkling in the sand is another hit. If you like horns it will not disappoint. Please play

@normrodriguez9306

10 ай бұрын

Greg Adams and Mic Gillette arrange most of they're early tunes

'You're Still A Young Man' is another great one by them. Thanks for always making me smile!

My father loved this band….and he played their music at almost every family gathering I can remember. He passed away two years ago and I miss him terribly. When I hear this song I think of him and smile.

@frankb4517

Жыл бұрын

That’s because you’re listening to it for him and remembering the good times past. Music - the way-back time machine. Peace

The best live band I've ever seen - amazing show! This ballad is just a taste of their POWER! They're not called Tower of Power for nuthin'.

Your gonna love " Your still a young man" you will feel the emotion the band brings to this one

What a fantastic Tower of Power hit! One of my favorite songs from the radio growing up! Check out the live version of this song from Soul Train! It’s really great to see them play this to perfection live. That recording was a live show and not them lip syncing to the record.

@sheilameyers152

Жыл бұрын

The lead singer blows it away with this song! “So very hard to go” Yesss!! It is hard! The song has deep meaning that some of us don’t want to hear! If we must ……so be it! Boohoo!

Lets hear it for Bay Area, California!...TOWER OF POWER, seen them so many times, they even played at my High School back in the 70's...MY most favorite ever!!! THEY are still touring every year all year long!!

The deep horn is the baritone sax played by Stephen "The Funky Doctor" Kupka, who heard TOP play when they first started out and said they needed some bottom in the horn section. The rest is history!

Tower of Power are legendary! Check out "What Is Hip" and "Still Be Diggin' on James Brown" (live version at Montreux jazz festival). Their 50th anniversary show at the Fox Theater is epic as well. Saw them live 30+ years ago with a Tulsa All Stars horn player and he said they were the "tightest horn section" he had ever seen. Have to agree. Keep up the good music and great reactions. Much love.

In the 80's my wife and I were playing a gig in Monterey and late at night a guy came up to us and asked if he could play my wife's sax. We were hesitant of course buy he looked nice so we risked it. Blew us away and he was one of the sax players in Tower Of Power. Special.

LENNY WILLIAMS has more SOUL in his little pinky than I have in my whole body. Thank you both!

Lenny Williams is the lead singer on "So Very Hard to Go". The original lead singer of the group is the late Rufus Miller who is heard on their debut album "East Bay Grease" released on the San Francisco Label. The late Rick Stevens is the lead singer on the "Bump City" album released on the Warner Bros. Records label. Rick Stevens is singing lead vocal on "You're Still a Young Man". In 1976, after he left the band, he was addicted to drugs and shot three men to death during a deal gone wrong. Sentenced to life in prison, he served 36 years before being released on parole in 2012. His death in 2017 was due to liver cancer.

@diane9363

Ай бұрын

Thank you. That is so sad, but thank you for the info

They were a mainstay in r&b back in the day. Classics galore. Must hear Lenny Williams sing, "cause I love you" - it will move you in a major way. 👍🔥

@pattyduke3079

Жыл бұрын

There's feeling in every word. Deserves a reaction.

Yes!!! You got back to Tower of Power! I knew you'd love it. As many in the comments are saying "You're Still a Young Man" is a phenomenal song. Has the best trumpet intro and ending ever. "Soul Vaccination", "I Got Soul with a Capitol S", "Squib Cakes", and a whole ton of other Soul classics are there to pick from. In my mind this band is one of the most under-rated and overlooked bands ever. They should be in the R&R Hall of Fame.

@twentyfiveyears5010

Жыл бұрын

They should, but they could never fit 50 years of various band members on the stage lol!

Growing up in the East Bay, TOP was a staple. They are hometown guys and used to play our schools . I agree that "Doc" on the Bass Saxophone elevates everything. Even though I don't live near Oakland anymore, I still see TOP everytime they come to my city. They have had great singers over the years, Lenny is definitely supreme, but my favorite was Larry Bragga. Tower of Power horns have played behind many other artists too. Most of all, they are a "live" band, I have never had a bad time at a TOP concert. They are older, but they still give 110%. #EastBayGrease

The horn stabs are well played and placed on this song! In fact, the instrumentation from the whole band is amazing!

Love Tower of Power! Saw them once live and they absolutely blew me away - One of those bands that makes you smile the entire time and sends shivers down your spine.

Lenny Williams was a monster on vocals!! Everyone in this band was/is on point

@curtisscarmon3267

Жыл бұрын

Amen

@dawudabdullaah6977

8 ай бұрын

Lenny Williams was such a good singer that they couldn't replace him after he left. TOP had a reputation of sounding horrible live because the replacement singers just couldn't handle it, and they played their songs too fast.

@alcambrola2834

8 ай бұрын

Lenny Williams was and is the man. That being said, I thought Brent Carter and Larry Braggs held the frontman position well. Even Tom Bowes. I saw them 3 weeks ago and Mike Jerel in not a good fit. Wish they could put Lenny in a time machine and bring him back. As an added note, back in the mid 80's there was a gig when Emilio Castillo sang the whole show. That was at their lowest point.@@dawudabdullaah6977

That deep horn you hear is the Baritone Saxophone!!!

Besides their own band Tower of Power horns were considered the cream of the crop in the 70's. The list of albums of other groups they played on is vast. I know you are Santana fans so may I suggest the Santana song "Everybody's Everything" as a great example. Its a great headphone mix and it rocks and the horns PUMP! Keep up the good work. Hope you see this. You will be missing out if you dont. Not a big hit but it did chart. Those deep horns you asked about are a combination of Baritone Sax and Trombone. The singer was Lenny Williams. They changed vocalist often. BTW Incredible live as well!✌👍

@gaetanoschristmaschannel

Жыл бұрын

I saw Heuy lewis and the news at the Oakland coliseum arena in 1984 with the Tower of Power horn section. It was incredible. They did your still a young man and Heuy dropped to his knees and belted out 'Down on my knees" I'll never forget it.

@vandalnonesuch8274

Жыл бұрын

Let us not forget that The Tower of Power horn section was a prominent part of one of the best live albums ever made (my humble opinion), Waiting for Columbus by Little Feat!

@Jodierob7

Жыл бұрын

Everybody's Everything is awesome. I played it in a jazz band way back when (I played bari sax).

@willdwyer6782

Жыл бұрын

Rick Stevens went to prison for murder in 1976. He and Rufus Miller sang lead vocals on their first two albums.

@Friend_Of_The_Muse

Жыл бұрын

@@Jodierob7 We played it back in the day as well...I mean...take The band Santana with all its glory and Carlos and inject Tower of Power horns into it by the expert ears of legend producer Allen Toussaint. I was Lead Vocals and other things. Those were the days my friend. Sigh!😉 Lets hope the the Rob Squad gets there ears and senses bless by such a combination! Magnificent!

The baritone sax always stood out. That's the bottom end of the horn section that you're hearing

Lenny Williams was the lead singer at that time and you have NEVER heard singing until you've heard Lenny Willians sing Cause I Love You!

Welcome aboard, youngsters! Another great band from Northern California. I began listening to 'Tower Of Power' in the mid '70s. The song "You're Still A Young Man" was a very popular hit, especially for those who were joining the Military and leaving home for the first time. My sisters cried a lot when their male friends graduated high school and went into the military in other states.

Love this band! They are so much a part of my life. I've been fortunately to have seen them live 3 times and they put on a great show along with their great music. I believe that they are still performing to this day, albeit with only a coupe of the original band members. They're from the Bay Area (Oakland) and were such a part of my high school years in the 70's. They have a huge catalog and even some more recent songs. "Look in My Eyes" being one of my favorites released in 2020. If you want horns, this is the song.

@paularietta6744

Жыл бұрын

Here is the link to "Look in My Eyes" kzread.info/dash/bejne/YnqEspeLZKjfdKw.html

@twentyfiveyears5010

Жыл бұрын

@@paularietta6744 We might have run into each other 50 years ago! I was at Berkeley High in the late 60s-early 70s and was friends/classmates with Lenny Pickett who played sax with them.

Tower of Power is renowned as an extremely tight band. Great horn section that is just on it all the time. Got to see them for the 10th time just a couple months ago, and they sound exactly like they did 50 years ago. They have had multiple singers over the decades, and each one was great! Another great song of theirs is "What is Hip?" Live in 1977 : kzread.info/dash/bejne/hYJs0rmdisu8kbA.html From the album: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oXWV1rKJdcTAdKQ.html

I was just listening to this song on Spotify and said to myself that Rob Squad needs to react to this one. Then I went onto your page and voila...you did!!! This is by far one of my 2 favorites from TOP...the other being Sparkling In The Sand which is very underrated. So Very Hard To Go and Sparkling, to me, are both masterpieces!!!

Tower Of Power....when music was really music. Miss those days.

Your Still Young Man, What is Hip. That's a baritone saxophone.

I love it when I see you guys reacting to some of my Favorites!!! You're both awesome....if you wanna get a lot more funky with Tower of Power you have to react to " Soul Vaccination " or " Down to the Night Club "

@twentyfiveyears5010

Жыл бұрын

Bumpty bumpty bump!

Now you're onto something! Tower of Power has been my favorite horn-funk band for over 50 years, and they are still touring, albeit with lots of replacement members at this point. I learned to drink my first beers partying to their first album, East Bay Grease, in 1970. You can find something marvelous on any album in their deep catalog. Jay, that deep horn you're hearing is a baritone saxophone played by founding member Stephen "Doc" Kupka, the Funky Doctor. I switched to that instrument around that same time in the school jazz band.

“You’re Still A Young Man” will completely blow you away!!!

@user-g3y85g3

Жыл бұрын

Cᴏɴɢʀᴀᴛᴜʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴs ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇ sᴇʟᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴀᴍᴏɴɢsᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sʜᴏʀᴛʟɪsᴛᴇᴅ ᴡɪɴɴᴇʀs 🏆 ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴍᴀᴄʙᴏᴏᴋ-ᴍ2/ᴘᴄ/ᴘs5 ɢɪᴠᴇᴀᴡᴀʏ 🏆ᴅᴍ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ☝️...

As people have mentioned the lead singer of this song is Lennie Williams. He is the legend behind Cause I Love You. Probably the greatest love song ever. He pours his heart and soul into that song. Pure classic it is.

A song that has a very similar feel came to me while this was playing . The song is "Grazin' in the Grass" by the band The Friends of Distinction (a one-hit wonder band). This music puts me back to my summer of life guarding.

@joyceedwards2708

Жыл бұрын

Other hits by Friends of Distinction, Going in circles and Love or let me be lonely.

@ernestgrant6107

Жыл бұрын

Don't forget the original Grazin in the Grass by Hugh Masekela - A Jazz musician from South African. It was the catalyst for the friends of distinction and their rendition. It's a great instrumental done even better by the Friends of Distinction. Although I must disagree with "the Friends" being one-hit wonders. Don't forget Puppet Man, Stone Soul Picnic, Working on a Groovy Thing, This is your Life, California Soul, One less Bell to Answer, Up, Up and Away, Aquarius, etc. All hits. Let's keep music alive.

Lenny Pickett, who is the tenor player in the Saturday Night Live band, played in Tower of Power back then.

Yep. That's a baritone sax and a bass trombone playing in their low register. Magic!

One of the best ToP songs is "You're Still A Young Man", and their 40th-anniversary performance of this song is super-special! Then y'all get to see them play and Lenny giving it his all!

Love the horns!! A great Earth Wind & Fire song that you ought to check out is "September".

You two take me back to the 70's sitting in my room listening to records with my girl at my side

This song SLAYS me every time! When I listen to it I usually play it 3 or 4 times! I try to catch the little nuances in the vocals (amazing and perfect), the horn section - are ICONS, the piano teases just right, and as a frustrated guitar player - the super tasty licks that are subtle, understated and leave me hungry for more! The perfect love song!

My favorite song from Tower of Power is You're Still a Young Man.

@kathybwell

Жыл бұрын

@rickvannoy - mine too! Especially the 40th anniversary performance.

This is classic Tower of Power! Grew up listening to them in the SF/Oakland area. One of their other beautiful soulful ballads is “Sparkling in the Sand” Lead singer Lenny Williams is iconic. Glad that you’re enjoying TOP. The TOP horn section has to be THE best, along with Chicago’s and EWF. You know your horns are kicking when other artists (like Santana, Huey Lewis and the News, and others) ask you to be in their songs! ❤🎺🎷

So many songs what an absolutely Wonderful group they have been for over 50 years! I have been following them since 1969 I bought everything they ever put out still have that music and now playing on CD. Recent song of theirs I don’t know when this was done but I know it’s gotta be in the last three years “soul side of town”, love to see you react to one of their newest song as well as the other ones

Hi Rob Squad Reactions, thank you for sharing your comments on this excellent song which I can tell how much you like. You MUST listen to that same song played by Leonid & Friends (if you haven't already) . . . The precision of the cover will blow your minds from every angle: vocals, horns, drums, piano, guitar, cords... everything! I will be looking forward to enjoy your reactions to it. Cheers & good music!!

@lindadesanto6593

8 ай бұрын

I just discovered Leonid and friends and I can't get enough of them! They blow my mind!

The singer: Lenny Williams the answer to your "deep horn" question: baritone sax listing the horn line up: 2 trumpets, bari sax, and 2 tenor saxes

Tower of Power horns accompanied Huey Lewis and the News in a lot of his songs

This is the East Bay sound of the 70's. My best friend who has passed and I both considered " Sparkling in the Sand" by TOP our favorite song. RIP my friend.

Great band great harmony and brass always awesome not to mention Lenny Williams

This song was also included on the soundtrack of the movie "City of God", which would be a great for your movie channel. If you are looking for another Earth Wind and Fire tune try "Can't Hide Love" no horns in it, but when it came out it was one of those that made you stop and listen.

Oh yeah, this is one of my favorite ballads of all time! You could definitely go down a rabbit hole of great songs with Tower of Power. If you want to continue your journey, I would recommend listening to What Is Hip, Soul Vaccination, You're Still A Young Man and Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream).

This song was co-written by a band member who was going through a serious break up of a relationship. I hope this helped him get some closure

Finally!!!!! My first request to you, guys, since the very beggining of the channel!!!!!!! I’m so happy you’re knowing this song!!!!!! ♥️✌️And don’t forget the incredible BS&T, too! Another great band! 👍

Best love song singer ever! Lenny Williams

FLOATERS - Float On 1977 original studio version only talk about a classic that hardly ever gets any air play cuz not many people have discovered this Gem 💎

@WilliamTheMovieFan

Жыл бұрын

Great, unique song.

Yes!, YES! FINALLY TOWER OF POWER...😉 "Sparkling in the Sand" ..

The deep horn is the Baritone Sax Steve “Doc” Kupka is the baritone player. Try “only so much oil” “Squibb Cakes” “Funk the Dumbstuff” or “Soul with a Capital S” if you want to hear them burn on all cylinders

Jay & Amber, you'll love their "Walkin' Up Hip Street"!!! It is end-to-end horns!! One of my favorite instrumentals! edit- you left out great horn band Blood Sweat & Tears, which you've heard. You'll love their "Spinning Wheel"!!!!

GUYS... if you love horns and you want your socks knocked off...*and* if you love Simon & Garfunkel smoooooth harmonies all in one song, I got an under-the-radar recommendation for you: KEEP THE CUSTOMERS SATISFIED by Simon & Garfunkel. The fun aspect of this song is that it starts out as straight-line S&G, but as the song goes along, it transforms into an epic horn romp that is unlike anything else I've heard recorded. Would be so much fun to experience you guys experiencing this sleeper of a jam.

The way the horns punctuate the lyrics, and also drive the song reminds me of “call and response” used in blues. Like how SRV (and so many others) played. LOVE IT

On that "deep" horn, you're probably hearing a bass saxophone and/or bass trombone. Props to you for picking this up. I'm 65 and was a high school freshman when this came out. And a trumpet player in concert band. What a solo! This was one of my favorite songs, and still is. Great choice! (And if I may be so bold... Amber, you are straight up adorable, girl! Your man is a looker, too... but not my thang.) :-)))

Brings back a memory of singing this with a coworker in the 90s. Great song, and Lenny Williams is too underrated. Have a great day!

Been on my playlist for a long time. I feel this not just to the marrow of my bones, but to the marrow yet to be created. Yeah...it's like that....

"Rock Baby" ! That should be next, but "You're still a young man" and "What is Hip" Another group close in vibe Tierra "Together"

Glad to see the youngans finding out what true music sounds like. Before autotune and the technology that has destroyed it. That bottom end on the horn is a baritone sax, played by the legendary Stephen "Doc" Kupka. Tower of Power is considered by many horn bands to be the cream of the crop, the pinnacle of horn bands. The drummer, David Garibaldi, is considered the best funk drummer ever by a multitude of his peers. And yes, TOP deserves more plays. 50 plus years of delivering soul music throughout the world. Legendary! You wanna view another TOP classic, just throw a dart at the board. You can't miss. I've seen them perform live more than 80 times. I'm 70 now but saw my first TOP show in 1972. Not a band on the planet that gives off the energy created by these guys.

This was Tower of Power highest charted song. Such a beautiful classic song with the all the essential horn sections piano and guitars to round out a pleasing tune. Great vocals. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦

This is their best song...Loved it back in the day and still do

So glad you found Tower of Power. Check out “This time it’s real,” “Down to the nightclub,” and if you want to hear them do a waltz “Time Will Tell.” A group I don’t think you’ve done yet is Breakwater. They exemplify the “Philly Sound,” and their hit “Work it Out” features the Soprano Saxophone and was recorded using something called the “Aphex Aural Exciter.”

My dad and I started bonding over music more when a year ago I played this in the car with him and he was like, "HEYY! THIS IS MY JAM!!"

Love this !, it's their best song. P.S/ there is a live version of this also.

I just love Tower of Power.

I’ve waited a long time to hear you hit this gem! The trumpet solo is gorgeous!

I am SO happy you enoyed this song. This is my JAM and it never gets old👉

Doc Kupka is famous for his baritone sax in this band which gives you that deeeeeep horn. I love Tower of Power's instrumental "Squib Cakes"...it starts out with these short bumps of baritone sax that set the mood for some tasty funk fusion.

"WHAT IS HIP?" IS FIRE

One of the few favorite songs that I was privileged to hear in my life's journey.

Hey Guys, I'm a huge Earth Wind & Fire and Chicago Fan, but IMHO, I have to admit Tower of Power has "The Best Horn Section" in the business!!!

Another amazing horn player is Chuck Mangione, his song, “Feels So Good” is phenomenal!

@lreed1040

Жыл бұрын

They did a reaction to the short version already but really do need to hear this song in its full length album version.

Down to the Night Club and East Bay Grease are also deserving of a listen.

I heartily recommend "You're Still A Young Man". One of my all-time favorite songs. Enough soul to last all day.

Tower of power has the best horn section in the world ...I seen them live in 1975 and still say the tightest band I have ever seen...yes do more check out a song called..I like your style..the whole album you are listening to now is all good stuff

Little Feat did a terrific live double album called "Waiting for Columbus" with the Tower of Power horns. Definitely check that out. And I'd add Blood, Sweat and Tears to the list of horn bands from the late '60s/'70s.

Amber's reaction at 5:03...She was feeling it! 😊

@CommishNflpro

Жыл бұрын

That's the dulcet tones of Mr. Greg Adams on the flugelhorn. He and Mic Gillette (deceased) both played the trumpet in this cut. Mic also plays trombone here. In the live Soul train version, if you watch carefully just before Greg's solo you'll see Mic pick up his trumpet and play it in his right hand while still holding the trombone in his left hand.

Every time I hear this song that brass section brings a tear to my eye. Love Tower of Power. Thanks.

Listen to a not well known group called Chase! Awesome trumpet!! ALL HORNS

This song was recorded in Berkeley. California I believe and after several takes they could not get a satisfying result, so they decided to take a break and went to a nearby Barbeque restaurant (KC's BBQ) and had a nice meal then came back to the Fantasy Records studio and finished a perfect record.

@twentyfiveyears5010

Жыл бұрын

Recorded in 1973. Lenny Pickett (now SNL music director) played sax; he would have graduated BHS with me in 1972 if he had not dropped out to play music. Alan Chinowsky was part of the production crew and was also a BHS 72 classmate.

You guys need to dive into the funk here! "Back on the Streets Again", "Soul Vaccination " and "Sqiub Cakes"!!

Before my time, BUT WHAT AN AMAZING SONG!! Lyrics are GREAT! Btw U guys are so enjoyable to watch bc it’s like listening to these songs for the first time🤙🏼❤️🙏🏼

Couldn't press fast enough. Classic from my era. Great vocals and music is always on point. Wonderful musicians.

You were close, Jay. "Let It Whip" was the Dazz Band. The other ToP song you did was "What is Hip?"

This is one of the best before lead singer Lenny Williams left the group for a solo career. Excellent guys.

Everything about this song is great. One of my favorites.

Love this group! Lenny's voice melts you away. I used to play this song at night before I went to sleep. It was my lullaby song! 💖💖💖

You'll should check out " Your still a Young Man "by TOP

You're Still a Young Man I feel is their best but they have several others that are good as well.

Horns! Horns! Fantastic vocals! Spiral Staircase. "More today than Yesterday" Great great song.! Must listen!

THANK YOU FOR REACTING TO THIS AMAZING CUT! TOWER OF POWER WAS 🔥LIVE! THAT DEEP HORN MAY BE A BASSOON.

From the perspective of the 63-year-old guy that I am who loves music, and also from that same perspective, having heard this song with it debuted, you all are just too cute! Keep up the good work. Love you. That's all this special