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TOWER OF POWER


BIO:
Tower's musical odyssey actually began in 1968 when Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka in July of that year. When Doc auditioned during a band rehearsal at Emilio's house, Emilio's father called him into the kitchen and offered the following advice: "Hire that guy, he's got something." Doc and his signature baritone sax sound were now in the band, and on August 13, 1968, Tower of Power, as we know them today, began playing gigs, and soon became very well known in the area. Many other bands came out of the San Francisco Bay area in the late 60's. Bands like The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Big Brother, Journey, Cold Blood and others all helped to define the "San Francisco Sound." Tower of Power has always claimed Oakland, California as their hometown. Playing area venues and making a name for themselves, Tower of Power's big break was just around the corner. After playing at a Tuesday night audition at the Fillmore in 1970, Tower was signed to Bill Graham’s San Francisco records and their first album, “East Bay Grease,” was recorded. All of the compositions were original tunes written by Castillo and Kupka. Their next album, “Bump City,” was recorded on the Warner Brothers label, and this led to a string of hits and memorable albums that include many of the songs that TOP fans come out in force to hear, even to this day. Over the years, the Tower of Power Horns have recorded with hundreds of artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA. Since the beginning, Tower of Power has never stopped touring and recording. Always in demand, the band never fails to entertain and amaze their fans. Tower is truly blessed to have a dedicated following that often travels to see the band, and in many cases fans will plan their vacation or work schedule around an appearance of TOP. Tower celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2008 at a very special reunion show at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. In addition to the ten current members of the band, another 20 musicians and vocalists that at one time held a position with the band appeared with them. The show was filmed and is available on DVD. Of the ten current members, Emilio Castillo, Rocco Prestia, Stephen Kupka, and David Garibaldi are four of the band’s founding members. Their dedication to the music, their creative writing, and their original vision still guides Tower of Power. Each year Tower of Power tours the United States, Japan and Europe, playing to sold out crowds all over the world. Recent releases include “Great American Soulbook”, a collection of classic soul tunes, and the 40th Anniversary Concert DVD. Tower has never been busier or more in demand. New generations of fans come to see the band perform as their timeless music continues to excite fans of all ages. We hope you enjoy this website, which will be growing and evolving continually to include more band history, information on alumni members, and regular updates on Tower of Power.

Latest Articles


Tower of Power Ring in the Holiday Spirit With First Holiday Album Photo Tower of Power Ring in the Holiday Spirit With First Holiday Album
by Josh Sharpe - September 24, 2024

East Bay funk, soul, and R&B legends Tower of Power have announced the release of It’s Christmas, their first-ever full-length Christmas album of their 56-year career available on all digital streaming platforms & CD on September 27th with vinyl released on October 25th....

Remastered Yusuf / Cat Stevens 1973 Album, 'Foreigner' To Be Reissued on Vinyl Photo Remastered Yusuf / Cat Stevens 1973 Album, 'Foreigner' To Be Reissued on Vinyl
by Josh Sharpe - June 04, 2024

Since 2020, Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ iconic 1970s albums have steadily been lovingly remastered and reissued in celebration of their enduring popularity more than a half century later. Now, the legendary singer-songwriter’s classic 1973 album, Foreigner, will be released in a variety of newly remastered...

Herbie Hancock & Gladys Knight Headline 37th Annual The National Grid Jazz Fest Photo Herbie Hancock & Gladys Knight Headline 37th Annual The National Grid Jazz Fest
by Michael Major - June 14, 2023

Produced by Jazz Fest founder Frank Malfitano, the event features forty bands performing on two outdoor stages and in 24 clubs throughout downtown Syracuse, New York. National and internationally touring and recording artists, including Spyro Gyra, Tower of Power, Postmodern Jukebox, Tuba Skinny, Jo...

Brooklyn Funk Essentials Release New Video for 'AA Side Single' Out Now Photo Brooklyn Funk Essentials Release New Video for 'AA Side Single' Out Now
by A.A. Cristi - October 20, 2022

The cult funk ensemble Brooklyn Funk Essentials share the playful video for their infectious new jazz-funk jam 'AA Side Single', in follow up to the critically acclaimed recent single 'Scream!' released on Dorado Records....

Brooklyn Funk Essentials Shares 'AA Side Single' Photo Brooklyn Funk Essentials Shares 'AA Side Single'
by Michael Major - September 21, 2022

‘AA Side Single’ is a funk stomper, with a classic groove, squelchy bass, Tower Of Power style brass and Alison Limerick’s seductive vocals. With its lyrics “Won’t be your B-side, baby I’d rather not get played, I’m double A side single”, the track is all fun, vinyl-themed innuendo about having no i...

Jesse Roper Returns With 'Cool Whip' From Third LP 'Horizons' Photo Jesse Roper Returns With 'Cool Whip' From Third LP 'Horizons'
by Michael Major - August 15, 2022

Canadian rocker Jesse Roper is back with the sultry and Motown-inspired new single “Cool Whip.” Working closely with famed JUNO-nominated producer Gus Van Go (Metric, The Stills, Whitehorse, Arkells, The Trews, Sam Roberts) on this new collection of songs has pushed Roper into creating some of his b...

Brooklyn Funk Essentials Releases Video For Uplifting Single 'Scream!' Photo Brooklyn Funk Essentials Releases Video For Uplifting Single 'Scream!'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - July 28, 2022

Brooklyn Funk Essentials released the video for their afrofunk single 'Scream!', featuring legendary vocalist Alison Limerick and the full BFE band. The video accompanying the single sees the much loved cult funk ensemble jamming in their element in the studio, with dynamic cuts of Alison moving gra...

Brooklyn Funk Essentials Announces 'Scream' Photo Brooklyn Funk Essentials Announces 'Scream'
by Michael Major - July 25, 2022

Brooklyn Funk Essentials have released the video for their afrofunk single ‘Scream!’, featuring legendary vocalist Alison Limerick and the full BFE band. The video accompanying the single sees the much loved cult funk ensemble jamming in their element in the studio, with dynamic cuts of Alison movin...

Brooklyn Funk Essentials Announces 'Scream' Photo Brooklyn Funk Essentials Announces 'Scream'
by Michael Major - June 30, 2022

‘Scream’ is a syncopated groove wrapped by powerful Tower Of Power style horns and percussion, with lyrics that make a shout for freedom of expression. The track is the outcome of the pandemic on the band led by bassist and founder Lati Kronlund, who jammed, wrote and recorded music continuously tog...

Gordon Goodwin to Release New 5-Song EP, THE RESET Photo Gordon Goodwin to Release New 5-Song EP, THE RESET
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 08, 2021

Multiple Grammy/Emmy Award winner Gordon Goodwin returns to forefront of adventurous compositions and modern jazz with 'The Reset,' an urgent and topical 5-song EP, a bold foray into the intersection of composition and improvisation, a futuristic excursion brimming with purpose and cursive....

Circus Mind Will Release New Album 'Joy Machine' Photo Circus Mind Will Release New Album 'Joy Machine'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - April 26, 2021

The first JOY MACHINE single “Are You Ready?” features guest guitar phenom Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and had an official music video release....

The 8-Bit Big Band's New Album BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE Is Now Available Photo The 8-Bit Big Band's New Album BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE Is Now Available
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 11, 2021

The 8-Bit Big Band, under the direction of Tony-nominee Charlie Rosen, has released their third full length album, Backwards Compatible. An exploration of the 'Great Video Game Songbook'', this electrifying new album features a symphonic orchestra made up of over 70 of New York City's finest musicia...

Acoustic Guitar Virtuoso Mark Vickness To Release Second Album 'Interconnected' Photo Acoustic Guitar Virtuoso Mark Vickness To Release Second Album 'Interconnected'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - September 16, 2020

Three years after releasing his debut solo CD, Places, composer/guitarist, Mark Vickness releases Interconnected featuring four new solo modern fingerstyle compositions and four original pieces....

Timothy B. Schmit Releases New Single 'Cross That Line' Photo Timothy B. Schmit Releases New Single 'Cross That Line'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - September 10, 2020

Timothy B. Schmit has released “Cross That Line,” a new song that addresses the MeToo Movement along with Donald Trump's ego....

Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns Releases Second Single 'Oh Baby!' Photo Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns Releases Second Single 'Oh Baby!'
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 12, 2020

'It sure feels strange promoting an EP release while the fight against systemic racism is at the forefront of everyone's minds these days,' shares bandleader Jeremy Beck from Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns. ...

Stern Grove Festival Announces Cancelation of 2020 Festival Photo Stern Grove Festival Announces Cancelation of 2020 Festival
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 14, 2020

Stern Grove Festival Executive Director Bob Fiedler announced today the cancellation of the 83rd Stern Grove Festival due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the continued moratorium on large gatherings....

Lettuce Announces New Studio Album RESONATE Photo Lettuce Announces New Studio Album RESONATE
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 19, 2020

As the follow up to their 2019 GRAMMY® Award-nominated album Elevate, genre-defying funk-jazz-soul-hip-hop-psychedelic-jam-rock-experimental music titans LETTUCE have announced their seventh studio album, Resonate, will be coming this spring. Set for release on Friday, May 8th via Round Hill Records...

Craft Recordings Announces 'Prestige 70' Podcast & Video Series Photo Craft Recordings Announces 'Prestige 70' Podcast & Video Series
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 07, 2019

Craft Recordings is proud to announce the launch of its very first podcast, Prestige 70—a limited series that salutes the legacy and spirit of the venerable jazz label Prestige Records. Produced as part of the label's 70th-anniversary celebrations, Prestige 70 features intimate conversations between...

Blue Note Hawaii Announces October Lineup Photo Blue Note Hawaii Announces October Lineup
by Abigail Charpentier - September 30, 2019

October's Blue Note Hawaii lineup has a little something for everyone including two comic powerhouses with Todd Barry and Donnell Rawlings continuing the Blue Note Hawaii Comedy Series. Eighties pop sensation Tiffany gets things rolling and Jane Monheit, one of today's best jazz vocalists makes her ...

New Album 'The Conversation' From Emmy Winning Film & Television Composer Martin Davi Photo New Album 'The Conversation' From Emmy Winning Film & Television Composer Martin Davich
by Sarah Jae Leiber - August 19, 2019

On September 20, 2019, multi-award winning composer and musician Martin Davich will release his first album The Conversation. Comprised of 9 songs, the album features a multitude of the world's most formidable musicians, engineers and mixers that Davich has collaborated with throughout the years....

New Orleans Edition Of The Funk Sessions To Take Place Between Jazz Fest Weekends Photo New Orleans Edition Of The Funk Sessions To Take Place Between Jazz Fest Weekends
by A.A. Cristi - April 08, 2019

Live For Live Music's The Funk Sessions is headed to New Orleans! The monthly residency, which typically takes place at Cervantes' Other Side in Denver, CO, will make its way to Frenchmen Street for a special edition of the event during the daze between Jazz Fest weekends. This version of The Funk S...

Aubrey Logan Releases New Single L.A., Album WHERE THE SUNSHINE IS EXPENSIVE Out 3/22 Photo Aubrey Logan Releases New Single L.A., Album WHERE THE SUNSHINE IS EXPENSIVE Out 3/22
by Tori Hartshorn - March 19, 2019

Jazz/pop vocalist/trombonist Aubrey Logan announces her new single 'L.A.' from her highly-anticipated sophomore album Where The Sunshine is Expensive. Where The Sunshine Is Expensive, a love letter to her adopted hometown of Los Angeles, drops March 22 on Resonance Records. After a series of sold-ou...

MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO Announce New Album 'Opaque Couché' Photo MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO Announce New Album 'Opaque Couché'
by Kaitlin Milligan - March 06, 2019

According to Brooklyn-based art blog Hyperallergic, opaque couché wins “the title of 'World's Ugliest Color'… So why did MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO (MBM) name its fantastic new album Opaque Couché?  “I wanted to do a title based around a particular color, so I wanted to give opaque couché a chance since it...

Aubrey Logan Announces WHERE THE SUNSHINE IS EXPENSIVE Out 3/22 Photo Aubrey Logan Announces WHERE THE SUNSHINE IS EXPENSIVE Out 3/22
by Tori Hartshorn - February 22, 2019

Jazz/pop vocalist/trombonist Aubrey Logan announced today the release of her anticipated sophomore album Where The Sunshine is Expensive. Set to release on March 22nd on Resonance Records, Where The Sunshine Is Expensive is essentially a love letter to her adopted hometown of Los Angeles. Logan unve...

Jon Anderson Announces New Album, '1,000 Hands' Photo Jon Anderson Announces New Album, '1,000 Hands'
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 19, 2019

For music fans everywhere, a new album by legendary Yes singer Jon Anderson is ample reason to celebrate. But Anderson's grand and glorious new solo album, 1,000 Hands, is quite unlike any other record – it's an event, one which the singer's loyal legion of fans across the globe have been wildly ant...











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