News/Update

Merry Christmas From Tower Of Power Video

2011-12-17T15:47:25-07:00

Video created with Jib-Jab:

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

In Loving Memory, John David Crockett, 1947 - 2011

2011-12-03T01:57:17-07:00

John David Crockett passed away on November 21st. "Davy Crockett" was Tower Of Power's first crew member and was an important part of the band's early years.

Above photos were taken at the TOP 40th Anniversary show at the Fillmore, San Francisco, CA

In Loving Memory Of Our Dear Friend Dave Crockett:

Dave was Tower of Power’s first road crew. He, all by himself, was actually our whole crew. He was known by all to be a hard worker with a great sense of humor and a loving heart, who lit up the room whenever he walked in. When God made him he broke the mold, truly one of a kind, and he’ll be sorely missed. He was one of the absolute best in the business.

We love you Dave and we’ll never forget you.

God bless you!!! Emilio Castillo and the Tower of Power family

Complete Obituary Details Are Available Here: John David Crockett, 1947 - 2011

Check Out www.LennyPickettMusic.com

2011-11-28T03:43:58-07:00

Musical Director for Saturday Night Live and TOP Alum Lenny Pickett has a very interesting new website.

Check it out at: http://www.lennypickettmusic.com

Lenny Pickett sitting in with Tower Of Power at the City Winery in NYC, 2009

A Thanksgiving Treat From Tower Of Power >> New Live Video

2011-11-23T23:46:17-07:00

Last Saturday Night at Harrah's in Atlantic City, Average White Band and Tower Of Power shared the stage. Former TOP lead vocalist Brent Carter is now working with The Average White Band. Larry Braggs called Brent to the stage to join him on the last song of the night, "I Like Your Style".

Here's some video for you to enjoy:

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

TOWER OF POWER ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN TOUR FOR MARCH 2012

2011-10-26T04:27:17-07:00

LEGENDARY ‘TOWER OF POWER’ ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN TOUR FOR MARCH 2012

October 26, 2011 - With 43 years of recording and touring experience behind them, Tower of Power today announce their return to the European live circuit with a tour hitting Europe in March 2012. Tower of Power start their jaunt with two very special shows at the famous Ronnie Scotts in London on the 9th and 10th of March, before performing throughout mainland Europe then a triumphant return to London’s Koko on 29th March. Tower of Power also return with a 40th ANNIVERSARY CD/DVD BOX SET and their most recent studio release, THE GREAT AMERICAN SOULBOOK which features covers of soul classics with guest singers Joss Stone, Sir Tom Jones, Huey Lewis, and Sam Moore.

The group still garners rave reviews, and leaves the audiences dancing in their seats in the arenas, theaters, and outdoor venues they play year 'round. Melding soul, jazz, funk, and rock in a way no group ever has, the ten-piece outfit is, according to the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, “tighter than a clenched fist.”

The late great James Brown was quoted in HEEB magazine about Tower of Power, as saying, "There's no black group that plays my stuff as good as them."

Well known in the '70s for tunes such as “What is Hip?” and “You're Still a Young Man,” Tower of Power toured with Santana, Sly Stone and Credence Clearwater Revival, eventually creating traffic jams when they headlined their own shows. They performed on records with Elton John, Smokey Robinson, Rod Stewart, Aerosmith, and Dionne Warwick, influencing a generation of musicians (including Sting, who has told Emilio Castillo, founder of the group, that he once had a “Tower of Power clone band” before he formed The Police). In the 1980s, they backed Huey Lewis and the News, Heart, Eurythmics, and Little Feat, just to name a few.

Tower of Power, after more than 40 years, is experiencing more popularity than ever before as they tour year 'round packing venues in the United States, the Pacific Rim, and all over Europe.

Former Tower saxophonist Lenny Pickett, current musical director for the Saturday Night Live band, said “TOP is the world's best rhythm and blues band.” In reality, TOP's horn-driven, in-your-face sound is all its own.

Emilio Castillo - bandleader, 2nd tenor sax, vocals
Stephen "Doc" Kupka - baritone sax
Rocco Prestia - bass
David Garibaldi - drums
Larry Braggs - lead vocalist
Roger Smith - keyboards
Tom Politzer - lead tenor sax
Adolfo Acosta - trumpet
Jerry Cortez - guitar
Sal Cracchiolo - trumpet & trombone

TOUR DATES MARCH 2012

9TH RONNIE SCOTTS, LONDON, UK
10TH RONNIE SCOTTS, LONDON, UK
12TH TBA
13TH OOSTERPOORT KLEINE, GRONINGEN, HOLLAND
14TH DEN ATELIER, LUXEMBOURG
16TH AMAGER BIO, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
17TH BREW HOUSE, GOTEBORG, SWEDEN
18TH ROCKEFELLER, OSLO, NORWAY
20TH FABRIK, HAMBURG, GERMANY
21ST CAPITOL, HANNOVER, GERMANY
22ND POSTBAHNHOF, BERLIN, GERMANY
24TH TEATRO DEL GIGLIO, LUCCA, ITALY
25TH VOLKSHAUS, ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
26TH LA CIGALE, PARIS, FRANCE
27TH PARADISO, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
29TH KOKO, LONDON, UK

40th ANNIVERSARY CD/DVD BOX SET and THE GREAT AMERICAN SOULBOOK out now on TOP Records.
Click Here For Info: TOP ON-LINE STORE
Visit them on the web at http://www.towerofpower.com

TOP Behind The Scenes at Humphrey’s in San Diego

2011-08-30T18:59:47-07:00

Here's a link to some new video taken at the Humphrey's By The Bay show last week in San Diego, CA.

Optional link: TOP VIDEO ON FACEBOOK

Sal Cracchiolo Joins Tower Of Power on Trumpet

2011-08-14T16:54:58-07:00

“Tower of Power is delighted to announce Sal Cracchiolo as our newest member. Sal is a “world class” lead trumpet player. Super exciting!!! He has an incredibly high range, plays with power and finesse, his soloing technique is unparalleled, and he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. He’s a great addition to the T.O.P. family.” -Tower Of Power Band Leader Emilio Castillo.

Sal will be replacing Lee Thornberg on trumpet

TOP Horns, 2011, Adolfo Acosta, Sal Cracchiolo, Doc Kupka, Tom Politzer, Emilio Castillo
(photo: Frank Anzalone)

Sal Cracchiolo Biography:
Salvator William Cracchiolo II was born in Long Beach, California as the son of two talented music teachers. His father, Sal Cracchiolo I, owned a music studio where he taught piano and played professional accordion. His mother, Edith, was his first trumpet teacher and started Sal on trumpet at the age of 12. He played in concert, marching and jazz band in high school. By his Junior and Senior year of High School, he was attending Cerritos College playing in their jazz and concert bands.
He started working as a professional musician at 15 in nightclubs with various R&B and Latin bands. In 1977 he started a long musical relationship with Poncho Sanchez, which ultimately let to 18 albums. While working with Poncho, in the 1980s, he was a member of the Pasadena City College Big Band under the direction of saxophonist, Gary Foster. While in this band, Sal played with such jazz greats as Warren Marsh, Lee Konitz, and Peter Erskine.

In the late-80s, Poncho started traveling internationally. Since then, with Poncho and other acts, Sal has traveled to 38 countries globally. With Poncho, he has played and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Cal Tjader, Chick Corea, Stanley Turentine, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Clare Fischer, Gary Foster, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Harris, Joey DeFrancesco, Dianne Reeves, Justo Almario, Andy Martin and Celia Cruz. He performed for, and with, these artists at the Monterey, Playboy, Concord, and Nice Jazz Festivals plus many others throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America, Thailand and Japan.

He recorded on Bobby Shew’s, “Salsa Caliente” CD, in 1998. He has also done worldwide tours with such artists as Tom Jones, Vicki Carr, Brian Setzer, Michael Bolton and Harry Connick Jr.
He performed with his own sextet featuring his wife, Melanie Jackson, on vocals. In 2001, their CD, “Fly”, was nominated for a Latin Grammy. In 2004 through 2006 the California Arts Council sponsored Sal and Melanie’s sextet.

He has toured and recorded with the Clayton/ Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and has played with them since 2003. Downbeat Magazine rated the CHJO as the #1 Big Band in the USA in 2007. He has recorded John Clayton’s arrangements with members of the CHJO on CDs with Michael Buble, David Foster, Jamiroquoi, Rene Olstad, Paul Anka, Joss Stone, Charles Aznevour, Gladys Knight and Diana Krall.

Sal is a Yamaha artist and clinician.

LIve@Amoeba Music in San Francisco, DJ Harry Duncan’s Roots and Rhythm Series

2011-07-29T02:50:10-07:00

The Roots and Rhythm Series With DJ Harry Duncan

Saturday, July 30th, 2pm-5pm

Amoeba Music
1855 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 831-1200

If you are a fan of soul music and you are anywhere near San Francisco, you should check out Harry's show in person or on the air. According to Tower Of Power Bandleader, Emilio Castillo: "He’s a very good friend and a DJ of some of the hippest music you’ll ever hear anywhere."

Featured on Sat, July 30 from 2-5 p.m. will be the award-winning Roots and Rhythm music mix from In The Soul Kitchen, Duncan's weekly radio show on KUSF In Exile plus ticket giveaways, CD and vinyl giveaways and more.

For more information: CLICK HERE
To sample some of the deep soul and funk, jazz, blues,
ska, roots reggae, and more you'll hear on July 30th,
listen to In The Soul Kitchen with DJ Harry Duncan:
Streaming on KUSF In Exile, Tuesdays 7-9 p.m.
Listen to archived In The Soul Kitchen shows:
http://www.inthesoulkitchen.blogspot.com
For more info on KUSF In Exile and Save KUSF visit: http://www.savekusf.org
Contact: Harry Duncan harrydsf@yahoo.com
(415) 474-0365 ext. 16

Who is Harry Duncan?
THE SOUNDS OF ROOTS AND RHYTHM WITH DJ HARRY DUNCAN
Harry Duncan, longtime Bay Area-based producer of live soul/funk/r&b, jazz, blues, roots reggae, African and World music shows brings his knowledge and expertise to the airwaves every Tuesday night with In The Soul Kitchen with Harry D, the award-winning, roots music show on KUSF In Exile/San Francisco. Duncan has produced and hosted the popular weekly show since it began in 1984.
Respected industry-wide as an innovator, Duncan integrates his years of experience as a live music producer and radio producer/host into the Roots and Rhythm DJ Project.

After looking carefully at the music that will be performed live (and the musicians performing), the demographics of the audience and the venue, Duncan spins a customized blend-for both listening and dancing-of all styles of soul/funk/r&b, blues, jazz, roots reggae, Latin, African and World music. This music mix provides audiences, artists and promoters with a welcome, creative alternative to the kind of house music often played at festivals, concerts and clubs.

Recent Appearances Include:
2010 Monterey Jazz Festival
The Roots, New Year’s Eve (Warfield Theatre/S.F.)
Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings (Warfield Theatre/S.F.)
Tower of Power (Fillmore/S.F.)
Cyndi Lauper Memphis Soul and Blues Show ( The Independent/S.F.)
Femi Kuti (Bimbo’s 365 Club/S.F.)
Soulive, Rebirth Brass Band (The Independent/S.F.)
Bill Graham Birthday Bash Benefit with Los Lobos (The Fillmore)
Boz Scaggs (Uptown Theatre/Napa)
Blue Bear School of Music Benefit with The Funky Meters (Bimbo’s 365 Club)
Galactic (The Fillmore)
2010 Sausalito Arts Festival w/ Mavis Staples, Jefferson Starship
Grand Opening Night of The Uptown Theatre/Napa with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Keb Mo (Uptown Theatre/Napa)
The Radiators (The Independent/S.F.)
Mardi Gras Party with Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Zig Modeliste
(The Independent/S.F.)

To Hear Music Samples, Check Out Any of The Radio Shows Posted On:
http://www.inthesoulkitchen.blogsot.com

For More Information Contact:

Harry Duncan
(415) 474-0365, ext. 16
harrydsf@mac.com

New From Larry Braggs, “Jus Sangin‘“

2011-07-20T03:28:04-07:00

According to TOP Bandleader, Emilio Castillo, Larry Braggs is "Pound for Pound, the Baddest Cat in The Land", but he may also be the busiest cat in the land as well.

His hot new release, "Jus Sangin'" features 14 Soul Classics. LB covers some the the greatest soul artists that ever recorded ranging from Marvin Gaye to Luther Vandross to Ray Charles to the Stylistics; from Stevie Wonder to Steve Miller. OK, "Fly Like An Eagle is not a soul classic, but it will be now that Larry put his spin on it.

You can preview all of the tunes at Larry's brand new website, http://www.larrybraggs.net

All of this coupled with a CD release party on July 31st in Austin, Texas is making for a busy July for LB. He will be appearing with Austin's premier funk band, The Bizness on 7/31.

All of the details are shown here:

LA’s “Junkman” Reviews TOP At The Greek Theater

2011-06-06T15:56:39-07:00

Funk. A word that is familiar to most of us, but not necessarily defined correctly. Loosely translated, it can be described as the sweaty, stinky, state of the human body after a good workout. You know, the way you feel after a good bout of dancing or performing under some hot lights in a crowded space. Your clothes are sticking to your body, your armpits are stained with sweat, your hair is messed up, and your feet and hips hurt. This is EXACTLY the feeling you get from seeing and listening and dancing to a good funk band. Hence, the word funky.

It has become known for awhile now, and popularized by the late great James Brown and his band, that a “Funk Band” playing “Funky Music” is the type of band with the bass and drum centered, playing beat-heavy music that is irresistible to people who want to get up and dance. Not just dance, but “Git Funky,” work your body till it gets all sweaty and nasty, in the state that I described.

Recently, I attended a show by a band that has laid claim to be the funkiest of the funky for over 40 years. The announcer likes to say at the beginning of their shows, “Ladies and Gentlemen, from Oakland California — Tower of Power!” And yes, the funk was brought on once again by this 10-piece band that had this writer (and many others), “gittin funky” in the aisles.

The show was at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on a perfect evening. It was part of a triple bill featuring TOP, Los Angeles Latino style horn band Tierra, and LA’s own fusion band War. The cool night was a great setting for the sweaty sounds that were soon to follow. Tierra got things started with a short set combining Latino and funky sounds that seemed to get the crowds attention, with a few toe-tappers and ballads like the 1980s hit song “Together.”

At around 7:20 PM, out stepped onstage Radio DJ legend Rick Dees, who for the last few months has been the morning DJ on Los Angeles station KHHT “Hot 92.3” — the sponsors of the show. He told a few jokes and then introduced the band that the crowd had been anxiously waiting for: Tower of Power!

Led by the core of band founders — tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo and baritone saxophonist Stephen “Doc” Kupka — the band laid down the funk from the get-go. Opening with a medley of “Soul Vaccination” and “Oakland Strokem” the band was as tight as ever. I’ve seen them many times and have never been disappointed. That says a lot for a band that has been together since 1968, and has been through many members throughout that time.

Driving the band is the most incredible rhythm section of bassist Francis “Rocco” Prestia and drummer David Garibaldi, whose tight accents and funky chops really give the band their energy. The band tore into their extensive catalogue of songs, including 1976’s “You Ought To Be Having Fun” and the very appropriate-for-these-times, ‘Only So Much Oil In The Ground” from 1974’s Urban Renewal.

Emilio Castillo & Junkman

Lead singer Larry Braggs is, as far as I’m concerned, the Tower of Power vocalist (and there have been many) with the most range. Not only that, but the brotha can “bust a move” as well. His dancing gave each song the energy it needed to take it over the top.

Speaking of moves, during the 1973 hit, “So Very Hard To Go,” the entire horn section emphasized the early verses with their signature hand moves to accompany it before breaking in with their instruments. Always a crowd favorite!

The Tower of Power horn section is something of an American icon. Consisting of Castillo, Kupka, tenor saxophonist Tom Politzer, trumpeter Adolpho Acosta, as well as the return of longtime trumpet player Lee Thornburg, this is what the band is all about. Their distinctive jazz-funk sound has been heard on hundreds of recordings by a variety of artists. The fact that these guys play and tour for upwards of 200 shows a year is testament to their character. They obviously love what they do.

And so does the crowds they attract. Like most of the people around me, it was hard to sit down, although I did to enjoy their take on the old Billy Paul soul classic from the 70s, “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Braggs really let loose on that one, continuing to dazzle the crowd with his soulful chops. He really showed off his dance moves for the next number, a tribute to the “Hardest Working Man In Show Business,” entitled “Diggin’ On James Brown.” This brought the crowd to its feet, as did the final number, their biggest hit “What Is Hip?.”

For this, they brought out special guests, such as trumpeter Sal Cracioldo, and the lovely saxophonist Mindy Abair, for an extended jam of terrific horn driven funk. Trumpeter Lee Thornburg, sporting some bright red slacks, even went into the crowd to dance and play his horn, to the delight of everyone. It seemed the entire Greek Theatre was moving — it was infectious. It’s amazing what good musicianship and great songs can do to entice an older crowd into dusting off dance moves that they may or may not have used in years, myself included. I will tell you this, as much as I’m not much of a dancer and never claimed to be, I ALWAYS dance my ass off at a Tower of Power show. I hope that will not deter you from attending.

After the show, I spoke with Emilio Castillo about the future of TOP. He told me they still play about 200 shows a year all over the world, and have plans to record a new record of original tunes in this, their forty-fourth year. If you are up for it, I highly recommend seeing them in a town near you. You won’t regret it.

I decided to skip out after T.O.P. and make it an early night, missing WAR. No regrets though. I was thoroughly (to paraphrase Tower of Power) “funkifized” and satisfied. A truly fun show. My thanks to the good people at the Greek Theatre and Nederlander for making this night possible. And of course to Tower of Power. Now “Git Funky and Dance!!!!”

SETLIST:
Soul Vaccination/Oakland Stroke
Ain’t Nothin’ Stoppin’ Us Now
You Ought To Be Having Fun
Only So Much Oil In The Ground
Get Your Feet Back On The Ground
You Got To Funkifize
So Very Hard To Go
I Like Your Style
This Time Its Real
Me And Mrs. Jones
Diggin’ On James Brown
What Is Hip?

Junkman & Francis “Rocco” Prestia

Interview Courtesy Of Junkman, and http://www.vintagerock.com

Direct link to original interview available here: http://www.vintagerock.com/top_2011.aspx