That first keyboard solo is Steve Porcaro. Davis Paich plays the Jazz swing piano at the end....everyone gets a solo. i sure miss those times. You'd never hear that in today's songs. When you have a band created from TOP Studio Session Players, this is what you get. No holes anywhere, all top players. Since it didn't get mentioned, they were the band for MJ's Thriller LP, with Steve Pocaro writing most of "Human Nature" as well. The Late, GREAT Jeff Porcaro playing a half time shuffle, based on Bernard Purdie, John Bonham's shuffle from "Fool in the Rain", and the kick pattern from a Bo Diddley tune. They were armed to the teeth with genius! i First heard this at my Senior Prom...Time keeps on slippin'.
Toto is one of most underrated bands of all time. Those guys collectively have played on more hits than anyone else. Thanks for doing this video and giving "The Boys" the respect they truly deserve.
They’re a great band and I love them but how the hell are they underrated? After 40+ years they’re still immensely popular - in the top 400 most listened in the world on Spotify and have billions of plays, they tour the world and sell out venues constantly - what more could you want for them?
….and “Georgy Porgy”, and “ without your love”, and “These Chains”, and “I won’t hold you back”, and “Afraid of Love”, and “Melanie”, and “Angela” w/ Paich, and “ I think I could stand you forever”, and “ if it’s the last night”….. and that’s just a couple albums of the top of my head… He has sang a lot of great Toto tunes…Oh yeah, “English Eyes” and “Anna”…and on and on and on…I love Bobby as a singer, Joseph as a singer, and Steve as well
As many have said, absolutely nothing wrong with Lukather's vocals... Nice, natural, pleasant tone, in tune, and totally connected with the audience. BTW the last bit is the most important element, and can not be gotten with technque. Also the contrast between the 2 vocals is part of this song success.
Jeff Porcaro makes the groove sound SO simple throughout this whole song. It is NOT easy. This is one of those Holy Grail grooves that every drummer wishes they could play at all, let alone sound and smooth and natural as Jeff makes it sound in this song. It's complex, fast, and smooth. Good luck actually playing it! Based on the Purdie Shuffle (think Fool in the Rain by Zeppelin as well), this is just SO awesome. Apply that to every other musician in the production and you are 1/2 way there. What an awesome performance this is - from a guy who doesn't even really like Toto that much :).
@2:05 That swing is the iconic Jeff Porcaro "Rosanna shuffle", which is a combination of Bonham's 'Fool In The Rain' groove, and Bernard Purdie's 'Purdie Shuffle'. Cheers!
I really like Joseph Williams in the lead, but Bobby Kimball is a monster... his performance on their concert of 25th anniversary in Amsterdam is supernatural, it's unbelievable...
It's a shame that it wasn't meant to be for Bobby to stay with the band at their peak. Life is crazy at times, especially when you suddenly become multi millionaires and everyone wants a piece of you. I like Joe Williams and Fergie's effort, but how great would the Isolation album have been if a healthy and focused Bobby Kimball could have completed the project ? Definitely one of the greatest voices of all time.. so much soul
Ken, I’m pretty sure if you asked Steve Lukather about how the rhythm is phrased on his vocal part, he would tell you that it was definitely intentional and for an effect. It definitely creates an interesting tension by singing straight over the swung groove. Kind of a polyrhythm vibe happening. It also makes the contrast between Steve and Bobby greater, which results in more impact once Bobby enters the song. Boom!
I was thinking the same thing. I always thought Steve tiptoed over the pocket instead of singing right into it. (At least thought it without knowing that's what it was!) As usual Ken is spot on, if you don't sing it like that it doesn't sound the same or feel the same.
(also as a standalone comment above) Regarding the different singing styles and grooves (or 'feel's, if you please) used by Lukather vs Kimball, my personal observation (and a moment of 'wow, respect!') is as below: It's all in the lyrical content and the two personas of a naive late teenager vs a slightly upfront and 'raunchier' young adult of the boy who falls for Rosanna. The sweet rookie romantic of a boy that starts the verses is of course rather 'boyish' and wouldn't pull off a groovy, seductive style. Yet, an older version sings about what he would do at night, with all his fresh adult charm and a couple of tricks ;) up his sleeve, name it 'game' if you'd like. Thus, Kimball perfectly sings / acts the part. Innocent affection, shyness, humility and sadness of a heartbreak with the boy contrasts with the flirtatious style, libido, courage and pain of lost love of the young adult. So, that's how I read beneath the surface of what I listen to; a crazy-good crafted, arranged and produced track that was made to be an instant classic. :) I'd be glad if you share any counter / divergent / alternative opinion of yours, or simply a 'gesture of recognition'. :) Cheers
Well as a vocalist guitar player , Steve’s vocals fits right in the pocket.. My ear tells me he sings pretty damn good! Is he a Mickey Thomas No! But he holds his own!
Toto is definitely a band that should be on everyone's Playlist. One of my all time faves. Thank you my brother in Christ Ken Tamplin for covering this.
I played this on 45 like crazy as a child, absolutely loved singing this song and pretending to play the keyboards. Such a great song and you have given me new hidden nuggets to dive into. Thank you so much. God bless
I’ve listened to countless interviews where Luke is always self-effacing when it comes to vocals, and he calls himself just a guitar player who can kind of sing. Nothing could be further from the truth. I think his emotive voice is perfect for the songs. He sings on and I think he’s very underappreciated and overlooked because he’s such a good guitar player, he has a very gentle, singing voice, and I think he really brings a ton of emotion without being a technically perfect singer, which is what I really love
Bobby is AWESOME, so glad to see him get the love he deserves, thanks Ken!! Bobby's told amazing stories about his 1st session being for Ray Charles and how Ray was his idol, both vocally and on piano, too (yes, Bobby can play the keys very very well!)
Someone else mentioned this and I believe it's true. Steve sang the verse straight/in a polyrhythm so that when Bobby enters it, it has that SLAMMING in effect to the 10th power. Also Paich wrote this song about his POV on Steve (Porcaro's) relationship with Rosanna Arquette. They now claim it was about Paich's gf and the name "Rosanna" just fit better. Who knows. If true Arquette was kinda like the 80's Patty Boyd hehe :P Peter Gabriel (another AMAZING singer/songwriter! Talk about pure passion and TONE for days!) wrote the majority of his "Us" record about his relationship with R.A. Another rumor was that In Your Eyes was about Arquette but that was about PG's first wife.
This song and "More than A Feeling" by Boston are two of the most elaborate songs because of all the attention to detail that went into their making. Growing up in he 80's and 90's, one knew that the songs from those decades were great, but had no idea that we were spoiled and that it wouldn't last much longer. The sad part is that we'll probably never see this type of musicianship again coming together to create masterpieces that will stand the test of time.
Yes, Bobby Kimball! 🥰 One of my favorites! I'm in love with his voice. Most singers are unique in their own right, but he is definitely (to me at least) one of a kind. I've been hoping for a while that you could cover him, so I'm glad you did. There really is no one that sounds quite like him. It's even more evident minus the instruments, though I still hear them in my head lol. Thanks for another great video Ken 😁
You nailed it, these musicians are absolutely brilliant in their own right. Together Toto are an incredibly talented and an outstanding band. Totally underrated- Thank you
Bobby Kimball was on the card with Lou Gramm and Dennis DeYoung at that free concert I saw at Coney Island ..... best free concert I have ever been to....
thank you for this video!!!!, i'm almost 60 years old and was born the very year that the beatles first came to the u.s.. i'm black so i was raised listening to alot of r&b and 50's 60's and 70's soul music, but i was also raised listen to all the late 50's, 60's and 70's folk rock and am radio rock, especially when we lived in scarsdale n.y.. it was in 78 that heard the first toto music, only to learn 10 years later that i had actually been listening to them play behind other earlier artists, that was the coolest thing to me. hold the line, girl goodbye and i'll supply the love were the first 3 songs i heard on the radio. from that point on i was hooked, i get what you feel about those little things that they would do in their music, it's part of what set them aprt from other groups. when i first heard them, i likened them to that scene from the wizard of oz when dorothy's house finally lands, and she opens the door and steps from an all black and white home into a beautiful technocolored world. that's the same feeling i got when i first heard toto. i knew at that moment that we were no longer in kansas!!! i also understand that feeling you get coming out of one of their concerts, i've seen them 3 times....once for the toto 4 tour back in 82, once for the kingdom of desire tour in baltimore at hammerjacks. let me tell you brother, that was a really cool place to see them, i was on i think the 3rd floor bar and if you've ever been there.....the second to the 3rd or 4th floor all have giant bars that look down right on the stage, to hear the entire place filled to the limit from up there all singing rosanna!!!...it was truly a dream come true, and hell yeah!! leaving that show, i felt like i had just gotten my ass kicked by the greatest group of singers and musicians there have ever been!!!....i even worked up the courage to make my way out to where the band buses were and i caught lukather on his way out, he was very gracious and i could tell he was in mourning over jeff's passing so i kept it short. he shook my hand and gave me an autograph and i had to sit in the amtrack station for another 8 hours waiting for the morning train to take me back to d.c. but i was floating on air for the next 6 months. i then went to see them for the mindfields tour in atlantic city....here's a tip, never stay at a days in while in atlantic city, can you say peep hole in the bathroom, i caught them looking at me through the small peep hole in the bathroom in my room, they were so frightened when i discovered them that you would've thought they were doing some demolition in the next room. the hotel staff...not toto!!! anyway i caught them before i took my shower and i blocked the peephole and proceeded hit the mgm grand casino where the group was playing. it was the first tour with bobby kimball in about 18 years, so i was really happy. i remember standing in the hallway outside the auditorium and there were alot people standing around and talking, and i was looking around and i overheard someone saying mike porcaro's wife's name so i turned and to my shock...there they were!!!....i took a deep breath and walked up and introduced myself and i'm so glad i did!!!! mike and his wife were the greatest people you would ever want to meet and his wife was gracious enough to take my camera and snap a few photo's of mike with me. we chatted for about 5 minutes and then mike asked to see my ticket, i handed it to him and he wrote something on it and his name too. i get to the auditorium door and there's a guy there letting people in but he's not checking any tickets, he gets to me and says may i see your ticket please...i hand it to him and he says please follow me sir......the guy takes me right up to the front of the stage!!! it was a great night, bobby aknowledged me, after a few songs i took a break and grabbed a beer and looked back at the stage and lukather was waving me to come back, he had noticed me cheking out his work on the frets from an earlier song, so i get back to the front and he looks me in the eye and proceeds to play the opening to that great stadium rocker called caught in the balance!!!!!.......i was blown away....i was literally walking on air for the rest of the night. after that great show, i went right out to the beach and sat for about an hour just going over in my head how great that show was, how great it was to hear bobby live again and getting to meet and speak with mike porcaro and his wife. it's kind of sad now, when i think that now the only original members are luke and joe williams, it's just not the same without the rest of the guys. i also would've loved to meet simon phillips, he was the greatest after jeff. anyway, sorry i kind of went a little crazy....but it's toto!!!!! thanks again for the video.
Ken, in this line up (original Toto, Mach1, first 4 albums) Paich was usually the piano and organ. STEVE Porcaro was all the soundscape, midi stacked, state of the art keyboard stuff. Like the first solo. Good breakdown, but I was looking forward to more Bobby Kimball vocal styling/science from you then a fanboy breakdown which has been done by others. One of the best bands ever, literally. Thanks as always, Ken.
Wow Ken not only one of the world’s great vocal coaches but I can see definite inklings of you being a monster arranger and producer. Your understanding of music is uncanny. Take a bow.
I think Bobby should be cloned and have an army of him! Listening to these isolated vocals make me understand even better how cool those songs are! I have a story about Steve Lukather. A friend of mine that plays guitar and lives in Italy went to watch Steve in a concert. After The concert was over he decided to stop in a pub and guess what? Steve had the same idea and he got into the same pub. My friend got to chat and offered him a beer. Sooner, other guys got into the pub and recognized Steve. They also wanted to buy him a beer, but he kindly declined by saying “Thank you guys, but this friend of mine already got me one.” Well, my friend looked at the guys with that kind of facial expression that was saying “He called me his friend!” Haha! So, Steve showed how humble he is even if he's one of the greatest guitar players in the World, and a very famous musician. By the way, Ken, what's your octave range in your voice? I heard you going very high, and going very low :-) 240 octaves? Haha.
I agree on everything you said! Bobby Kimball deserves his place in the big names list (quite top in that list if not the absolute first...). He has a special voice and singing style and that turned out to become the true trademark for almost all main Toto hits. I Iove the way he sings and the power he can deliver most than anyother singer I ever heard in my life. In my list, he is sitting right on the first top place. My king.
Ken, This stuff is great. You point out stuff I would never had heard. Oh and your nuts.. Love it man. Your being yourself.. I am a fan.. Nicky Cristino.
Personally, I think you are not listening to Lukather at the front of the song.....there is more swing to his vocals than you are giving him credit for. I encourage you to take a closer listen. To another point, it makes the song more interesting when there are different vocal styles. I think Lukather's part does just that. Thanks for pointing out some very subtle nuances of the song. Good choice to illustrate individual pockets, giving each other space, and other characteristics of being at the top of the musician game. Phenomenal musicianship? Wow, that is the understatement of the year! Go TOTO!
I have commented on this video before. I’ve watched it many times and continue to do so. I love how you point out and explain how the band members play together with and for each other. How they shine when it’s their time and step back to let the next musician do his thing. I’m 58 and have always been a Toto fan. I saw a Toto concert on late night tv in early 80’s as a teenager and was so impressed how amazing they were live. I dig all your videos but this has got to be one of your best videos.
@@timramich It’s actually not. It’s actually very different in fact. It’s a combination of shuffles from 3 shuffles, and an added Bo-Diddley kick pattern.
..not even Ringo..I've seen him play it...but to his credit, he does a good job of making it work with his drumming..I think THAT is one of the things that makes Ringo a great drummer..not his technical prowess....
I have Steve's isolated guitar tracks and he is softly funking through that whole intro with a pronounced emphasis on the riff that we hear so well in the mix. Toto were studio guys that formed a GREAT band. There's a great story how Jeff Porcaro came up with his amazing drum groove. I have played and sang this song many many times in addition to other Toto songs. The jam at at the end is SO much fun! I do not have Bobby Kimball's range. Yet
Wow the iconic Rosanna shuffle! I do agree about Kimball being very underrated (he was caught i think in the middle of one of the golden era of classic rock frontmen like Perry, Delp, DeYoung, Gramm, Mercury, etc) Another great vocal analysis Ken!! Stay healthy!
I agree...Bobby Kimball is underated..The fact that he doesn't overdo it and just sings it..Cool that you know him..That whole band was great.I love when you review songs like this ...I learn so much
I'm a huge Joseph Williams fan, but Bobby was just such a soaring vocalist. He and Joseph have some cool acapella records made with where they teamed up with Bill Champlain and Jason Scheff.
Toto is one of my favorite bands! Lukather is just so incredible! Kimball, too, heck, the whole shebang. I’m living for this, Ken!! I’m living for everything you put out....you are seriously so informative, kind, and engaged with your comment section. You’re at nearly one million subs!!! and yet you respond to so many of us! Freaking amazing. Much appreciated, Ken.
Woooooooooah!!! What a great choice. Kimball is a huge singer imho. 🤩 Ken, I start to hate you to still be able to still sing awesomely these songs at your age....I'm pretty jealous now. 😄😄😄
That outro was completely of the cuff by the way. The song could very well have ended with those closing horns, but during one take I think its Jeff who signaled to keep going. They went for it and that entire outro was one take live in the studio. That outro alone is worth all the grammys they won.
Ken you know what? Most of the Toto’s fans love Steve Lukather’s vocal. You should make a video breaking down the songs I’ll Be Over You or I Won’t Hold You Back. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
How I wish they'd just kept on making music like that. I mean everything about how Toto made music with this song and Africa. The sound is so beautiful. The strong treble from this time is magic and it was thrown in the bin when the 90's started.
Steve Lukather and Toto are as tight as musicians get but that isn’t so surprising when you look at their massive resume as studio “Magicians.” And you are so right, Toto’s music has Fantastic spacing between instruments, tempo, stops, starts, and maturity. I have heard Steve sing on many other projects (I know you have as well) and he is quite an amazing vocalist in his own right. Bobby is such an unbelievable vocalist both studio and live. I was so sad when he left Toto for a while. Fantastic vocals, fantastic band. Ed Sheeran . . . Oh brother Hahaha
I remember in the early 80s finding a tape with Rosanna without horns and vocals in a bag of tapes my dad, a session sax musician, had lying in a corner
Hey Ken! dude I love your analysis! I'm late to the party here, I can only add that these guys were my inspiration to get serious about vocals. Every musician, vocals and instrumentation has a perfect blend, regardless of their individual styles, range, etc. Not by accident, of course, a big part of their genius to me is their producing and arranging chops. Every nuance of their recording process was intentional, obviously. They were the first band that demonstrated to me that when you're that good you kinda "paint" with your music. Damn. Just so sonically delicious! Thanks again for this. so good.
Keep in mind that steven plays guitar AND SINGS. I think thats a hell of a lot of concentration to keep time on his guitar and stay on key 🔑 fir melody. Personally, I think steven has an incredible soulful voice just listen to hold you back off toto 4 or a live performance from the 90s. Even goergy porgy video. I mean I love bobby, but steven can hold his own. But the two of them on waiting for your love, I just love that harmony, that's the beauty of toto. Still both bobby and steven have beautiful voices ... made toto what it became. That they started as bozz Skaggs session players just amazes me who knew they arise to be so ironic???
Luke is a much better singer than most give him credit for... and Kimball is a monster. I saw Paich, Steve Pocaro, and James Newton Howard - each with mountainous stacks of keyboards - jam in a small room at the 1982 NAMM in Atlanta... absolutely melted my mind. A few months later I caught the whole band at the FOX Theatre... just a different level.
You have taught me so much about music I cannot thank you enough you are a gifted Humanity I love watching you and listening to you your loving and creative Vibe makes me feel so happy and I love learning about music through you can thank you so much
I love toto such a great band Ken Rosanna is a awesome song loved it loved Africa as well but toto has some great music and Great songs love the singing and vocals loved those high notes on Rosanna the singers were great always liked toto one of my favorite bands Ken their great 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Lukather sang a lot of the HITS. THINK of him as a singer, as well as one of the best guitarists in the world. Whatever is on the album was there because they wanted it to be.
Lukather sang on lots the hits because the record company kept choosing their softest tunes and the band really wanted the hard rock songs like WHITE SISTER released so they could've been on the arena rock tickets back in the late 70s but the record company ignored the bands wishes and put out 99 anyway. Lukather talked about that and said they were not happy campers with the "BALLAD" tag.
No, it's Steve Porcaro's solo (my all-time favorite). He pieced it together from 4 different parts of Polyfusion, CS80, Prophet & Jupiter, while Paich did the organ and piano stuff :)
Good job big fan of theirs since the beginning!!!! Guitar player here. Kimball was the best. Luke rules. As well as Paich and Porcaros RIP Jeff and Mike! 🙏🏻
This may be the best version of Rosanna I have ever seen. (And I have seen them live a few times :) Fantastic breakdown, you make me appreciate the song even more I already did.
Great musicians just phenomenal but I guess they are so good they make it look so easy that many dont respect the band....glad u are showing the world that dont know music
Hey Ken--AWESOME breakdown of this song--and I thought I had mad man-love for Toto :-). I just had one slight comment. As you mentioned, for drummers, the drum groove on this song is iconic and the Holy Grail for us to learn to play. As I'm also sure you know, Jeff Pocaro was the originator of this song's groove (mix of a Bo Diddly and Jon Bonham shuffle). However in the vid you're showing clips (stills actually) of Simon Phillips playing. Simon is a Jedi as well, but it would nice to accurately give the credit to Jeff so he can be properly recognized for his extreme prowess and discernment to sit in the pock and break-out only when appropriate. Thanks my friend and keep these breakdowns coming--they/you ROCK!
Wow! That was a fantastic job breaking down this song, Ken, I loved it. I've always been a huge Toto fan. I wish you would go through "Girl Goodbye" and "Manuela Run" the same way. Those 2 songs always had a funky, blaxploitation film soundtrack vibe to me.
This is such a joyous masterpiece of a song. Thank you so much for giving it the detailed analysis it deserves. I had a smile on my face through the whole video. :)
Bobby has a beautiful voice. However so does the other singer. They have opposite tinder. This works well. You were so excited for the horn part. It's a signature stamp. I I did notice the quartet Harmony when listening to the song. It elevates it to a whole new level.
Toto is phenomenal! Take a look at Porcaro's support throughout this song... absolutely amazing! Jeff is one of the most important drummers of all time.
Yes! Mickey Thomas and Bobby Kimball were quite similar ;D It's David Paich singing the low parts, and I think I can hear Steve Porcaro's voice behind Luke's voice here and there...
Don't how I missed this one. I've always said that Bobby was and underrated singer. Especially on "Hold the Line". No one can sing that song like he does. Excellent review!
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Bobby Kimball’s Vocals is what gave Toto its Soul. Always liked his Singing and he sings from the Heart.
That first keyboard solo is Steve Porcaro. Davis Paich plays the Jazz swing piano at the end....everyone gets a solo. i sure miss those times. You'd never hear that in today's songs. When you have a band created from TOP Studio Session Players, this is what you get. No holes anywhere, all top players. Since it didn't get mentioned, they were the band for MJ's Thriller LP, with Steve Pocaro writing most of "Human Nature" as well. The Late, GREAT Jeff Porcaro playing a half time shuffle, based on Bernard Purdie, John Bonham's shuffle from "Fool in the Rain", and the kick pattern from a Bo Diddley tune. They were armed to the teeth with genius! i First heard this at my Senior Prom...Time keeps on slippin'.
Toto is one of most underrated bands of all time. Those guys collectively have played on more hits than anyone else. Thanks for doing this video and giving "The Boys" the respect they truly deserve.
So true. Glad you enjoyed it!
They’re a great band and I love them but how the hell are they underrated? After 40+ years they’re still immensely popular - in the top 400 most listened in the world on Spotify and have billions of plays, they tour the world and sell out venues constantly - what more could you want for them?
Toto were like the ‘wrecking crew’ of the ‘80s.
I agree
Underrated?
I love how Lukather sings so much of his part softly and in his mixed or head voice. Adds so much depth rather than just belting it from the chest.
Thanks for the thoughts!
Agreed!
Steve sings “I’ll Be Over You”. He is absolutely a singer on top of being an incredible guitarist.
Rock on!
Agreed!
Steve Lukather is my all time favourite guitarist too! I've seen him 8 times live. 6 times with Toro and twice with Los Lobotomys.
….and “Georgy Porgy”, and “ without your love”, and “These Chains”, and “I won’t hold you back”, and “Afraid of Love”, and “Melanie”, and “Angela” w/ Paich, and “ I think I could stand you forever”, and “ if it’s the last night”….. and that’s just a couple albums of the top of my head… He has sang a lot of great Toto tunes…Oh yeah, “English Eyes” and “Anna”…and on and on and on…I love Bobby as a singer, Joseph as a singer, and Steve as well
As many have said, absolutely nothing wrong with Lukather's vocals... Nice, natural, pleasant tone, in tune, and totally connected with the audience. BTW the last bit is the most important element, and can not be gotten with technque. Also the contrast between the 2 vocals is part of this song success.
I love it when people recognize Totos greatness.
Love them!
Bobby Kimball has pure soul, extremely gifted vocals!
As a vocalist in a band I could only dream of having any of the great skills TOTO posses.
Such a killer band!
@@kentamplin indeed, under rated and not acknowledged for the great session work. Keep up the awesome content.
Same, I'm a singer myself. Bobby Kimball is definitely someone I've looked up vocally to over the years 😊
@@prioryjonesofficial5292 Will do!
Hey Ken! Do you like Toto? Couldn’t tell. Lol
Jeff Porcaro makes the groove sound SO simple throughout this whole song. It is NOT easy. This is one of those Holy Grail grooves that every drummer wishes they could play at all, let alone sound and smooth and natural as Jeff makes it sound in this song. It's complex, fast, and smooth. Good luck actually playing it! Based on the Purdie Shuffle (think Fool in the Rain by Zeppelin as well), this is just SO awesome. Apply that to every other musician in the production and you are 1/2 way there. What an awesome performance this is - from a guy who doesn't even really like Toto that much :).
Thanks for the thoughts.
Sometimes, imperfection is perfection. Steve's vocals in this song (as well as the others) are just right. Wouldn't have it any other way. :)
It's impossible to not talk about the whole band, everything is so great, every detail!!!
I agree!
@2:05 That swing is the iconic Jeff Porcaro "Rosanna shuffle", which is a combination of Bonham's 'Fool In The Rain' groove, and Bernard Purdie's 'Purdie Shuffle'. Cheers!
Thanks for weighing in, John!
I really like Joseph Williams in the lead, but Bobby Kimball is a monster... his performance on their concert of 25th anniversary in Amsterdam is supernatural, it's unbelievable...
Thanks for the thoughts!
Love Joseph as well. Fahrenheit is so classic
It's a shame that it wasn't meant to be for Bobby to stay with the band at their peak. Life is crazy at times, especially when you suddenly become multi millionaires and everyone wants a piece of you. I like Joe Williams and Fergie's effort, but how great would the Isolation album have been if a healthy and focused Bobby Kimball could have completed the project ? Definitely one of the greatest voices of all time.. so much soul
By the way, how cool are David's deep harmony parts? So smooth :)
Thanks Ken :)
Ken, I’m pretty sure if you asked Steve Lukather about how the rhythm is phrased on his vocal part, he would tell you that it was definitely intentional and for an effect. It definitely creates an interesting tension by singing straight over the swung groove. Kind of a polyrhythm vibe happening. It also makes the contrast between Steve and Bobby greater, which results in more impact once Bobby enters the song. Boom!
Thanks for the thoughts!
I was thinking the same thing. I always thought Steve tiptoed over the pocket instead of singing right into it. (At least thought it without knowing that's what it was!) As usual Ken is spot on, if you don't sing it like that it doesn't sound the same or feel the same.
(also as a standalone comment above)
Regarding the different singing styles and grooves (or 'feel's, if you please) used by Lukather vs Kimball, my personal observation (and a moment of 'wow, respect!') is as below:
It's all in the lyrical content and the two personas of a naive late teenager vs a slightly upfront and 'raunchier' young adult of the boy who falls for Rosanna.
The sweet rookie romantic of a boy that starts the verses is of course rather 'boyish' and wouldn't pull off a groovy, seductive style.
Yet, an older version sings about what he would do at night, with all his fresh adult charm and a couple of tricks ;) up his sleeve, name it 'game' if you'd like. Thus, Kimball perfectly sings / acts the part.
Innocent affection, shyness, humility and sadness of a heartbreak with the boy contrasts with the flirtatious style, libido, courage and pain of lost love of the young adult.
So, that's how I read beneath the surface of what I listen to; a crazy-good crafted, arranged and produced track that was made to be an instant classic. :)
I'd be glad if you share any counter / divergent / alternative opinion of yours, or simply a 'gesture of recognition'. :)
Cheers
Totally agree ,vocal arrangement is intentional after all they are the top of session men of the music.
Well as a vocalist guitar player , Steve’s vocals fits right in the pocket.. My ear tells me he sings pretty damn good! Is he a Mickey Thomas No! But he holds his own!
Toto is definitely a band that should be on everyone's Playlist. One of my all time faves. Thank you my brother in Christ Ken Tamplin for covering this.
Definitely!
I'm a Toto fan also a fan of Ken he is also my brother in Christ Jesus as well as you now brotherleonard thank you jesus.thank you Ken long live rock
I played this on 45 like crazy as a child, absolutely loved singing this song and pretending to play the keyboards. Such a great song and you have given me new hidden nuggets to dive into. Thank you so much. God bless
Paich, Porcaro(s), Lukather, Hungate and Kimball really deserved those Grammys that year. Unfortunately, the band deserves so much more!
Indeed!
Yes they do. I have been offended how Africa became a meme for a while. Young people listening to it to make fun of it, and then Weezer butchering it.
Toto is criminally underrated.
And just when I thought I couldn’t appreciate Toto more you show me that they were pure gold. Thanks.
I’ve listened to countless interviews where Luke is always self-effacing when it comes to vocals, and he calls himself just a guitar player who can kind of sing. Nothing could be further from the truth. I think his emotive voice is perfect for the songs. He sings on and I think he’s very underappreciated and overlooked because he’s such a good guitar player, he has a very gentle, singing voice, and I think he really brings a ton of emotion without being a technically perfect singer, which is what I really love
Luke has a great voice.
Bobby is AWESOME, so glad to see him get the love he deserves, thanks Ken!! Bobby's told amazing stories about his 1st session being for Ray Charles and how Ray was his idol, both vocally and on piano, too (yes, Bobby can play the keys very very well!)
Someone else mentioned this and I believe it's true. Steve sang the verse straight/in a polyrhythm so that when Bobby enters it, it has that SLAMMING in effect to the 10th power. Also Paich wrote this song about his POV on Steve (Porcaro's) relationship with Rosanna Arquette. They now claim it was about Paich's gf and the name "Rosanna" just fit better. Who knows. If true Arquette was kinda like the 80's Patty Boyd hehe :P Peter Gabriel (another AMAZING singer/songwriter! Talk about pure passion and TONE for days!) wrote the majority of his "Us" record about his relationship with R.A. Another rumor was that In Your Eyes was about Arquette but that was about PG's first wife.
This song and "More than A Feeling" by Boston are two of the most elaborate songs because of all the attention to detail that went into their making.
Growing up in he 80's and 90's, one knew that the songs from those decades were great, but had no idea that we were spoiled and that it wouldn't last much longer. The sad part is that we'll probably never see this type of musicianship again coming together to create masterpieces that will stand the test of time.
Yes, Bobby Kimball! 🥰 One of my favorites! I'm in love with his voice. Most singers are unique in their own right, but he is definitely (to me at least) one of a kind. I've been hoping for a while that you could cover him, so I'm glad you did. There really is no one that sounds quite like him. It's even more evident minus the instruments, though I still hear them in my head lol.
Thanks for another great video Ken 😁
My pleasure, Heather. Rock on!
@@kentamplin You too! 🤟😛
You nailed it, these musicians are absolutely brilliant in their own right. Together Toto are an incredibly talented and an outstanding band. Totally underrated- Thank you
Love your style and competence to break this down for all of us music fans. Keep it up!
Bobby is amazing, they all are.
When you see Bobby Kimball singing with closed eyes, you know its gonna be epic.
Definitely!
Superb analysis. Toto is one of my all time favs. A plethora of amazing songs.
Bobby Kimball was on the card with Lou Gramm and Dennis DeYoung at that free concert I saw at Coney Island ..... best free concert I have ever been to....
I'm not hearing what Ken is hearing. But he is the professional and very thankful to have him around
thank you for this video!!!!, i'm almost 60 years old and was born the very year that the
beatles first came to the u.s.. i'm black so i was raised listening to alot of r&b and 50's
60's and 70's soul music, but i was also raised listen to all the late 50's, 60's and 70's
folk rock and am radio rock, especially when we lived in scarsdale n.y.. it was in 78 that
heard the first toto music, only to learn 10 years later that i had actually been listening
to them play behind other earlier artists, that was the coolest thing to me. hold the
line, girl goodbye and i'll supply the love were the first 3 songs i heard on the radio.
from that point on i was hooked, i get what you feel about those little things that they
would do in their music, it's part of what set them aprt from other groups. when i
first heard them, i likened them to that scene from the wizard of oz when dorothy's
house finally lands, and she opens the door and steps from an all black and white home
into a beautiful technocolored world. that's the same feeling i got when i first heard toto.
i knew at that moment that we were no longer in kansas!!! i also understand that
feeling you get coming out of one of their concerts, i've seen them 3 times....once for
the toto 4 tour back in 82, once for the kingdom of desire tour in baltimore at hammerjacks.
let me tell you brother, that was a really cool place to see them, i was on i think the 3rd
floor bar and if you've ever been there.....the second to the 3rd or 4th floor all have
giant bars that look down right on the stage, to hear the entire place filled to the
limit from up there all singing rosanna!!!...it was truly a dream come true, and hell yeah!!
leaving that show, i felt like i had just gotten my ass kicked by the greatest group
of singers and musicians there have ever been!!!....i even worked up the courage to make my
way out to where the band buses were and i caught lukather on his way out, he was very
gracious and i could tell he was in mourning over jeff's passing so i kept it short. he
shook my hand and gave me an autograph and i had to sit in the amtrack station for
another 8 hours waiting for the morning train to take me back to d.c. but i was floating
on air for the next 6 months. i then went to see them for the mindfields tour in
atlantic city....here's a tip, never stay at a days in while in atlantic city, can you say peep hole
in the bathroom, i caught them looking at me through the small peep hole in the bathroom
in my room, they were so frightened when i discovered them that you would've
thought they were doing some demolition in the next room. the hotel staff...not toto!!!
anyway i caught them before i took my shower and i blocked the peephole and proceeded
hit the mgm grand casino where the group was playing. it was the first tour with bobby kimball
in about 18 years, so i was really happy. i remember standing in the hallway outside the
auditorium and there were alot people standing around and talking, and i was looking
around and i overheard someone saying mike porcaro's wife's name so i turned
and to my shock...there they were!!!....i took a deep breath and walked up and introduced
myself and i'm so glad i did!!!! mike and his wife were the greatest people you
would ever want to meet and his wife was gracious enough to take my camera and snap
a few photo's of mike with me. we chatted for about 5 minutes and then mike
asked to see my ticket, i handed it to him and he wrote something on it and his name too.
i get to the auditorium door and there's a guy there letting people in but he's not checking
any tickets, he gets to me and says may i see your ticket please...i hand it to him
and he says please follow me sir......the guy takes me right up to the front of the stage!!!
it was a great night, bobby aknowledged me, after a few songs i took a break and grabbed a beer
and looked back at the stage and lukather was waving me to come back, he had noticed me cheking
out his work on the frets from an earlier song, so i get back to the front and he looks me in
the eye and proceeds to play the opening to that great stadium rocker called
caught in the balance!!!!!.......i was blown away....i was literally walking on air for the rest of the night.
after that great show, i went right out to the beach and sat for about an hour just
going over in my head how great that show was, how great it was to hear bobby live again
and getting to meet and speak with mike porcaro and his wife. it's kind of sad now, when i think that
now the only original members are luke and joe williams, it's just not the same without
the rest of the guys. i also would've loved to meet simon phillips, he was the greatest after jeff.
anyway, sorry i kind of went a little crazy....but it's toto!!!!! thanks again for the video.
Ken, in this line up (original Toto, Mach1, first 4 albums) Paich was usually the piano and organ. STEVE Porcaro was all the soundscape, midi stacked, state of the art keyboard stuff. Like the first solo. Good breakdown, but I was looking forward to more Bobby Kimball vocal styling/science from you then a fanboy breakdown which has been done by others. One of the best bands ever, literally. Thanks as always, Ken.
Thanks for watching!
Wow Ken not only one of the world’s great vocal coaches but I can see definite inklings of you being a monster arranger and producer. Your understanding of music is uncanny. Take a bow.
Thanks for the visit!
Love toto, Lukather is awesome, mainly all of them are masters
I think Bobby should be cloned and have an army of him! Listening to these isolated vocals make me understand even better how cool those songs are!
I have a story about Steve Lukather. A friend of mine that plays guitar and lives in Italy went to watch Steve in a concert. After The concert was over he decided to stop in a pub and guess what? Steve had the same idea and he got into the same pub. My friend got to chat and offered him a beer. Sooner, other guys got into the pub and recognized Steve. They also wanted to buy him a beer, but he kindly declined by saying “Thank you guys, but this friend of mine already got me one.” Well, my friend looked at the guys with that kind of facial expression that was saying “He called me his friend!” Haha! So, Steve showed how humble he is even if he's one of the greatest guitar players in the World, and a very famous musician.
By the way, Ken, what's your octave range in your voice? I heard you going very high, and going very low :-) 240 octaves? Haha.
Roberto, dove? Thanks for the awesome story !
Ken I love your videos and it’s nice to see someone other than me be so in love with Toto and the musicianship and vocal talent!!! Keep it up!!!
Glad you enjoy it!
I agree on everything you said! Bobby Kimball deserves his place in the big names list (quite top in that list if not the absolute first...).
He has a special voice and singing style and that turned out to become the true trademark for almost all main Toto hits.
I Iove the way he sings and the power he can deliver most than anyother singer I ever heard in my life. In my list, he is sitting right on the first top place. My king.
Well said!
Ken, This stuff is great. You point out stuff I would never had heard. Oh and your nuts.. Love it man. Your being yourself.. I am a fan.. Nicky Cristino.
Personally, I think you are not listening to Lukather at the front of the song.....there is more swing to his vocals than you are giving him credit for. I encourage you to take a closer listen. To another point, it makes the song more interesting when there are different vocal styles. I think Lukather's part does just that. Thanks for pointing out some very subtle nuances of the song. Good choice to illustrate individual pockets, giving each other space, and other characteristics of being at the top of the musician game. Phenomenal musicianship? Wow, that is the understatement of the year! Go TOTO!
I have commented on this video before. I’ve watched it many times and continue to do so. I love how you point out and explain how the band members play together with and for each other. How they shine when it’s their time and step back to let the next musician do his thing. I’m 58 and have always been a Toto fan. I saw a Toto concert on late night tv in early 80’s as a teenager and was so impressed how amazing they were live. I dig all your videos but this has got to be one of your best videos.
Maybe his voice isn't for everyone, and he's no Bobby Kimball or Joe Williams, but I think Luke is a fantastic singer! Cool video!
Even more impressive than the vocals in this song is the drumming. Nobody nails it perfectly.
Thanks for pointing that out!
Bonham did. It's basically the same shuffle used in Fool in the Rain.
@@timramich It’s actually not. It’s actually very different in fact. It’s a combination of shuffles from 3 shuffles, and an added Bo-Diddley kick pattern.
..not even Ringo..I've seen him play it...but to his credit, he does a good job of making it work with his drumming..I think THAT is one of the things that makes Ringo a great drummer..not his technical prowess....
Putting a bit too much thought into it. It just happens... Bobby is just stellar.
I have Steve's isolated guitar tracks and he is softly funking through that whole intro with a pronounced emphasis on the riff that we hear so well in the mix. Toto were studio guys that formed a GREAT band. There's a great story how Jeff Porcaro came up with his amazing drum groove. I have played and sang this song many many times in addition to other Toto songs. The jam at at the end is SO much fun! I do not have Bobby Kimball's range. Yet
Bobby was a big influence. Glad you paid homage to Bobby Ken. Such an underrated beast of a singer. Once gave me vocal advice by just emailing him.
How wonderful!
I got advice from Eric Martin once! Wild.
@@SonnyGTA Great voice.
Been waiting on this one. Toto was the epitome of musicianship. Wildly underrated band.
Hope you enjoyed it.
Ken, can you do a vocal video on "I'LL Be over you?" one of my favorite under appreciated songs of Toto.
Wow the iconic Rosanna shuffle!
I do agree about Kimball being very underrated (he was caught i think in the middle of one of the golden era of classic rock frontmen like Perry, Delp, DeYoung, Gramm, Mercury, etc)
Another great vocal analysis Ken!! Stay healthy!
So many great singers in that era! An embarrassment of riches. We were so blessed!
Hope they patch things up too after the lawsuits between them and make great music again
I agree...Bobby Kimball is underated..The fact that he doesn't overdo it and just sings it..Cool that you know him..That whole band was great.I love when you review songs like this ...I learn so much
Happy to hear that, judemichael hanna!
@@kentamplin cool ! Thanks for the reply back..👍
I'm a huge Joseph Williams fan, but Bobby was just such a soaring vocalist.
He and Joseph have some cool acapella records made with where they teamed up with Bill Champlain and Jason Scheff.
Bobby had a natural soulful sound.
Toto is one of my favorite bands! Lukather is just so incredible! Kimball, too, heck, the whole shebang. I’m living for this, Ken!! I’m living for everything you put out....you are seriously so informative, kind, and engaged with your comment section. You’re at nearly one million subs!!! and yet you respond to so many of us! Freaking amazing. Much appreciated, Ken.
Mine too!
Woooooooooah!!! What a great choice. Kimball is a huge singer imho. 🤩
Ken, I start to hate you to still be able to still sing awesomely these songs at your age....I'm pretty jealous now. 😄😄😄
The proof is in the singing.
@@kentamplin You said it! And you are the living proof of that. 👍🤘👍
That outro was completely of the cuff by the way. The song could very well have ended with those closing horns, but during one take I think its Jeff who signaled to keep going. They went for it and that entire outro was one take live in the studio. That outro alone is worth all the grammys they won.
Indeed.
Ken you know what? Most of the Toto’s fans love Steve Lukather’s vocal. You should make a video breaking down the songs I’ll Be Over You or I Won’t Hold You Back. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Steve is an amazing guitar player and song writter, and Bobby is an amazing singer, so underrated !!!
Right?
How I wish they'd just kept on making music like that. I mean everything about how Toto made music with this song and Africa. The sound is so beautiful. The strong treble from this time is magic and it was thrown in the bin when the 90's started.
Bobby is awesome. Love Toto.
I liked this song very much, now I like it even more.
Your video is great. I still love Toto and the way they did it. The horn section is impeccable and the horns should have been there forever.
Steve Lukather and Toto are as tight as musicians get but that isn’t so surprising when you look at their massive resume as studio “Magicians.” And you are so right, Toto’s music has Fantastic spacing between instruments, tempo, stops, starts, and maturity. I have heard Steve sing on many other projects (I know you have as well) and he is quite an amazing vocalist in his own right.
Bobby is such an unbelievable vocalist both studio and live. I was so sad when he left Toto for a while.
Fantastic vocals, fantastic band.
Ed Sheeran . . . Oh brother
Hahaha
Toto = Very Proggy
Thanks for the thoughts!
I remember in the early 80s finding a tape with Rosanna without horns and vocals in a bag of tapes my dad, a session sax musician, had lying in a corner
Hey Ken! dude I love your analysis! I'm late to the party here, I can only add that these guys were my inspiration to get serious about vocals. Every musician, vocals and instrumentation has a perfect blend, regardless of their individual styles, range, etc. Not by accident, of course, a big part of their genius to me is their producing and arranging chops. Every nuance of their recording process was intentional, obviously. They were the first band that demonstrated to me that when you're that good you kinda "paint" with your music. Damn. Just so sonically delicious! Thanks again for this. so good.
Keep in mind that steven plays guitar AND SINGS. I think thats a hell of a lot of concentration to keep time on his guitar and stay on key 🔑 fir melody.
Personally, I think steven has an incredible soulful voice just listen to hold you back off toto 4 or a live performance from the 90s.
Even goergy porgy video.
I mean I love bobby, but steven can hold his own.
But the two of them on waiting for your love, I just love that harmony, that's the beauty of toto.
Still both bobby and steven have beautiful voices ... made toto what it became.
That they started as bozz Skaggs session players just amazes me who knew they arise to be so ironic???
Toto is amazing and Steve Lukather is out of this world, amazing guitarrist and studio musician!
Great Video!
Couldn't agree more!
Luke is a much better singer than most give him credit for... and Kimball is a monster. I saw Paich, Steve Pocaro, and James Newton Howard - each with mountainous stacks of keyboards - jam in a small room at the 1982 NAMM in Atlanta... absolutely melted my mind. A few months later I caught the whole band at the FOX Theatre... just a different level.
Ken, you made my day with this tutorial. Fantastic!
Glad you liked it!
You have taught me so much about music I cannot thank you enough you are a gifted Humanity I love watching you and listening to you your loving and creative Vibe makes me feel so happy and I love learning about music through you can thank you so much
Absolutely love your enthusiasm for art, metaphors, and zest for life, Ken. Thank You!
My pleasure!
As always your videos are totally (totally!) Amazing, cool, great!🎵🎤 and so on !
Nelly xx :)
Thanks Nelly!
bravo man you took apart the whole great song and you were right on the spot ..
Thank you Ken for this tuturial of the masters Toto, been a fan since 82. Just fantastic musicians all over.
My pleasure!
I love toto such a great band Ken Rosanna is a awesome song loved it loved Africa as well but toto has some great music and Great songs love the singing and vocals loved those high notes on Rosanna the singers were great always liked toto one of my favorite bands Ken their great 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I agree with you Cade!
Awesome thanks Ken it's hard to beat 80s bands they rock
Lukather sang a lot of the HITS. THINK of him as a singer, as well as one of the best guitarists in the world. Whatever is on the album was there because they wanted it to be.
Thanks for weighing in!
Lukather sang on lots the hits because the record company kept choosing their softest tunes and the band really wanted the hard rock songs like WHITE SISTER released so they could've been on the arena rock tickets back in the late 70s but the record company ignored the bands wishes and put out 99 anyway. Lukather talked about that and said they were not happy campers with the "BALLAD" tag.
I am obsessed with Toto...I love Toto.
Right on!
Would love to see you react to Hold the Line in 2007 or 2003 LIVE, because Bobby is Amazing and he added some amazing Adlips!
Thanks for the suggestions!
Love Ken's personality 🤣 🙌🏻
Thanks!
all due respect…Steve Lukather is a next level musician, not just on guitar…he’s not screwing up by phrasing that the way he did
Man I love this guy.. what an energy and analysis
You are a day brightener
Fantastic song! Also love ’Bottom of you soul’!
Thanks for listening!
Yyyessss!....
Really enjoyed how you covered this one from top to bottom! I’m a big Toto fan as well! Keep up the good work, Ken.
This was such a great track to isolate the vocals on as you can really hear how complex those harmonies are! Awesome!
Glad you like it!
No, it's Steve Porcaro's solo (my all-time favorite). He pieced it together from 4 different parts of Polyfusion, CS80, Prophet & Jupiter, while Paich did the organ and piano stuff :)
It was all sequenced on a Roland MC-8.
Lukather has an unbelievable voice!
Indeed!
Are you talking about Bobby kimball?
@@kenperk9854 Lukather sings the first little bit.
That was so much fun!!
Thanks, Cheryl!
Good job big fan of theirs since the beginning!!!! Guitar player here. Kimball was the best. Luke rules. As well as Paich and Porcaros RIP Jeff and Mike! 🙏🏻
This may be the best version of Rosanna I have ever seen. (And I have seen them live a few times :) Fantastic breakdown, you make me appreciate the song even more I already did.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great musicians just phenomenal but I guess they are so good they make it look so easy that many dont respect the band....glad u are showing the world that dont know music
Thanks for watching, Ybarra's Mind!
Hey Ken--AWESOME breakdown of this song--and I thought I had mad man-love for Toto :-). I just had one slight comment. As you mentioned, for drummers, the drum groove on this song is iconic and the Holy Grail for us to learn to play. As I'm also sure you know, Jeff Pocaro was the originator of this song's groove (mix of a Bo Diddly and Jon Bonham shuffle). However in the vid you're showing clips (stills actually) of Simon Phillips playing. Simon is a Jedi as well, but it would nice to accurately give the credit to Jeff so he can be properly recognized for his extreme prowess and discernment to sit in the pock and break-out only when appropriate. Thanks my friend and keep these breakdowns coming--they/you ROCK!
Wow! That was a fantastic job breaking down this song, Ken, I loved it. I've always been a huge Toto fan. I wish you would go through "Girl Goodbye" and "Manuela Run" the same way. Those 2 songs always had a funky, blaxploitation film soundtrack vibe to me.
This is such a joyous masterpiece of a song. Thank you so much for giving it the detailed analysis it deserves. I had a smile on my face through the whole video. :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love the group..they sound pretty damn good to me.
Love this series, you make them fun🥰
I'm glad you enjoy them, Cindy! Rock on!
Bobby has a beautiful voice. However so does the other singer. They have opposite tinder. This works well.
You were so excited for the horn part. It's a signature stamp. I I did notice the quartet Harmony when listening to the song. It elevates it to a whole new level.
I'm with you Tracy!
Toto is phenomenal! Take a look at Porcaro's support throughout this song... absolutely amazing! Jeff is one of the most important drummers of all time.
Like good love making the changes and variation really do the trick! LOL! Very informative and now I appreciate TOTO so much more!
I'm blushing, Judie. You rascal.
Well said!😎
Yes! Mickey Thomas and Bobby Kimball were quite similar ;D It's David Paich singing the low parts, and I think I can hear Steve Porcaro's voice behind Luke's voice here and there...
Don't how I missed this one. I've always said that Bobby was and underrated singer. Especially on "Hold the Line". No one can sing that song like he does. Excellent review!
👍😊