4/30/2023 0 Comments Ck label wizard![]() In addition to the then current line-up, the band invited notable former members including tenor saxophonist Pickett (longtime musical director of the Saturday Night Live band), keyboard maestro Chester Thompson (who has played with Santana for decades) and classic-era guitarist Bruce Conte. In 2018, the band celebrated a major historical landmark, hosting a sold-out 50th anniversary party at the Fox Theater in Oakland that was documented and finally released on DVD, CD and vinyl this year with the title 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater. More recently, key members Garabaldi and Prestia returned to the fold, adding their considerable prowess to the still scorching band.Ĭellar Sessions: Tower Of Power October 16th, 2018 City Winery New York Full Session by Despite those challenges, ToP would continue to release records through the ’80s and ’90s and, more importantly, remained a vital live act with Castillo and Kupka at the helm. Though Tower of Power managed a few more hits like “Drop it in the Slot,” the subsequent departure of Garabaldi and Prestia coupled with the rising popularity of disco in the latter part of the decade made things difficult for the veteran band. Williams would return to a solo career in 1975. The Tower of Power horns would also become established as the go-to horn section for recording sessions and live appearances, collaborating with Bay Area artists like Santana, Journey and the Grateful Dead as well as such stars as Elton John, Rod Stewart, Little Feat and the Meters. ![]() Williams would prove a commanding presence on both ballads - “So Very Hard to Go,” the band’s biggest hit - and hard-hitting funk jams like “What is Hip?” and “Get Yo’ Feet Back on the Ground.” The band’s follow-up efforts Back to Oakland and Urban Renewal further cemented the potency of what would later be hailed as ToP’s best line-up. ToP would have something of a rotating-door policy with its lead singers - Rick Stevens, who sang the early hits “Sparkling in the Sand,” “You’re Still a Young Man” and “Down to the Night Club” was gone by the band’s self-titled third album in 1973, when their biggest hitmaker Lenny Williams came aboard, along with dynamic tenor player Lenny Pickett, guitarist Bruce Conte and organ player Chester Thompson. The album also showcased the powerhouse line-up that had coalesced around Castillo and Kupka, including trumpet player/arranger Greg Adams and the ferocious rhythm section of drummer Dave Garibaldi and bassist Francis “Rocco” Prestia. Released in 1970, Tower of Power’s debut effort East Bay Grease found the band delivering what would become its patented mix of extended funk workouts and soulful ballads spotlighting the fiery punch of the mighty Tower of Power horn section. ![]() Within two years, the band had changed it’s name to Tower of Power and not only became a regular act at the legendary venue, it was managed by Graham and signed to his Fillmore Records label. Tower Of Power -Knock Yourself Out (1970) by The group started playing clubs in Berkeley and Oakland with the aim of graduating to local concert promoter Bill Graham’s Fillmore West. Songwriter, saxophonist and sometimes lead singer Emilio Castillo was advised by his father to hire baritone sax player Stephen “Doc” Kupka after an audition to join Castillo’s band the Motowns. Outside of psychedelic soul and funk pioneers Sly and the Family Stone, few Bay Area bands have exerted the kind of influence on R&B music that “East Bay Grease” progenitors Tower of Power have since the principal members first come together in 1968. Tickets reservations for the anticipated concert sold out in less than an hour on May 31, but festival organizers said more would be made available on Friday, June 3, at 2 p.m. This year’s opening concert presents an all Bay Area line-up of headlining East Bay funk veterans Tower of Power, Oakland hip-hop icon Too $hort and scratch wizard DJ Shortkut. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors eventually approved the updated repair cost of $20 million back in April. According to reports, the initial SFPUC estimates of a $4 million cost to repair the Grove was woefully short. Stern Grove flooding damage (Stern Grove Festival)įlooding washed mud across the concert meadow area in front of the stage and did considerable damage to the backstage area at the venue. The season closing Big Picnic fundraiser featuring the two famed East Bay acts was cancelled when flooding from a broken water main flooded the Grove just days before the late August show date, causing “catastrophic damage” to the park and putting this year’s festival in doubt. SAN FRANCISCO - What had been planned as an epic 84th season closing concert for the Stern Grove Festival now serves as this year’s opening show when iconic Oakland music acts Tower of Power and Too $hort share the stage in San Francisco on June 12.
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