THIS WAS GREAT!..| FIRST TIME HEARING Tower Of Power - What Is Hip? REACTION

[@RenR70]

You guys need to listen to the original studio version with Lenny Williams on vocals.

[@mattperegrine873]

Lenny is still going strong today.

[@chopperdeath]

Lenny took a little time off to persue other projects.......

[@RikardPeterson]

Or the 40 year celebration version with Larry Braggs

[@davidbressler5783]

This version is on speed.

[@RenR70]

@@davidbressler5783 Yeah it’s a weird thing with live versions, they’re always faster.

[@bobschenkel7921]

These guys rock. Caught them live in a double show with the Average White Band, another group with a powerful horn section. My first concert of this century, January 2000. Tower Of Power is TOPS.

[@yellawerder3279]

Live is the way to see T of P. They wave that happy wand all over the audience and makes for such a great time!

[@todallard8791]

Saw them in a double show as well and when all the horns played together was awesome.

[@pbrooks4040]

you saw them both, together?! lucky man.

[@StevesFunhouse]

Now, this was nice, but with them, YMMV. However, you should stick to their studio albums for the best results, at least until you know them and what their original version sound like. One reason for this is due to their constant line-up changes (over 56 different musicians and singers ... to date). Beside, you might miss lead singers Rick Stevens, Rufus Miller, or even the great Lenny Williams, who sang on the original version of this song. They were all AWESOME, but he was AWESOME-ER (??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣) !!! He was the lead singer for most of their "hits" that persist forever, with some exceptions like their greatest hit, You're Still A Young Man. Let me tell you, you HAVE to listen to that one ... You're Still A Young Man (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKWoZYlsjt1-kJo ), if nothing else. It'll make you weepy, and I'm talking to any guy who has ever felt that way. I know I have (felt that way), and the music and lyrics always make me weepy but ... it's so beautiful , you just can't NOT listen !!! Amber, there are some GREAT HORNS in it for you, and some great BASS for the both of you. Vocals are beautiful and on point, and the story ... Other songs you might like are listed below. As I said before, the singer was Rick Stevens on the first 2 ... the rest were Lenny Williams including the one you just reacted to (What Is Hip?): 1. Sparkling in the Sand - some great horns with 2 sections where the trumpet and flute switch that you can't tell right away, so perfect ... believe it or not !!! 2. Down to the Nightclub - Funky to the MAX and really catchy 3. This Time It's Real - Upbeat Soul, great horns and BASS 4. So Very Hard to Go - Another monster hit for them, some great vocals and horns 5. Clever Girl - Great horns (sounds like Chicago's horns) However, about the band ... at 1 time , back in the day, if a band had horns on a song, that didn't have their own horn section, then you could pretty much bet that it was either Chicago's horn section or Tower Of Power's horn section on a track .

[@andyo3689]

Totes!!! said everything I would’ve. But let me add the horns jobbed out with LOTS of bands. Please please check out Little Feat’s live performance of Spanish Moon on the album Waiting For Columbus. FUNKAAAAAAAY

[@SaxyLament]

I'd like to add "Will I Ever Find a Love" to that list. I just love the desperation in the vocals and the horns just seem to drive the knife deeper into the wound.

[@StevesFunhouse]

@@SaxyLament Yeah, I only skipped that one because I was hoping to get them (mostly Amber) hooked on the bigger hits first, and then add to the list.

[@StevesFunhouse]

@@andyo3689 Yeah, that's why I said that bands without horns that featured horns on a song were either using TOP or Chicago's horn sections. They were both badass !!!

[@shellymarquez9320]

I’m so excited for this journey with them! I’ve been asking them to do TOP for so long!🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@79kevnor]

Tower of Power has been providing funk for 50+ years. "You're Still A Young Man" is a must listen.

[@davewildermuth7519]

Next stops: Maceo Parker, "Southwick (Shake Everything You Got)" Ohio Players, "Love Rollercoaster" Bar-Kays, "Soul Finger"

[@bertisjordan1085]

Loved those 70's horn years. Most of the bands that you heard on the radio had horns and they were all tight. James Brown's horns section is also great. Check out the Ohio Players!

[@notgivennotgiven7776]

Fire

[@ernierivas5484]

We used to say this band was "tight" because of how accurately each band member would pop off those staccato notes in perfect sync. If you had asked me, I would've had you react to the studio version of this. Precise mixing of this song is tough to duplicate in a live setting.

[@woverby1963]

Love this version but i agree with you, the studio is probably best heard first! Great band.

[@glibsonoran]

Yah the tempo on this was a little too fast. It's impressive technically that they can play at that tempo and still stay tight, but the song loses a little musicality, studio version is better.

[@robynmatheson7687]

The studio version is so much better than this one. This tempo is much faster…harder to appreciate the the musicianship. Suggest you listen to the studio version.

[@johnj2763]

These guys were awesome. Best line up was in the early 70’s. If you like horn sections check out Sly and the Family Stone, LTD, Kool and the Gang, The Ohio Players, The Trammps, Junior Walker & the AllStars, The Brothers Johnson, The BarKays, War, The Average White Band, and of course The Commodores, and Earth Wind & Fire ( James Brown and Stevie Wonder are in a separate category entirely )

[@desireestevens]

And Blood Sweat and Tears!

[@nkcbrazil]

Can’t leave out Chicago

[@TracyfromNC]

Jr. Walker and the All Stars ate fabulous...best horn!

[@johnj2763]

@@TracyfromNC they are

[@nebelungpixie9373]

ANYthing with The Memphis Horns !

[@barriehull7076]

Tower's horn section appeared on a number of other artists' recordings, including Otis Redding, Aaron Neville, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Labelle, Huey Lewis, Little Feat, Heart, Michelle Shocked, Paula Abdul, Santana and Stevie Nicks.[3] The horn section also recorded with bassist Larry Graham's Graham Central Station, Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, Journey, Elkie Brooks, Cat Stevens (on his Foreigner Suite), Luis Miguel, Linda Lewis, R.A.D. (Rose Ann Dimalanta), Jermaine Jackson, John Lee Hooker, Helen Reddy, Rufus, Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship, Mickey Hart, Heart, Damn Yankees, Frankie Valli, Spyro Gyra, KMFDM,[11] Lyle Lovett, Poison, Phish (two songs on their album Hoist[12]), Toto, Pharoahe Monch, Brothers Johnson, among many other acts.[2][3]

[@alexdrummer2175]

They're still touring constantly. Seen them a dozen times. Mind blowing how funky and tight they are.

[@vickiroman189]

@@angieg3098 What a great combination of groups!

[@alexdrummer2175]

wow!!🔥

[@gdb415]

50+ years of funk ,out of Oakland. You're Still a Young Man, a classic ballad of the 70's

[@garrison7888]

The sax player doing all the dancing is now the head of the SNL band.

[@clarencedixon3290]

Feeling the 70s vibe. They were all over the place including WAR, Chicago and others. Cool reaction yall

[@transportrrt]

Tower Of Power is pure Oakland California SOUL / FUNK.

[@faithnyou1732]

Tower of Power was a 70s band. This song was released in 1973. Thank you for always taking me on trips down Memory Lane! ;-)

[@neshobanakni]

That white horn player in the tux with the 'fro sure can dance!

[@rickstadel5285]

Lenny Pickett -- leading the Saturday Night Live band since 1985.

[@calibadgerdude6082]

The horn section comes and goes, as does the singer, but the core of this band is Doc Kupka, (baritone sax), Emilio Castillo (tenor sax), and David Gaibaldi (drums, a bit on and off, but he’s the longest standing drummer of the group). Sadly, the fourth of the “core” members, Rocco Prestia on Bass passed away last year, but he was one of the best bassists ever. If you want to hear them blow the roof off with horns, “You’re still a young man” is iconic and one of the best horn lines ever.

[@michelemichele3375]

Love Rocco. RIP. ✨🤪

[@chrisinfiesto835]

Add 2 the “no longer w/ us” list; guitarist Bruce Conte, trombone player Mic Gillette, sax player Skip Mesquite, trumpet player Iron Mike Bogart, & singer Rick Stevens....... Such a revolving line up, but ALWAYS top notch!

[@kingofhearts54]

Tower of Power started in the 70's in Oakland, Ca. The Band size is always about that many sometimes more. They are still touring to this day with their high powered horns and their special brand of East Bay Funk. You need to check out " You're still a young Man " , "So very hard to go", " Soul Vaccination". I love your Channel!!!... keep bring that fresh look at these great Performers.

[@melodymcdonald2140]

So Very Hard To Go is one of my all time favorites. The piano, guitar, bass, horns, and drums are all so good, but that baritone sax is everything!

[@patrickborin9814]

Great choices

[@Dragonsinger71]

For sure. I'm from the North Bay. Spent time hitting the Fillmore, Oakland Coliseum, Winterland....Back then the whole Bay Area was filled with places to get to see some mind blowing bands. Tower of Power was always so tight, but so was Sly & The Family Stone.

[@heronpage3883]

@@Dragonsinger71 I practically LIVED at Winterland!! Saw these guys multiple times there.

[@blackprix]

Oh saw them live twice in the 70s, oh my God it was a happening one of my very very favorite still is!

[@jeffwilson5742]

Saw them several times. No sitting down!!!!

[@cindyv1401]

Saw them LIVE baby way back when ‼️‼️💯 Had me dancing in the aisle ❣️🤗

[@craigreid7178]

This is the greatest horn section there is in music.

[@tomsa123456]

Still at it today.. Tower of Power! New front man these days but you can find them on a Tiny Desk from NPR!!!

[@JimiBurleigh]

One of the horn players is named Greg Adams. I met him a couple of times because my mother knew his mother through their Salvation Army connections. Although a few years (and a continent) apart, both Greg and I started learning the cornet in a Salvation Army youth band. True story. My wife went to see ToP a few years ago and durring this song he gave a shout out to Neil Peart (drummer of Rush). It was early 2000s and Neil was still alive. She couldn't wait to tell me about it.

[@andyyyz9114]

Shoutout to Rocco for the relentless, driving bass :)

[@marningritaguy]

Each member of the TOP was and for the new members are amazing musicians and performers. TOP has been around since the 60's

[@dabig25]

The Greatest Horn section of all-time

[@mkenific]

One of the greatest horn sections ever.

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

This is a little faster than the original. Just a tad, but man they hold it together. So sweet live.

[@cmsrick]

A “little” fast??????

[@vincentp149]

Speed funk

[@dalestephens1588]

Dang!! That tempo is WAY faster than the studio version! I think I prefer the slower take that allows room for the parts to breathe a bit.

[@TrevorandThea]

Yes, the slower studio version or the one from their live album is half as fast but twice as funky!

[@heatherbegs]

I actually checked my settings to make sure I didn’t have it on 1.5 x speed!!

[@TrashWerewolf]

This live version is total garbage. The studio version is far superior!

[@bigjay123]

YAAAAS. AWESOME GROUP... YOU GONNA LOVE IT.

[@gregwatson3300]

Definitely check out "You're Still a Young Man." Also, Tower of Power is still out there touring.

[@Mess2012Z]

I'm almost 60 and I've never heard of Tower of Power...how is that possible???

[@sukioki6983]

My Mom graduated in 1973... To this day she still LOVES Tower of Power. She also loves the horns. Cool band!

[@marthaz]

As referred to below, one of their lead singers later in the groups life was Lenny Williams. If you don't listen to anything else by him, listen to "cuz I love you". You'll never forget it. Love you two 💕

[@elainemarsh5170]

My favorite from TOP is “So Very Hard To Go.” Gorgeous melody and a sublime trumpet solo.

[@michelemichele3375]

But with Lenny Williams on lead vocals. Thanks ✨🤪

[@maloishwilson]

This is a good performance, but you have to find the version of this song when, Tower of Power, had Lenny, Williams, as the lead singer, also "you're still a young man" by Tower of Power, with Lenny.

[@commanderredhawk7468]

Earth, Wind and Fire bring the Funk and the OUTFITS!! SEPTEMBER, what a song.

[@jennhurl]

"SEPTEMBER" by EWF is my JAM!

[@KenOtwell]

If you were EVER going to see a live band... this is it.

[@murrayspiffy2815]

Summer of 1976 - Paramount Theatre - Portland. Took Tami. Charlie took Lori. We were hip for a night.

[@patrickborin9814]

Agreed! Saw them, I believe, with Huey Lewis decades ago. I would love to see them paired up with Chicago or Earth, Wind and Fire.

[@joesiano21]

For 50 years they have been together. Always a band this size. The original funk band.

[@mattshaw6180]

Heart actually recorded a hit song with Tower of Power horns! Look up "Even It Up" from 1980 and _groove_ !

[@waybackj]

TOP is still blowing the roof off venues worldwide. Please go see them. You will never be the same.

[@supasoulproductions]

Check out their fairly recent appearance on The Jules Holland show doing 'Soul Side of Town' if you want to see how much they still got it! Or more of their back catalog... Soul Vaccination, Don't Change Horses', Only So Much Oil', Soul With a Capital S', Down To the Nightclub... They started in 1969 and they are still going strong, so the catalog is crazy deep!!

[@megaroli]

Oh yes Tower of Power. Listen to So very hard to go. Great song.

[@rhondahershman3863]

Another great band from Oakland Ca. We have a rich history of music, many many talented musicians.

[@MrPooch1967]

Pure East Bay Grease!!!👍🏻✌🏼💯

[@biff9999]

Hey, that hair. Digging the hair completely. Sista with natural hair is the acme of beauty, I don't care what it is - locs, afro, afro puffs, braids, dreads, etc. Looking good, Amber.

[@frankalves3940]

Some more great songs from TOP "Your Still a Young Man" "Soul Vaccination" "Attitude Dance" "Diggin On James Brown"

[@traduseuse5895]

I strongly suggest you listen to Bobby Womack's Across110th Street. Who is with me on that one?

[@Star_R666]

So happy you've got a listen to Tower of Power. Those were the horn years of music, TOP, Chicago, and Blood Sweat and Tears were all horn heavy. I prefer the studio version of This is Hip?, just my preference, I think it's because I can hear the horns crisper.

[@marknapiello8055]

So true studio is better.

[@bertisjordan1085]

JB's, Average White Band, Ohio Players loved those years!

[@extdiso]

Good version, but the studio version is so much better

[@lindamathias6230]

This song was originally lead by the iconic Lenny Williams.

[@kahalamorse8910]

Tower of Power " Your Still a Young Man! A Classic! HHOORRNNSS!!!

[@bottleman57]

Please check out "Curiosity Killed the Cat" by Little River Band. Or maybe "Sweet City Woman" by The Stampeders. Both are good songs that are seldom, if ever, heard.

[@rosshartley5807]

This vocalist isn't the guy I'm used to hearing in this band, and this version pales in comparison to other live performances (The red album from 1976) Speaking of the red live 1976 album, try "You're Still A Young Man" from that record.

[@valkyrierecording641]

You Are Missing Probably The Most Unreal Singer! Roy Orbison A Voice Like No Other! Songs Pretty Woman, Crying, and His Last With The Traveling Wilburys comprising George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and JeffLynne! The Song Not Alone Anymore! This Will Blow You Away! Crying get the version with KD Lang!

[@helindove2237]

Ooh yes. Amber and Jordan really need to react to a Big O video. It's a must I dare say. They should definitely get to know his unique voice. The greatest singer in the world, according to Elvis. Need to say more?

[@joiedevivre2005]

Mashed the LIKE button as soon as I saw who you were reacting to. I KNEW y'all would absolutely LOVE Tower of Power! A Tower of Power concert is almost a religious experience. The band is always shifting members - if you put all the band's members - past & present- onstage, you'd have about 75-80 people. I would also suggest you check out their songs "So Very Hard to Go", "You Outta Be Having Fun", "You're Still a Young Man" , "Diggin' On James Brown", and "Don't Go Changing Horses (in the Middle of the Stream). They are still touring & a blast to see. I've had the pleasure of working with them & they are some seriously cool cats.

[@joiedevivre2005]

Y'all also need to check out Trombone Shorty. Everything he's done is incredible - but I'd suggest starting with his "Backatown" album. My favorite is "Suburbia".

[@TheTexasRedhead62]

My favorite Tower of Power is Get Yo Feet Back on the Ground. Great band.

[@almondjones5267]

"sometimes what is hip is what it aint" amen brother

[@smspirate]

saw them live at the Fillmore a few years ago - ToP - the BEST Oakland sound of the 70's! This band evolves over 50 years of constant excellence. Musicians, one and all.

[@bobbailey8282]

The incomparable TOP! They were one of the best horn sections in the business. Recorded on so many albums.

[@jerryparedes6688]

I am so glad guys, that you are reacting to Tower of Power. Many Many Thanks! Please do "You're Still a Young Man". The opening horns will melt your heart, Amber👍.Do the audio version, if possible

[@gradypatterson1948]

Lots of folk have talked up the horn section - which is fair enough, as they were pretty amazing - but the member who gets little recognition here is bassist Francis "Rocco" Prestia - one pf the most *relentless* bass players ever! His ability to keep up a fast 16th-note pattern through entire concerts was mind-blowing! This song is characteristic for Rocco - his percussive muted notes just keep coming at top speed, providing an even bed for the horns and vocals to lay in!

[@teresagorden5984]

Try ,Earth Wind and Fire; THAT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD, Song by Billy Caldwell WHAT YOU WON'T FOR LOVE.

[@crochetloverangelgrace54]

Your son a beautiful little boy I enjoyed watching your videos God bless you all

[@jas8815]

I saw them back in the early 70s and they were phenomenal. Music back then was so much FUN!!!

[@quiltie1774]

Amber...hahaha... watch this and look at your shirt...hahaha you have Dolly bopping to! Love it!

[@jvandervest2578]

I keep forgetting about this group, and everytime they blow your mind!

[@abelincoln3287]

SUPER FREAK by Rick James!

[@helindove2237]

Yes! With the "oh-oh's" from The Temptations! And to be honest automatically my mind goes: Stop! Hammertime! 🙄

[@joemoe765]

Horns! So happy you got right to TOP so shortly after my suggesting it. Thanks

[@cindy2252]

I'm going to see Tower of Power next Saturday night at Jazz Alley in Seattle. I am so stoked!! It was delayed when the pandemic started, it's been a long wait!

[@bugvswindshield]

uh oh....They found Tower of Power!!! lol thanks as always

[@dorothyzbornak9974]

Just adore you guys!!! If you love funk and R&B, (and don't we all), please PLEASE do Sly and the Family Stone: "I Want To Take You Higher", "Dance To The Music", "Stand", "Hot Fun In The Summertime", "Family Affair", "Everyday People", etc. I saw them at Woodstock at 3:30 in the morning going into Sunday and they brought down the house. 500,000 of us hollering "High-er" back to Sly and dancing in the darkness. So sweet.

[@1445coconut]

I was a teen in the 70's. We had the best of the best music. One of my favorite shows I watched on a black and white was "Soul Train".

[@jo-annzinni3511]

Thank you guys so much for acknowledging my request. I am an avid fan of tower of power but you got a bad version, please re listen to this song on the" live in Oakland" album (Red cover ) with the original singer not this hyper way too fast version; this is not how this song is supposed to go and pay attention to the bass and drums, guitar sync, how they work together and tnat primo horn section, and I think you'll like it a lot better--thanks again-- also: check out "You're still a young man, Don't waste your time", same album-- BOOM!! how much fun is that? 😘😇👑🎺

[@brendadickenson6743]

So much talent in this! Wow! I am glad they they took the step back to let each section shine! They were that humble and fantastic, the music was the special!

[@colibri1]

My favorite song from them is 1973's "Soul Vaccination."

[@troyrobertson88]

Thank you. I know the song, but I have never seen the video

[@chopperdeath]

All of this is so good. These guys could play and having lots of fun.

[@CarolinaSkyAstronomy]

So much Funk going on. Love it

[@jennhurl]

You want some serious funk? Check this out Jay & Amber! Chaka Khan & Rufus 🎶"Tell Me Something Good"

[@TheDivayenta]

You two are coming with the greatest music! 😘😘😘

[@bryanforis1839]

Great sounds great music

[@nickface55]

Tower of Power was a Seattle band the preceded Jimi Hendrix, Sir Mix a Lot and the Grundge bands. Real legends back here in my home town.

[@cliffjetton9235]

My favorite band - seen them about 80 times. Grew up in the Bay Area as a horn player. These guys are the gold standard. They are also known for the session work they've done for other artists. I wonder how many other RSR selections that horn section has played on to date?

[@RonHerring5300]

Now you are talkin`! YES!

[@amicouvillionwilson1824]

We saw them 2014 when they opened for JOURNEY ! Phenomenal show !

[@tanya2299]

Check Tower of Power performance on Soul Train, with Lenny Williams (original singer of this song). And, listen to their song, “You’re Still A Young Man,” that’s a good one too.

[@genecarden780]

They have been together for 50 years so the lineup has changed a little over the years ( a lot) but it wasn’t uncommon to have 11 members. They have had about 5 different lead singers.( actually a lot more but about 5 ghat were significant) But the core is Emilio “ Mimi” Castillo( the leader and sax vocals) Stephen “ Doc” Krupa ( baritone sax and legendary dance moves) Greg Adam’s, Mic Gillette ( Trumpets.) Francis “ Rocco” Prestia( bass) and Dave Garibaldi ( drums) the first time I heard them I was in elementary school they played at the IDES Hall in Hayward . 15 minutes from Oakland. ( at the time I had no idea who they were)By the time I was a teenager they were my favorite band ( along with CCR, I’m sure being local helped) as a young father,I came home from work one day and found my toddler daughter standing in front of my 3’ tall speakers pretending to play her toy trumpet to the very beginning of “ So very hard to go” flash forward 20 some years, my daughters boyfriends dad turns out to be their sound engineer in the 70’s and my daughter was routinely backstage at their concerts and having dinner with Mimi. I still have an autographed play list that Emilio gave her at the first of those pre-concert dinners hanging on my fridge.

[@edwardcossa875]

Saw them up close at the bottom line in NYC almost 50 yrs ago, the best live concert I have ever seen or heard . I still listen to them

[@stevenmonahan4656]

the big white guy dancing is the best tenor sax in the biz, he is currently the leader of the SNL band, "Knock yourself out" l off the Live in living color, red album, will "knock your socks off!

[@theolddoctor4492]

As a sidenote, the gentleman with the big fro and what looks like a tuxedo behind the singer is named Lenny Pickett. You might recognize him as the current leader of the Saturday night live band.

[@gautamdevgun333]

Tower of Power were known for the tightness with which they played. The funkiest band to come from Oakland. No one and I mean NO ONE can beat their rhythm section, i.e. Drums, Bass Guitar, and Electric Guitar. Funk personified.

[@randybaker6042]

Ya'll are on a roll.

[@PaHeadhunter]

Some songs with horns to check out: Sly & The Family Stone - Thank You or Dance To The Music Sam & Dave - Hold On I’m Coming James Brown - Get Up Offa That Thing

[@Wordsmyth8]

This group is from my era, but I never heard this song before. The song they always played on the radio by TOP was called So Very Hard to Go. It’s a good one.

[@allendesalme197]

If you want to hear one of the best drum solos ever listen to Emerson, Lake and Palmer live at the 1974 California Jam doing Karn Evil 9, Second Impression. Carl Palmer was the inspiration for almost all rock drummers who came after him.

[@joendeb640]

One of the greatest, funkiest songs EVER!

[@barragan_music]

LOL somehow knew you were gonna ask of that's really the whole band. Yessir it is. That's them. My favorite band, straight outta Oakland. East Bay Funk, TOWER OF POWER.

[@vickiroman189]

These guys put on one of the best concerts I've seen - so much energy. I like "Soul With a Capital S"!

[@KenOtwell]

YES - THAT SONG!

[@girl_overthinx]

They still do...I've seen them every year , for the past 28 years. Haven't lost a step.That's how I get back to the East Bay without leaving my city.

[@vickiroman189]

@@girl_overthinx You are truly blessed!

[@andrewgilmore5951]

I love your reactions!! So, the next time you decide to venture into the 60's, I'd like to suggest doing a few selections from the "One Hit Wonders" category, and start it off with The Contours singing "Do You Love Me" (be sure to listen to the original mono track}. This is the kind of music I started my radio broadcasting career with 55 years ago...and I still love it!! Keep up the great work!!