Tower of Power
9:15–10:45PM, Chase Main Stage
For more than four decades, Tower of Power has been laying down its distinct blend of soul, funk and jazz. Originating in Oakland, Calif., in 1968, TOP went on to produce a series of albums and hit singles that continue to bring music fans out in force the world over. Bump City (1972) included the single “You’re Still a Young Man,” which peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. The follow-up album, Tower of Power, reached #15 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and earned the group a gold record. It included the hit singles “So Very Hard to Go,” “This Time it’s Real” and what is probably the group’s most enduring song, “What is Hip?” Back to Oakland (1974) produced another hit, “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream).”
But TOP’s influence extends beyond the band’s own recordings. The legendary horn section, led by Detroit native and founding member Emilo Castillo, has recorded with hundreds of artists, including Rufus, Elton John, Little Feat, Santana, Bonnie Raitt and Labelle.
Always in demand, TOP continues to perform to sold-out audiences in the United States, Japan and Europe. And in 2009 the band released its 23rd album, The Great American Soulbook, a collection of soul classics remade with some assistance from vocalists Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Sam Moore and Huey Lewis.
Tower of Power is comprised of Castillo (1st horn), Larry Braggs (vocals), David Garibaldi (drums), Roger Smith (keyboard), Rocco Prestia (bass), Adolfo Acosta (trumpet), Mic Gillette (trombones), Doc Kupka (3rd horn), Tom E. Politzer (2nd horn) and Jerry Cortez (guitar).
