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Emilio Castillo started to play with his band the Motowns at the end of the 60s. Unlike most of the other S.F. bands during that time the Motowns - an East Bay band - played soul music instead of psychedelic music. When Stephen Kupka joined the band Castillo found a partner and important foundation for what was to come. Soon the band changed its name to Tower of Power - basically because it looked like a name that could mean success.
Bill Graham, the famous concert promoter signed the band to his label San Francisco Records and Tower recorded their first album entitled 'East Bay Grease' in 1970. With this album and several popular appearances at the Fillmore and other venues the band was quickly signed to Warner Brothers. With Warner they released six albums. These gave them such hit singles as 'You're Still A Young Man', 'So Very Hard To Go' and 'Don't Change Horses (In A Middle Of A Stream)' - the latter being their last US Top 30 hit single in 1974.
| When the band switched their label to Columbia things started to get worse (although Columbia paid quite a high price to get Tower). They produced three records for Columbia but only the first one reminded of the old Tower of Power. Drug problems, subsequent line-up changes and attempts to keep up with the disco sound produced two weak follow up albums. It looked like the end was near. Nevertheless one has to acknowledge that Tower produced 10 albums during the 70s and very few bands can claim to have an album out every year! (Pictured right:Tower of Power 1979; front row: Vito San Filippo, Danny Hoefer, Greg Adams, Chester Thomson; middle: Emilio Castillo, Michael Jeffries, David Garibaldi; back: Stephen Kupka, Mic Gilette and Lenny Pickett) |  |
Although the band's future didn't look bright, they survived. Tower of Power's record output wasn't that big but the horn section (Emilio Castillo, Lenny Pickett, Stephen Kupka, Greg Adams, and Mic Gilette) was much in demand for session work and this kept the band together. For great parts of the 80s Tower of Power became the horn section for Huey Lewis and the News, backing them on the albums 'Picture This', 'Sports', 'Fore!' and 'Small World'. Subsequently they kept touring the world with Huey Lewis and the News. In addition they played and recorded with many other artist like Elton John, Phil Collins, Toto, ... (too many to mention). They also found out that they had major fan support in Europe which made them release the album 'Power' in Denmark.
 | The 90s saw the return of Tower of Power as a band of their own and a record output almost equal to the 70s. The band got a record contract with Sony Music and started touring Europe and other parts of the world over and over again. Always knowing that the fans there would never stop their support. Subsequently they managed to built up a world wide following containing old and new fans. This process started in the 90s and although they have never produced hit singles again they are much in demand. The band is especially known for its famous horn section which has also been the most stable part of the band. Due to the size of the band there have been multiple line-up changes over the years though. Every few years Tower of Power gets a new lead singer. Latest addition is Larry Braggs, who follows such great singers as Rufus Miller, Rick Stevens, Lenny Williams and Brent Carter. There have also been changes within the rhythm section over the years but founding members like Francis "Rocco" Prestia and David Garibaldi also came back after they took a break for some years. To get an idea of who played with Tower it is best to just take a look at the discography underneath or at Tower's website. |
| Rhino Records released the Tower of Power Anthology "What Is Hip?" in 1999. This outstanding collection contains 2 CDs with all of the bands hits and a 50 page booklet that covers the band's history and includes tons of photos. Several other best of compilations and also live DVDs followed this release (see discography below). In 2003 Tower of Power finally released "Okland Zone". This album of new tracks features Larry Baggs on lead vocals for the first time. 'Oakland Zone' was also the band's first (and last) album for the label Or Music as their contract with Sony Music had terminated. On this album Tower still plays soul music with a capital "S" and it sounds like they get better and better the more years they add. It is interesting to note that the German release of this album contains the bonus track "Nothing Like It". |  |
With no new release under their wings Tower of Power continued touring and in 2008 they toured in their 40th year. With such an anniversary the band finally opened their archives and released "The East Bay Archive Volume I" on their own label TOP Records ... the liner notes of course written while touring ... in Denmark to be exact. Anyhow, this is a great double CD and here is what David Garibaldi has to say about the release:
"The East Bay Archive Volume 1, is the first in a series of concerts, rehearsals and jams from "back in the day". This release was recorded on April 23, 1973 and is a "LIVE" club performance digitized from a cassette tape. The cassette recorder was running from an area close to the house sound board. It's not a "board mix", nor is it a "webcast"...the recordings are from my private collection, and I can guarantee that this was not downloaded from any bit torrent...there was no internet then folks! Very few people have heard this stuff, and there are no copies floating around. The sound quality is what one can expect from the technology of the day. There's a little tape hiss, and at times, the lead vocal is too far down in the mix, but for the most part, everything can be heard. Also, I think this must be listened to from a historical perspective...Lenny Williams and Chester Thompson had joined the band only 4 months before, and the "Tower of Power" recording was about to be released. We were a bunch of young guys discovering our "powers. There are 2 CD's because we played 2 sets, and there was too much good playing to put on one CD. Don't buy this if you're expecting a mixed studio product...this is raw..."garage" all the way. If you don't mind an imperfect recording, then it can be enjoyed in the context in which it's presented...a snapshot of our musical history. See you down the road...!!! - DG"
 Tower of Power 2009 | April 2009 sees the release of another album by Tower of Power - again released on TOP Records. The album is entitled "Great American Soulbook" and contains a collection of classic soul tunes. Nine of the songs were produced by Emillio Castillo and three further tracks by multiple Grammy award recipient George Duke. Lead vocalist Larry Braggs shares vocals with many guest artist, i.e. Tom Jones ("I Thank You"), Joss Stone ("It Takes Two"/"Your Precious Love") and Huey Lewis ("634-5789") who appears for the first time on a Tower of Power album. Last but not least, the great Sam Moore sings lead vocals on the track "Mr. Pitiful". Larry Braggs also shines on all the other tracks without the vocal support of other artists and Tower of Power make this selection their own. 100% Tower of Power sound and highly recommended.
Pictured left: |
Discography:
 | East Bay Grease (Atlantic Recording, 1970) | Knock Yourself Out -- Social Lubrication -- The Price -- Back On The Streets Again -- The Skunk, The Goose, And The Fly -- Sparkling In The Sand Musicians: Rufus Miller, Emilio Castillo, Dave Garibaldi, Greg Adams, Steve Kupka, Skip Mesquite, David Padron, Frank Prestia, Rick Stevens, Willy Fulton, Mic Gillette, Ken Balzell | |
 | Bump City (Warner Brothers, 1972) | You Got To Funkifize -- What Happened To The World That Day? -- Flash In The Pan -- Gone (In Memory Of Jaqueline Mesquite) -- You Strike My Main Nerve -- Down To The Nightclub -- You're Still A Young Man -- Skating On Thin Ice -- Of The Earth Musicians: Rick Stevens, Skip Mesquite, Emilio Castillo, Greg Adams, Stephen Kupka, Mic Gillette, Willie James Fultion, David Garibaldi, Francis Rocco Prestia, Brent Byars, Jay Spell, Memphis Strings | |
 | Tower Of Power (Warner Brothers, 1973) | What Is Hip? -- Clever Girl -- This Time It's Real -- Will I Ever Find A Love? -- Get Yo' Feet Back On The Ground -- So Very Hard To Go -- Soul Vaccination -- Both Sorry Over Nothin' -- Clean Slate -- Just Another Day Musicians: Lenny Williams, Chester Thompson, Bruce Conte, Francis Rocco Prestia, Brent Byars, David Garibaldi, Lenny Picket, Emilio Castillo, Stephen Kupka, Mic Gillette, Greg Adams | |
 | Urban Renewal (Warner Brothers, 1974) | Only So Much Oil In The Ground -- Come Back, Baby -- It's Not The Crime -- I Won't Leave Unless You Want Me To -- Maybe It'll Rub Off -- (To Say The Least) You're The Most -- Willing To Learn -- Give Me The Proof -- It Can Never Be The Same -- I Believe In Myself -- Walkin' Up Hip Street Musicians: Lenny Williams, Chester Thompson, Bruce Conte, Francis Rocco Prestia David Bartlett, Lenny Pickett, Emilio Castillo, Stephen Kupka, Mic Gillette, Greg Adams, David Garibaldi, Carter Collins | |
 | Back To Oakland (Warner Brothers, 1974) | Oakland Stroke... -- Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream) -- Just When We Start Makin' It -- Can't You See (You Doin' Me Wrong) -- Squib Cakes -- Time Will Tell -- Man From The Past -- Love's Been Gone So Long -- I Got The Chop -- Below Us All The City Lights -- ...Oakland Stroke Musicians: Lenny Pickett, Steve Kupka, Greg Adams, Mic Gillette, Bruce Conte, Chester Thompson, Emilio Castillo, Brent Byars, David Garibaldi, Francis Rocco Prestia, Lenny Williams; Bud Shank, Frank Rosolino, Tom Shepard, Vincent DeRoss, David Duke, Richard Perissi, Ray Gillette, Kell Houston, Marilyn Scott, Alice Thompson, Marilyn Scott, Pepper Watkins | |
 | In The Slot (Warner Brothers 1975) | Just Enough And Too Much -- Treat Me Like Your Man -- If I Play My Cards Right -- As Surely As I Stand here -- Fanfare: Matanuska -- On The Serious Side -- Ebony Jam -- You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous -- Vuela Por Noche -- Essence Of Innocence -- The Soul Of A Child -- Drop It In The Slot Musicians: Hubert Tubbs, Bruce Conte, Chester Thompson, Francis Rocco Prestia, David Garibaldi, Lenny Pickett, Emilio Castillo, Steve Kupka, Mic Gillette, Greg Adams | |
 | Live And In Living Color (Warner Brothers 1976) | Down To The Nightclub (Bump City) -- You're Still A Young Man -- What Is Hip? -- Sparkling In The Sand -- Knock Yourself Out Musicians: Hubert Tubbs, Lenny Pickett, Emillio Castillo, Steve Kupka, Mic Gillette, Greg Adams, Chester Thompson, Bruce Conte, Francis Rocco Prestia, David Garibaldi | |
 | Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now (Columbia, 1976) | Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now -- By Your Side -- Make Someone Happy -- Doin' Alright -- Because I Think The World Of You -- You Ought To Be Havin' Fun -- Can't Stand To See The Slaughter -- It's So Nice -- Deal With It -- While We Went To The Moon Lenny Pickett, Emilio Castillo, Steve Kupka, Mic Gillette, Greg Adams, Edward McGee, Chester Thompson, Bruce Conte, Francis Rocco Prestia, Ronnie Beck | |
 | We Came To Play (Columbia Records 1978) | We Came To Play -- Lovin' You Is Gonna See Me Thru -- Let Me Touch You -- Yin-Yang Thang -- Share My Life -- Bittersweet Soul Music -- Am I A Fool -- Love Bug -- Somewhere Down The Road Musicians: Michael Jeffries, Lenny Pickett, Emilio Castillo, Steven Kupka, Mic Gillette, Greg Adams, Chester Thompson, Bruce Conte, Victor Conte, Ronnie Beck | |
 | Back On The Streets (Columbia Records 1979) | Rock Baby -- Our Love -- Heaven Must Have Made You -- And You Know It -- Nowhere To Run -- Something Calls Me -- It Takes Two (To Make It Happen) -- In Due Time -- Just Make A Move (And Be Yourself) Musicians: Michael Jeffries, Lenny Pickett, Emilio Castillo, Steven Kupka, Mic Gillette, Greg Adams, Chester Thompson, Danny Hoefer, Vito San Filippo, David Garibaldi; plus: Eddie 'Bongo' Brown, Bill Lamb, The Jones Girls, Gail Levant, Paulinho da Costa, Cheryl Lynn, Greg Crockett | |
 | Direct (Sheffield Lab 1981) | Fanfare/You Know It -- You're Gonna Need Me -- Squib Cakes -- That's Why I Sing -- What Is Hip -- Never Let Go Of Love Musicians: Emilio Castillo, Stephen Kupka, Lenny Pickett, Greg Adams, Mic Gillette, Rick Waychesko, Willy Fulton, Mark Sanders, Michael Jeffries, Chester Thompson, Vito San Filippo, Victor Feldman; plus: James Gilstrap, Edie Lehmann, Oren Waters | |
 | Direct Plus! (Sheffield Lab 1997/ recorded 1981) | Fanfare/You Know It -- You're Gonna Need Me -- Squibcakes -- That's Why I Sing -- What Is Hip -- Never Let Go Of Love Plus! (Previously Unreleased): Fanfare/You Know It -- Squibcakes -- That's Why I Sing -- What Is Hip? Musicians: Emilio Castillo, Stephen Kupka, Lenny Pickett, Greg Adams, Mic Gillette, Rick Waychesko, Willy Fulton, Mark Sanders, Michael Jeffries, Chester Thompson, Vito San Filippo, Victor Feldman; plus: James Gilstrap, Edie Lehmann, Oren Waters | |
 | Dinosaur Tracks (Rhino Records 1999; recorded 1982) | Credit -- You're Something Special -- Why Do Ya Do My Heart Like That -- Simple As That -- Your Love Is Like A Little Rain -- (If You) Move You Lose -- I Think You Like It -- Never Let Go Of Love -- I Wanna Love You More -- Can't You Feel It? -- You Took The "L" Out Of Lovin' -- You Thaught Me How To Love -- That's Why I Sing Musicians: Michael Jeffries, Marc Russo, Emilio Castillo, Greg Adams, Stephen 'Doc' Kupka, Mic Gillette, Willie James Fulton, Mark Sanders, Vito San Filippo, Chester Thompson, Lenny Pickett | |
 | Power (Cypress Records 1987) | Baby's Got The Power -- Credit -- Some Days Were Meant To Rain -- Boys Night Out -- Ball And Chain -- Through Lovers' Eyes -- Count On Me -- On The One -- Up Against Yourself Musicians: Emilio Castillo, Stephen 'Doc' Kupka, Greg Adams, Francis Rocco Prestia, Willie Fulton, Ellis Hall, Lee Thornburg, Richard Elliot, Mick Mestek; plus: Stanley Benders, Maxayn Lewis, Marilyn Scott, Patty Unatis | |
 | Monster On A Leash (Sony Music 1991) | A Little Knowledge (Is A Dangerous Thing) -- How Could This Happen To Me -- Who Dou You Think You Are -- Attitude Dance -- You Can't Fall Up (You Just Fall Down) -- Funk The Dumb Stuff -- Believe It -- Personal Possessions -- Miss Trouble (Got A Lot Of Nerve) -- Keep Your Monster On A Leash -- Someone New -- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Musicians: Emilio Castillo, Russ McKinnon, Stephen 'Doc' Kupka, Greg Adams, Lee Thornburg, Carmen Grillo, Steve Grove, Rocco Prestia, Nick Milo, Tom Bowes | |
 | T.O.P. (Sony Music 1993) | Soul With A Capital "S" -- It All Comes Back -- Please Come Back (To Stay) -- The Real Deal -- Come To A Decision -- Cruise Control -- The Educated Bump Part I -- Mama Lied -- Quiet Scream -- I Like Your Style -- You -- South Of The Boulevard -- Come On With It -- The Educated Bump Part II Musicians: Greg Adams, Tom Bowes, Emilio Castillo, Carmen Grillo, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Russ McKinnon, Nick Milo, Francis "Rocco" Prestia, Lee Thornburg; plus: Lenny Pickett, Brandon Fields, Paul Perez, Poncho Sanchez | |
 | Souled Out (Sony Music 1995) | Souled Out -- Taxed To The Max -- Keep Comin' Back -- Soothe You -- Do You Wanna (Make Love To Me) -- Lovin' You Forever -- Gotta Make A Change -- Diggin' On James Brown -- Sexy Soul -- Just Like You -- Once You Get A Taste -- Undercurrent Musicians: Brent Carter, Emilio Castillo, Bill Churchville, Barry Danielian, Carmen Grillo, Stephen "Dock" Kupka, David Mann, Herman Matthews, Nick Milo, Francis Rocco Prestia; plus: Jeff Lorber, Brandon Fields, Lenny Castro | |
 | Rhythm & Business (Sony Music 1997) | So I Got To Groove -- Crazy For You -- East Bay Way -- Unconditional Love -- You Do The Math -- The More You Know -- Recapture The Magic -- What's Your Trip -- Rhythm And Business -- Don't Knock Me Down -- That Was Then And This Is Now -- It Really Doesn't Matter -- Spank-A-Dang Musicians: Brent Carter, Emilio Castillo, Bill Churchville, Barry Danielian, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Herman Matthews, Nick Milo, Francis Rocco Prestia, John Scarpulla, Jeff Tamelier; plus: Mic Gillette | |
 | Soul Vaccination: Tower Of Power Live (Sony Music 1999) | Soul With A Capital "S" -- I Like Your Style -- Soul Vaccination -- Down To The Night Club (Bump City) -- Willin' To Learn -- Souled Out -- Diggin' On James Brown -- To Say The Least You're The Most -- You Strike My Main Nerve -- Can't You See (You Doin' Me Wrong) -- You Got To Funkifize -- So Very Hard To Go -- What Is Hip? -- You're Still A Young Man -- So I Got To Groove -- Way Down Low To The Ground Musicians: Brent Carter, Emilio Castillo, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Norbert Stachel, Jesse McGuire, Bill "Churchy" Churchville, Francis Rocco Prestia, David Garibaldi, Jeff Tamelier, Nick Milo | |
 | Oakland Zone (Or Music 2003) | Eastside... -- Give Me Your Love -- Get What You Want -- Could've Done It Better -- This Type of Funk -- Pocketful of Soul -- Remember Love -- Oakland Zone -- Life Is What You Make It -- Happy 'Bout That -- Stranger In My Own House -- Back in the Day -- Page One -- ... Eastside Musicians: Mike Bogart, Adolfo Acosta, Jeff Tamelier, Emilio Castillo, Roger Smith, Francis Rocco Prestia, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Tom Politzer, Larry Braggs, David Garibaldi; plus: Sakai, Nikita Germaine, John Lee Sanders, Sid Page, Berj Garabedian, Arman Garabedian, John Wittenberg, Diane Louie German release contains the bonus track "Nothing Like It" | |
 | The East Bay Archive Volume I (TOP Records 2008) | Check It Out (Instrumental) -- What Is Hip? -- Clean Slate -- So Very Hard To Go -- You're Still A Young Man -- Soul Vaccination -- This Time It's Real -- Back On The Streets -- Don't Change Horses -- Knock Yourself Out --- Main Nerve -- Get Yo' Feet Back On The Ground -- Sparkling In The Sand -- Both Sorry Over Nothin' -- Down To The Nightclub -- You Got To Funkafize -- Just Another Day --Don't Fight It Musicians: Lenny Williams (lead vocals); Mic Gillette (trumpet, vocals); Greg Adams (trumpet, vocals); Emilio Castillo (tenor saxophone, vocals); Lenny Pickett (tenor saxophone, fluet, clarinet, vocals); Stephen "Doc" Kupka (baritone saxophone); Chester Thompson (keyboards, vocals); Bruce Conte (guitar, vocals); Francis Rocco Prestia (bass); David Garibaldi (drums); Brent Byars (congas)
2 CD-Set: Recorded live at K-K-K-Katy's | |
 | Great American Soulbook (TOP Records 2009) | You Met Your Match -- I Thank You -- Loveland -- It Takes Two -- Me And Mrs. Jones -- Startime (Tribute To James Brown) -- Mr. Pitiful -- Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel -- Since You Have Been Gone -- (Heaven Must Have Sent) Your Precious Love -- 634-5789 -- Who Is He And What Is He To You Musicians: Larry Braggs (lead vocals); David Garibaldi (drums); Roger Smith (keyboards); Francis Rocco Prestia (bass); Mark Harper (guitar); Adolfo Acosta (trumpet); Mike Bogart (lead trumpet and trombone); Doc Kupka (baritone sax); Tom Politzer (lead tenor sax); Emilio Castillo (2nd tenor sax) Guest stars: Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Huey Lewis, Sam Moore |
Best Of Discography:
 | What Is Hip? (Warner Brothers/ Rhino Records 1999) 2CD Best Of ... | Knock Yourself Out -- Back On The Streets Again -- Sparkling In The Sand -- Down To The Nightclub -- You're Still A Young Man -- You Got To Funkifize -- What Happened To The World That Day? -- What Is Hip? -- Will I Ever Find A Love? -- This Time It's Real -- So Very Hard To Go -- Soul Vaccination -- Below Us, All The City Lights -- Can't You See (You Doin' Me Wrong) -- Squib Cakes --- Oakland Stroke -- Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream) -- Time Will Tell -- It's Not The Crime -- I Won't Leave Unless You Want Me To -- Only So Much Oil In The Ground -- Willing To Learn -- You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous -- Just Enough And Too Much -- As Surely As I Stand Here -- Stroke '75 -- The Soul Of A Child -- You Ought To Be Havin' Fun -- Simple As That -- Credit -- A Little Knowledge (Is A Dangerous Thing) -- I Like Your Style -- Soul With A Capital "S" -- Souled Out -- So I Got To Groove | |
 | The Warner Years The Very Best Of ... (Warner Brothers 2001) | You Got To Funkifize -- What Happened To The World That Day? -- Down To The Nightclub -- You're Still A Young Man -- What Is Hip? -- So Very Hard To Go -- This Time It's Real -- Will I Ever Find A Love? -- Soul Vaccination -- Time Will Tell -- Below Us, All The City Lights -- Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream) -- Willing To Learn -- Only So Much Oil In The Ground -- I Won't Leave Unless You Want Me To -- You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous | |
 | Soul With A Capital "S" (Sony Music 2002) Best Of ... | Attitude Dance -- Soul With A Capital "S" -- Souled Out -- So I Got To Groove -- Diggin' On James Brown -- Funk The Dumb Stuff -- I Love That Girl So Much -- You Ought To Be Havin' Fun -- And You Know It We Came To Play -- So Very Hard To Go -- You're Still A Young Man -- What Is Hip? | |
 | What Is Hip? And Other Hits (Rhino Flashback 2003) | What Is Hip? -- Can't You See (You're Doin' Me Wrong) -- Just Enough and Too Much -- This Time It's Real -- Down to the Nightclub -- It's Not the Crime -- Soul of a Child -- Will I Ever Find a Love? -- Oakland Stroke --So Very Hard to Go | |
 | What Is Hip? (Collectables 2006) | What Is Hip? -- Can't You See (You're Doin' Me Wrong) -- Just Enough and Too Much -- This Time It's Real -- Down to the Nightclub -- It's Not the Crime -- Soul of a Child -- Will I Ever Find a Love? -- Oakland Stroke --So Very Hard to Go |
DVD
 | Ohne Filter Tower Of Power in Concert (inakoustik 2003) | Stroke '75 -- Souled Out -- I Like Your Style -- You Strike My Main Nerve -- East Bay Way -- Soul Vaccination -- What Is Hip? -- Squib Cakes -- Diggin' On James Brown -- Soul With A Capital "S" -- So I Got To Groove* Musicians: Brent Carter, Emilio Castillo, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Norbert Stachel, Jesse McGuire, Bill "Churchy" Churchville, Francis Rocco Prestia, David Garibaldi, Jeff Tamelier, Nick Milo Recorded live at Ohne Filter, Baden Baden, Germany, July 1, 1998 *Due to the fact that the original TV Show is limited to 60 minutes only 'So I Got To Groove' got cut off at the end. Nevertheless the DVD is all worth the price. The DVD is codefree and plays worldwide! | |
 | What Is Hip? Live At Iowa State University (2004) | Down To The Nightclub -- This Time It's Real -- Can't You See -- Squib Cakes -- Don't Change Horses -- So Very Hard To Go -- You're Still A Young Man -- What Is Hip? -- Medley (Soul Vaccination/Funkifize) -- Can You Feel It -- Only So Much Oil In The Ground -- If You Move, You Lose -- Credit -- Ain't Nothin' Stoppin Us Now -- PTA -- Medley (Back On The Streets/Oakland Stroke/Drop It In The Slot/We Came Play It/And You Know It/You Ought To Be Havin' Fun) -- Knock Yourself Out Recorded live at Iowa State University in 1987. The DVD is codefree and plays worldwide! |
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