I've been following Tower Of Power for the last 20 years. I went to see them live for the first time earlier this year and they were by far the best live band I have ever heard. They are well named - Tower - Of - Power - that's what hits you, what a sound! I'd advise anybody who likes what they hear to go and see these guys live, you won't regret it. Worth saying also that the fans create a brilliant atmosphere too.
I grew up in the Bay Area following these guys! I remember their first album! Larry Bragg brings it ! But... Mimi, Doc, Rocco, Dave, Mick G., Chester T, Skip, Lenny the Backbone ! Have always delivered!! Youve got to FUNKAFIZE !!! Cant help it !! Your body wont stop !!! This is when music was REAL!! NOT MIXEDin a studio!🤜🏻🤛🏼✊🏼☝️👌👍😁
You know this is the band everyone wants to play with when you get one of the best in the business to sub. Bobby Sparks is a monster player of the highest order!
Yep, an incredible amount of work must have gone into rehearsing and crafting such a tight, perfectly choreographed and lively performance. Puts a smile on my face every time I watch this video.
What is HIP? "Soul Power!" I'm friends with all these guys! Rocco Prestia (the Original Bass Player from '69 to the present, except for 7 years) is my Best Friend. He's the coolest, mellowest, most humble & quiet guy you'll ever meet...BUT he'll tell you the truth NO MATTER WHAT! He received his "Life Achievement Award" from Bass Player Magazine on Oct. 24th, 2009! I told him it was a BIG deal to me but Rocco just smiles! LOL! ;-) Gotta' love the guy!!!
This is another TOP song that is CLASSIC! It was great then & it still IS! You just can't help "dig" this song and get into the FUNKY "groove!" Original Bass Player, Francis Rocco Prestia received the "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" by Bass Player Magazine on Oct.24th, 2009 while Drummer, David Garibaldi was Inducted in the Hall of Fame along with 122 Drummers from 1972 to present! Rocco has been in the band since he was 14 yrs old. The band's been around for 45 years, (46 this year)! Congrats!!
I followed these guys long ago but I admit I let them drop off the radar... Until I heard this on Sirius deep tracks. Wow, they're still great, better than great even.
OLVID DANIEL Garibaldi brought my brother Brent congas with him from Reality Sandwich the band he played with previously down in Jack London Square Brent was on three albums. Saw them at the Keystone in Berkeley with the Pointer Sisters or when they were with Elvin Bishop?
5 Dislikes??? You gotta be kidding me...5 halfwits with no appreciation for great musicians!! This song is one of favorites!!! Love those horns and that bassline by Rocco!!
This is the band I want at my 70th B'day party. Have mercy!! Any young dudes who need to know what is hip, this is it!! I could go on for a week about these guys. Simply, THIS IS HIP!!!! Joe the Vet.
TheVeteransNetwork No doubt, you're right! This is exactly the band that I want at my 60th Bday party too!!! But i have 10 years more till my 70th, save for that a little money... (:
one of the funkiest groups ever!! i liked the other singer but i think i like this new one just a bit better. i hate to say anything critical about them because they are just so great-tightest horn section-well they are all great-just listen to these solos!!! what a group-one of the best ever. thank you soso much for posting!!!!!
I like the fact the musicians really seem like they're enjoying themselves while playing. As a note for performing musicians remember, the more confortable you are with the playing, the better it should be received.
They are truly the strongest, tightest, and smoothest rhythm ensamble! I've been fortunate to have witnessed their mighty power in person on many occasions. It's amazing to see them have full rhythmic dialog with eachother, then all of a sudden turn on a dime, and in a split second... BAM! The groove changes to the next progresion of rhythmic eargasm! Just amazing!
Good stuff! Some ToP and Maceo funk in one? Too damn funky! BTW, Larry isn't new. He's been singing with Tower since '99. The man is easily the best vocalist they've had. He brings it, every time, and so does the band. What is hip!
I saw these guys open for Journey a few years ago....and just kicked ass! I know it will never happen....but I would love to hear Frank Gambale on guitar with this band.
This organ player must have a 'TOP' button in his head. Can't remember his name, but, dang! He's always right on when he plays with the band. I like that!
TOP just gets better and better, saw them in the 70s, 90s and an recently and it is the same excellent funky awesome tight show performance EVERY time. One of the few bands you can count on to BRING IT! I am so happy to have been able enjoy them live several times. They are ear and I candy and if you are a musician like I am you have a true appreciation of their talent, difficulty and dedication to their craft to make you and me smile when we hear them play. Like Chicago, EWF their longevity is a gift for music lovers all over the world. Thank you TOP !
Joena Brown ~ Right ON!! Rocco and I have been close friends for 13 years (I know them all very well, too). You are SO right about him telling like it is as-well-as his humility. Anytime I have ever asked him how a particular gig went, he says "Hey, it's a gig!" haha!! You do know he's coming back to the band soon, right? The kidney transplant surgery (12/05/2014) was a huge success, so we'll be seeing that finger style funk again real soon (probably this Spring). Brand new tour dates just added, too. Dave is on leave (surgery) for a few months, so Herman is filling in on drums for now.
Yes, I know all about it because Rocco & I aren't just Best Friends, we were (until Feb 7th, 2015) Roommates for the last 2 years! We talk on the phone (2 or more times) every day! I love him to dearly!
Killer; Rocco and the boys . They invented this 'bay' sound. no one plays like Rocco. Rocco and Dave are just killin. love that singer.The Horn section ;what can I say second to none.
This band is cruel, That's why it's considered Oakland best. Music just runs down your spine, awesome sound and that Sax player is a monster on that horn.
What constantly amazes me about these cats is the subs they can call. Roger Smith can be on a tour for whatever reason. “Bobby Sparks, wanna sit in for a tour?”
There is only 1 Tower of Power!!! There is only 1 Chicago! When AWB came along later with a couple of other bands like KC & The Sunshine Band here in Miami, the die had already been cast. Still can't get enough of that B3
no, don't screw new music... that attitude or the same kind of attitude, the screw --- music attitude is why radio stations don't play this stuff very often anymore. be open to music. there is great new music, you just gotta find it. ToP would have never become famous if people said "screw new music" back in the 70s. still glad that you found ToP. keep groovin
They started rushing during the sax solo. Not sure if they needed to pick up the tempo or the offbeats Rocco was playing caused Garibaldi to start pushing the tempo... Great video! :-)
Docs got his own boom box in hands it gets all up inside ya and you begin to rock slide out on what is hip, its that big bad ship horn the doctor is soundin..
Youth is soooooo WASTED on the young these days. There is a dance you DO to this music!!!! It liberates your soul so it can experience it's POWER!!! Puhleeeaaassseee can I get a witness!!!! And nobody so far has spoken a word for that glorious Hammond B3 in the background!!! Come ON NOW!!! Don't put that hat on if you ain't gonna wear it!!!!
@MCGEHEE1 - Yes I agree, The second Rhythm section was the best at that: Dave Garibaldi, Rocco P, Lenny Pickett, and I don't remember the guitarist' name...they were tight, and they gave seminars on funk groovin just as a Rhythm section + horn.
It pisses me off that Rocco gets half ass coverage. He's playing his new sig ESP LTD bass (RB1004BM-HN) and it sounds fantastic!! They almost overlook the whole percussion section.
There are no words that can do justice to describing this masterpiece.
The best horn section in the business, bar none
I've been following Tower Of Power for the last 20 years. I went to see them live for the first time earlier this year and they were by far the best live band I have ever heard. They are well named - Tower - Of - Power - that's what hits you, what a sound! I'd advise anybody who likes what they hear to go and see these guys live, you won't regret it. Worth saying also that the fans create a brilliant atmosphere too.
I grew up in the Bay Area following these guys! I remember their first album!
Larry Bragg brings it ! But... Mimi, Doc, Rocco, Dave, Mick G., Chester T, Skip, Lenny the Backbone ! Have always delivered!! Youve got to FUNKAFIZE !!! Cant help it !! Your body wont stop !!!
This is when music was REAL!! NOT MIXEDin a studio!🤜🏻🤛🏼✊🏼☝️👌👍😁
You know this is the band everyone wants to play with when you get one of the best in the business to sub. Bobby Sparks is a monster player of the highest order!
One of the few bands out there that are just as tight live as they are in the studio. Love these guys!
Sometimes hipness is...what it ain't!!!
This is one of the best recordings of this song I've ever seen.
Sparks kicks ass on the B3.
Tightness abounds.
I agree. It's nice to know that they're making slight modifications with the horn arrangements. Keeps it fresh. Love Tower!!!
Every time I listen to this version the air drums come out, the speakers get cranked and I am beautifully exhausted by the end....totally amazing band
FnA Buddy.:)
David Garibaldi-- just soo funky grooves!! one of the best!!!
And makes it look easy.
Bobby Sparks is grooving out his mind! That's how you take 'em to chuuuch!That organ!
although he bathed in SWEAT HE NEVER LOST A STYLE..AWESOME LARRY. BRAGG.. THE BAND WORKED HARD ON THIS.. AMAZING
Yep, an incredible amount of work must have gone into rehearsing and crafting such a tight, perfectly choreographed and lively performance. Puts a smile on my face every time I watch this video.
One of The Best vocal´s at TOP, EVER... Love Y all...
Thanks for this post! Grateful for TH-cam! The Baddest Band in The Land! R.I.P. Rocco!
Man, I love this song, and this band......so freakin' funky....damn
What is HIP? "Soul Power!" I'm friends with all these guys! Rocco Prestia (the Original Bass Player from '69 to the present, except for 7 years) is my Best Friend. He's the coolest, mellowest, most humble & quiet guy you'll ever meet...BUT he'll tell you the truth NO MATTER WHAT! He received his "Life Achievement Award" from Bass Player Magazine on Oct. 24th, 2009! I told him it was a BIG deal to me but Rocco just smiles! LOL! ;-) Gotta' love the guy!!!
Joena Brown Wow, that’s so cool! It’s great that a person who’s so amazing at what he does is so humble and down-to-earth. I enjoy his work very much!
I hope he's doing well. I was so lucky to see him do his thing
He is wat is hip
I don't know if you'll see this or not but I'm really really sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. May he rest in peace eternally.
I'm sorry for your loss 😔.
This is another TOP song that is CLASSIC! It was great then & it still IS! You just can't help "dig" this song and get into the FUNKY "groove!" Original Bass Player, Francis Rocco Prestia received the "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" by Bass Player Magazine on Oct.24th, 2009 while Drummer, David Garibaldi was Inducted in the Hall of Fame along with 122 Drummers from 1972 to present! Rocco has been in the band since he was 14 yrs old. The band's been around for 45 years, (46 this year)! Congrats!!
I am so happy to see that young people are digging this. The drummer is one of the great one"s
I followed these guys long ago but I admit I let them drop off the radar... Until I heard this on Sirius deep tracks. Wow, they're still great, better than great even.
Since....1968. Dang...I'z old...and...more importantly...Old Timey.
Rest In Peace Mic Gillette ...thank you for your beautiful music!
I saw their first performance ever, when they opened for Jimi Hendrix at the Berkeley Community Theater in 1970. Great show!
saw them in Vegas last year and performing with "LB" Sunday nite. consummate front man and all around good people!!
Their feeling and sound is just incredible,
I love them.
Thanks for posting all this stuff =D
One of the COOLEST drummers on the planet with a great all out BAND
OLVID DANIEL Garibaldi brought my brother Brent congas with him from Reality Sandwich the band he played with previously down in Jack London Square Brent was on three albums. Saw them at the Keystone in Berkeley with the Pointer Sisters or when they were with Elvin Bishop?
DB is the man, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Philly Joe would love you madly.
Deers
I've seen them at least 3 times in concert and their awesome every time keep on rocking out that music that no one else can duplicate!!!
This is a song that we had to know how to play. Just to hang-out with the boys.
Thank you Dave Garibldi for something to hold on 2.
Rocco is gonna be missed R.I.P. best bass player ever!!!!!
he's unbelievable. Yes. The world should see this band live once in their lifetime.
Jazz bassist Marcus Miller did a remake of What Is Hip "Live" and he Killed It! An obvious "Jam" during its prime time.
What's HIP today never becomes lassen!!!
been diggin this jam for so long
Dat Bro CAN Sing.
5 Dislikes??? You gotta be kidding me...5 halfwits with no appreciation for great musicians!! This song is one of favorites!!! Love those horns and that bassline by Rocco!!
Man, that new singer seems to have breathed real life into them! He's great.
The best band in the world. By far.
Drummer : monster, bassist : legend, horns : best of their kind, singer : new blood and here's TOP !! thanks ^^
This is the band I want at my 70th B'day party. Have mercy!! Any young dudes who need to know what is hip, this is it!! I could go on for a week about these guys. Simply, THIS IS HIP!!!! Joe the Vet.
TheVeteransNetwork No doubt, you're right! This is exactly the band that I want at my 60th Bday party too!!! But i have 10 years more till my 70th, save for that a little money... (:
the
Amen Brother!
one of the funkiest groups ever!! i liked the other singer but i think i like this new one just a bit better. i hate to say anything critical about them because they are just so great-tightest horn section-well they are all great-just listen to these solos!!! what a group-one of the best ever. thank you soso much for posting!!!!!
Rocco is still holding the funk in place!
I like the fact the musicians really seem like they're enjoying themselves while playing. As a note for performing musicians remember, the more confortable you are with the playing, the better it should be received.
Best horn section in the biz, TOP IS what is hip !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesomeness just drips from this.
This band has the tightest horns and such power ...bur Rocco and David G never stop. What a driving bottom end! Never lets you go!
Garibaldi and Prestia are the BADDEST boys!
Tighter than a mosquito's asshole
They are truly the strongest, tightest, and smoothest rhythm ensamble! I've been fortunate to have witnessed their mighty power in person on many occasions. It's amazing to see them have full rhythmic dialog with eachother, then all of a sudden turn on a dime, and in a split second... BAM! The groove changes to the next progresion of rhythmic eargasm! Just amazing!
@@peterjanjanin9883 Funkier than a moskuiters tweeter!
Good stuff! Some ToP and Maceo funk in one? Too damn funky!
BTW, Larry isn't new. He's been singing with Tower since '99. The man is easily the best vocalist they've had. He brings it, every time, and so does the band. What is hip!
I forgot about how rich a sound they have! So GREAT🐾🐞
and super crisp and tight
Bobby Sparks is kickin it!
MAN I MISS MUSIC LIKE THAT
Bobby Sparks! That's it. Good job, Bobby!
I saw these guys open for Journey a few years ago....and just kicked ass! I know it will never happen....but I would love to hear Frank Gambale on guitar with this band.
magic is pretty much the perfect description for this song
What is hip? THIS IS!!!!! Fresh as the first time I heard. Funk on!!
I haven't seen them in a while...Braggs is a blast!
Larry Braggs, tearing it up!
Holy shmoly, what a video!
I love the James Brown Soul Power part.
That organ player is good!
This organ player must have a 'TOP' button in his head. Can't remember his name, but, dang! He's always right on when he plays with the band. I like that!
TOP just gets better and better, saw them in the 70s, 90s and an recently and it is the same excellent funky awesome tight show
performance EVERY
time. One of the few bands you can count on to BRING IT! I am so happy to have been able enjoy them live several times. They are ear and I candy and if you are a musician like I am you have a true appreciation of their talent, difficulty and
dedication to their craft to make you and me smile when we hear them play. Like Chicago, EWF their longevity is a gift for
music lovers all over the world. Thank you TOP !
& dat's why people all ova da World always be sayin,
"Dayum, dem Americans sho kno howwda teah da place down na, don't dey".
Garibaldi/Prestia ryhtm section is SO powerdull
63yrs old if ur really hip the passing year's will show🙏🏿🙆🏿🤗
Joena Brown ~ Right ON!! Rocco and I have been close friends for 13 years (I know them all very well, too). You are SO right about him telling like it is as-well-as his humility. Anytime I have ever asked him how a particular gig went, he says "Hey, it's a gig!" haha!! You do know he's coming back to the band soon, right? The kidney transplant surgery (12/05/2014) was a huge success, so we'll be seeing that finger style funk again real soon (probably this Spring). Brand new tour dates just added, too. Dave is on leave (surgery) for a few months, so Herman is filling in on drums for now.
Yes, I know all about it because Rocco & I aren't just Best Friends, we were (until Feb 7th, 2015) Roommates for the last 2 years! We talk on the phone (2 or more times) every day! I love him to dearly!
Killer; Rocco and the boys . They invented this 'bay' sound. no one plays like Rocco. Rocco and Dave are just killin. love that singer.The Horn section ;what can I say second to none.
Outstanding!
This band is cruel, That's why it's considered Oakland best. Music just runs down your spine, awesome sound and that Sax player is a monster on that horn.
What constantly amazes me about these cats is the subs they can call. Roger Smith can be on a tour for whatever reason. “Bobby Sparks, wanna sit in for a tour?”
No kidding, this is the FUNKIEST thing I've ever heard....
love playin this on bass, you just gotta get into that pocket and then it's magic :)
There is only 1 Tower of Power!!! There is only 1 Chicago! When AWB came along later with a couple of other bands like KC & The Sunshine Band here in Miami, the die had already been cast. Still can't get enough of that B3
no, don't screw new music... that attitude or the same kind of attitude, the screw --- music attitude is why radio stations don't play this stuff very often anymore. be open to music. there is great new music, you just gotta find it. ToP would have never become famous if people said "screw new music" back in the 70s. still glad that you found ToP. keep groovin
Awesome!!!! Just PERFECT!!! :-)
They started rushing during the sax solo. Not sure if they needed to pick up the tempo or the offbeats Rocco was playing caused Garibaldi to start pushing the tempo... Great video! :-)
Still so good in 2024 Enjoy the Music :)
that its amazing......
Hipness is, what it is....
What's hip today might become passe.
Do you feel good?
Love TOP!
Best horn band ever
Break me off a big chunk of Funk... aw yeah... aw yeah... I feel much better now....
my funk was getting TOO low..... SOLID....!
Just saw TOP in Monterey. It's now 5:12 a.m. 😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺 Still trying to figure out...What is Hip...after all these years.
Oh yeah!!! I see this clip is with Rocco...Rocco&Dave G, Emilio&Doc enough to keep it REAL..like a M/F!!!
One of the baddest horn sections in the land.
TOP is grooving damned hot, they are really funkyfied :D
rocco the best bass player on the planet
I saw them at toads place in the 90s on New Year’s Eve, I have a story about that night.
Docs got his own boom box in hands it gets all up inside ya and you begin to rock slide out on what is hip, its that big bad ship horn the doctor is soundin..
This jam is too much,.badass band.
So Fun.:)
Youth is soooooo WASTED on the young these days. There is a dance you DO to this music!!!! It liberates your soul so it can experience it's POWER!!! Puhleeeaaassseee can I get a witness!!!! And nobody so far has spoken a word for that glorious Hammond B3 in the background!!! Come ON NOW!!! Don't put that hat on if you ain't gonna wear it!!!!
Baby making music dig it
im here you bet tower of power got the stuff!
Mike "Saxman" Saxton knows what is hip! First Chair-That's what I'm talkin' 'bout. Dig the horns! krxn11
grande musica.
Joena Brown No doubt one of the best bass players of all time!
These cats are bad ass!!!
60 yrs old Dec 14th 2020 thr pass n yrs have shown
This is truly "Funked Up"
BAD COMMENTS Y COULD NEVER BE THESE GUYS!
Garabaldi is the MAN!
@MCGEHEE1 - Yes I agree, The second Rhythm section was the best at that: Dave Garibaldi, Rocco P, Lenny Pickett, and I don't remember the guitarist' name...they were tight, and they gave seminars on funk groovin just as a Rhythm section + horn.
Tower of Power RUUUUULES!!!!!!!!!!
all Hail the Eternal Bump City Funk!
Very hip indeed!!!
It pisses me off that Rocco gets half ass coverage. He's playing his new sig ESP LTD bass (RB1004BM-HN) and it sounds fantastic!! They almost overlook the whole percussion section.
Doy Rayburn Rocco Prestia is revered by anybody that knows anything about the history of bass.
Stop already. Get a life.
This is good music that's what I'm saying
@afrogurl : Ya damn straight about that!!!