Me, too! Saw them the first time in 1973 (in the first concert I ever went to: Malo, Tower of Power, and the Temptations), right after I turned 18. I can still remember Lenny Pickett gyrating onstage. Blown away by them then, and have loved them ever since.
Right when I got out of high school,1973 was my 1st concert too. Yeah, Lenny Pickett dancing away. That was my favorite lineup with Lenny Williams on lead vocals. Unbelievable.@@jtcrunch
I saw Tower of Power in the 1970s and onward 11 times when their leader singers were: Rufus Miller (who I met), Rick Stevens (who I met), and Lenny Williams (I'm going to say he was the best). There is nothing like seeing and hearing this band live (especially when the players were young).
This legendary group that is still on the road still on tour still making albums for over 50 years still haven't been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame there are fans right now are trying to get them inducted this year . 2024 Horn section is off the hook considered legendary in the music industry..all their songs and albums are off the hook 🤩
Actually, it is a medley of 'Stroke 75, Ain't Nothing Stopping us Now, You Have to be Havin Fun to open the show. The show was the 50th Anniversary. They were originally from the Oakland area - for those who aren't familiar with Northern California Oakland is directly across the SF Bay. They brought back alumni, Bass, Guitar, Lead Sax, Organ. The backup singer was the lead singer for Santana, and the guy playing trombone is former lead singer with Tower of Power and current lead singer for Santana. I have the CD and DVD of this show and a lot of great songs. They go from upbeat songs like these, and then pretty nasty funk - What is Hip, Soul Vaccination, Knock Yourself Out, and the most beautiful ballads - So Very Hard to Go, Still a Young Man, Just When We Start Makin' It. This album also has 3 new songs that fit into the show seamlessly - that is what I find amazing.
I snuck into a bar in Hayward, Ca when I was 17 not knowing what to expect. I'm 71 now and what a blessing it's been to be able to enjoy this music for over 50 years...
Harri, ToP still tours relentlessly and the next time they are in your neck of the woods you absolutely positively need to catch their live show and you'll be a fan for life.
This was their anniversary 50 years as a band! Unlike their 40th anniversary when they had invited several former members they only invited a few this time. On the other side they had a string section this show which they hadn't ten years prior. These guys are the best in the biz!
Back in high school in 2011 I think, we were able to put together a benefit concert with our jazz band, and two of the founding members of tower of power. Mic Gilette, and Tom Politzer. Stevie "Keys" Roseman also joined in, and he played keyboard for Journey for a bit. It was such a magical night
"You Ought To Be Havin' Fun" and the entire Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now album are a some of my favorite songs. The East Bay has some of the most 'serious' musicians on the planet. There are also: Pete Escovedo Coke Escovedo Sheila E The Pointer Sisters
Can't talk Tower of Power without all praise and honor and glory to the Funky Doctor - Doc Kupka - on the baritone sax. That sets this band apart from all the "horn bands" like Chicago or Blood, Sweat, and Tears.
Harri, I have recommended a few times this track to you, you would love the gem of them, called “Boys of the Bay”, you would not regret it!!! Years ago when they celebrated their 40th anniversary, I was on a Jazz cruise where they were a special guest getting on the ship in St John. It was a great time to remember with the lead singer Larry Braggs!
This is cool, I'd rather hear you react to some of their classic songs though. There's only a couple of hundred to choose from, but here's a few: Only So Much Oil In The Ground Squib Cakes What is Hip (album version please) Soul Vaccination Soul With A Capitol 'S' Down To The Night Club Pocket Full Of Soul Credit Knock Yourself Out You Got To Funkifize I Got The Chop Don't Change Horse (In the middle of the stream) It's Not The Crime Maybe It'll Rub Off Give Me The Proof Just Enough and Too Much Fanfare-Matanuska / On The Serious Side Drop It In The Slot Funk The Dumb Stuff Mama Lied The Educated Bump Diggin' on James Brown So I Got to Groove Pocketful Of Soul
One of my favorite bands growing up; they are from Oakland, California. A few of my favorite songs: "You're Still a Young Man", "So Very Hard to Go" and "Sparkling in the Sand" - to name a few,
Rocco & Dave holding it down. RIP ROCCO
Tower of Power....Oakland California's best !!!!!!!
I saw them for the first time at 18 and now it's 50 years later and I haven't stopped.
Me, too! Saw them the first time in 1973 (in the first concert I ever went to: Malo, Tower of Power, and the Temptations), right after I turned 18. I can still remember Lenny Pickett gyrating onstage. Blown away by them then, and have loved them ever since.
Right when I got out of high school,1973 was my 1st concert too. Yeah, Lenny Pickett dancing away. That was my favorite lineup with Lenny Williams on lead vocals. Unbelievable.@@jtcrunch
I saw Tower of Power in the 1970s and onward 11 times when their leader singers were: Rufus Miller (who I met), Rick Stevens (who I met), and Lenny Williams (I'm going to say he was the best). There is nothing like seeing and hearing this band live (especially when the players were young).
50 yrs of TOP.
This legendary group that is still on the road still on tour still making albums for over 50 years still haven't been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame there are fans right now are trying to get them inducted this year . 2024 Horn section is off the hook considered legendary in the music industry..all their songs and albums are off the hook 🤩
It’s so funny how so many people still haven’t heard of Tower of Power. I hope more people give a listen to this great band.
Actually, it is a medley of 'Stroke 75, Ain't Nothing Stopping us Now, You Have to be Havin Fun to open the show. The show was the 50th Anniversary. They were originally from the Oakland area - for those who aren't familiar with Northern California Oakland is directly across the SF Bay. They brought back alumni, Bass, Guitar, Lead Sax, Organ. The backup singer was the lead singer for Santana, and the guy playing trombone is former lead singer with Tower of Power and current lead singer for Santana.
I have the CD and DVD of this show and a lot of great songs. They go from upbeat songs like these, and then pretty nasty funk - What is Hip, Soul Vaccination, Knock Yourself Out, and the most beautiful ballads - So Very Hard to Go, Still a Young Man, Just When We Start Makin' It.
This album also has 3 new songs that fit into the show seamlessly - that is what I find amazing.
many musicians in a span of over 50 years !
Just puts a smile on your face you cant ask for much more
I snuck into a bar in Hayward, Ca when I was 17 not knowing what to expect. I'm 71 now and what a blessing it's been to be able to enjoy this music for over 50 years...
Hey Harri, They were celebrating 50th Anniversary of Tower of Power being a Soul/Funk Band during this concert tour!!!
Harri, ToP still tours relentlessly and the next time they are in your neck of the woods you absolutely positively need to catch their live show and you'll be a fan for life.
Saw them last year about this time in Greenville, SC. Still bringing the funk! What an amazing show!
Beautiful music! Thank you
You should be having fun 🤩😀, yes, you just want to dance 💥
You haven't done their funkiest "What Is Hip" and their incredible ballad "You're Still A Young Man".
So many amazing groove-centric tunes ❣️
May I suggest Squib Cakes, Souled Out, Soul Vaccination & Down to the nightclub 😁
Timeless brilliance never gets old .
This was their anniversary 50 years as a band! Unlike their 40th anniversary when they had invited several former members they only invited a few this time. On the other side they had a string section this show which they hadn't ten years prior. These guys are the best in the biz!
Growing up in Sacramento i got to see them live. Great shows. Thanks for the review.
One of the greatest horn sections ever ever ever ever❤❤❤❤❤😊😊
Powerhouse! This band is all about the horns. This is a reunion of past and present TOP members. Long live TOP.
All time great band. Was lucky enough to see them a few years ago and will be seeing them again later this year.
I first saw them Live in a San Diego coffeehouse in 1972. They are Still Awesome After All These Years.
I love Tower of Power's song "You Can't Fall Up"!!
Used to use their LIVE version of "Soul With a Capital "S"" LOUD LOUD before my bar gigs. These guys are amazing!
When i was growing up this amazing band could be seen any weekend in the bay area and Stockton T.O.P. forever RIP to members gone too soon
I recognize the background singer. He was the lead singer for Santana yrs back
I worked on the artwork of their first album cover in San Francisco.
Lenny Pickett dancing is worth the price of admission!
even around 65!
That was from one of their official 50th Anniversary shows in Oakland at The Fox Theater. It was a 2 night event. Went to both nights.
These guys, outside of Blood Sweat and Tears, had the best horns.
Back in high school in 2011 I think, we were able to put together a benefit concert with our jazz band, and two of the founding members of tower of power. Mic Gilette, and Tom Politzer. Stevie "Keys" Roseman also joined in, and he played keyboard for Journey for a bit. It was such a magical night
My favorite memory of that night was playing the bari sax intro for Squib Cakes with Mic holding the mic up to the bell of my sax
"You Ought To Be Havin' Fun" and the entire Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now album are a some of my favorite songs.
The East Bay has some of the most 'serious' musicians on the planet.
There are also:
Pete Escovedo
Coke Escovedo
Sheila E
The Pointer Sisters
Hallo from Brazil🇧🇷 Mr Harry 😌✌🏻. Your reactions are Koooil !! 😊👍 PS: and inteligent 🤔😊😊😊✌🏻
You have great taste Hari ........love your reactions
Can't talk Tower of Power without all praise and honor and glory to the Funky Doctor - Doc Kupka - on the baritone sax. That sets this band apart from all the "horn bands" like Chicago or Blood, Sweat, and Tears.
I saw them over 40 years ago. I still have the T shit and wear it occasionally. So very hard to go.
Great choice Dave. This one got me up and moving. Thanks Harri and Dave 🌺✌️
Debbie - Thank you for the 'up and moving' rating.
My favorite TOP song is You Ought To Be Having Fun. Next Up: This Time It's Real.
Harri, I have recommended a few times this track to you, you would love the gem of them, called “Boys of the Bay”, you would not regret it!!! Years ago when they celebrated their 40th anniversary, I was on a Jazz cruise where they were a special guest getting on the ship in St John. It was a great time to remember with the lead singer Larry Braggs!
Oakland Stroke - one of their first songs. You need to go down his rabbit hole. TOP is the BEST!!
Walking Up by the Fox Theater was hip way back when.
A TOP concert has so much grease you just slide into the funk.
This is cool, I'd rather hear you react to some of their classic songs though. There's only a couple of hundred to choose from, but here's a few:
Only So Much Oil In The Ground
Squib Cakes
What is Hip (album version please)
Soul Vaccination
Soul With A Capitol 'S'
Down To The Night Club
Pocket Full Of Soul
Credit
Knock Yourself Out
You Got To Funkifize
I Got The Chop
Don't Change Horse (In the middle of the stream)
It's Not The Crime
Maybe It'll Rub Off
Give Me The Proof
Just Enough and Too Much
Fanfare-Matanuska / On The Serious Side
Drop It In The Slot
Funk The Dumb Stuff
Mama Lied
The Educated Bump
Diggin' on James Brown
So I Got to Groove
Pocketful Of Soul
Thanks Harri possibly cheque out 711-Chic I want your love (2005 Amsterdam)
Once again you have chosen a great song and a half Beezer. It doesn't get much better than Tower of Power. Thanks DBZ and Harri.
Ms Cynthroid - What a wonderful rating! Thank you
@@davebzen795 🇨🇦😎
🎺💃🏻🔥🎷🎼🎉🎶💕
Squib Cakes with Carlos Santana ,if you like this groove you don't deserve ears.Best of TOP
LARRY BRAGGS BEST LEAD OVER 13 YEARS PLAYING LEAD... CHECK HIM OUT AND DRUMMER IS RETIREDING
WRONG SONG... Got to do WILLING TO LEARN 2009 Festival You're welcome!
One of my favorite bands growing up; they are from Oakland, California. A few of my favorite songs: "You're Still a Young Man", "So Very Hard to Go" and "Sparkling in the Sand" - to name a few,