Tower Of Power
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Tower of Power is a horn-based soul band from Oakland, California. In the mid-1960s, 17-year-old tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo moved from Detroit, Michigan, to Fremont, California. He started a band called the Motowns, specializing in soul music. In 1968, Castillo teamed up with baritone saxophonist Stephen "The Funky Doctor" Kupka and trumpet/trombone player Mic Gillette, moved to Oakland, and began writing original material. They changed the band's name to Tower of Power and began playing frequently in the Bay Area.
In 1970, Tower of Power (by then including trumpeter Greg Adams) signed a recording contract with Bill Graham's San Francisco Records and quickly released its first album, East Bay Grease. 1972's Bump City and 1973's self-titled release were breakout albums for the band; the latter included possibly their most enduring song, What is Hip?. On some of their releases in mid-1970s, such as Urban Renewal (1974), the band moved towards funk, but always continued recording ballads as well. After vocalist Lenny Williams left the band, the best days of the group were behind. In late 1970s they moved to disco sounds for the great disappointment of many fans. Often the albums Tower of Power, Back to Oakland and Urban Renewal are seen as being the band's greatest achievements. These albums are also among the most classic R&B recordings of 1970s. Also group's live album recorded in 1976, Live and in Living Colour, is respected.
Tower of Power has remained active throughout the 1970s, '80s, '90s, and into the 21st century, and is still touring in 2006. Personnel changes have been part of the history and evolution of the band; at least 60 musicians have performed, toured, and/or recorded with the band through the years, including Saturday Night Live musical director Lenny Pickett, drummer David Garibaldi, bassist Rocco Prestia, saxophonist Richard Elliot, and bassist and BALCO founder Victor Conte. (His cousin Bruce Conte played guitar in the band as well.) Lenny Williams served as lead singer for several years after one of the original singers, Rick Stevens was imprisoned. Rufus Miller performed most of the lead vocals on "East Bay Grease."
Tower of Power has released 15 albums over the years, the latest being 2003's The Oakland Zone. In addition, the horn section has become well-known as a backing horn section for other artists. The TOP horn section has appeared on many recordings, including some made by Little Feat, the Monkees, Santana, Elton John, Linda Lewis, John Lee Hooker, Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship, Heart, Huey Lewis and the News, Lyle Lovett, Poison, Phish, and Aerosmith.
Tower of Power were originally known as "The Gotham City Crime Fighters", then "The Motowns". http://www.bumpcity.com/memorabilia/gotham.htm
Discography
Studio albums
- 1970: East Bay Grease
- 1972: Bump City
- 1973: Tower of Power
- 1974: Back to Oakland
- 1974: Funkland
- 1974: Urban Renewal
- 1975: In The Slot
- 1976: Ain't Nothin' Stoppin Us Now
- 1978: We Came to Play
- 1979: Back on the Streets
- 1988: Power
- 1991: Monster on a Leash
- 1993: T.O.P.
- 1995: Souled Out
- 1997: Rhythm and Business
- 2003: Oakland Zone
- 2003: Havin' Fun
Live albums
- 1976: Live and in Living Color
- 1988: Direct
- 1997: Direct Plus
- 1999: Soul Vaccination: Live
External links
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