Tower Of Power - Squib Cakes (REACTION)

‪@AirplayBeats‬ reacts to Tower Of Power Squib Cakes
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[@clifton8929]

You can't listen to Towef Of Power and not smile. Every instrument is played by masterful musicians. Tenor Sax, trumpet/flugelhorn, Killer Bass, Hammond B3, David Garibaldi on drums...Bam, Magic every time. The top shelf of music masters.

[@realbser1956]

And let’s not forget David Garibaldi on the drums. Anyone with an appreciation for the drums knows that David is one of the GOATS of this or any other genre. A legendary band. 🔥

[@ricksoto1025]

Yes!!

[@alcambrola2834]

David Garibaldi officially announced his retirement 2 weeks ago. He said, "My body told me it was time." I'm glad we have him on record. Luckily, I saw him play in October.

[@324cmac]

You know what's great? When you are bopping to some great music that makes you smile and you know the band is having fun playing it. That's Tower of Power. Each musician is a master at their instrument plus they play with soul.

[@scotto.4832]

WHAT A TRACK -- The tightest band in the universe here!

[@markh2901]

Chester Thompson is the organ player. During his solo Rocco Prestia the bass player drops out and Chester is playing bass WITH HIS FEET using foot pedals. F*cking amazing. Also, there are 5 horn players - 2 trumpet, two tenor sax and one bari sax. There are 10 people in this band.

[@maureenwagg5305]

Tower of Power was the most amazing and funkalicious band on planet earth back in the 70's. I miss this music. It was just jaw dropping and great. Haven't heard this one in a minute or two (decades). lol Still as fresh as ever.

[@esdel1955]

Had a front row seat for these guys when they were just starting out. They opened for someone but all I remember is them. What a band.

[@randyallaben9900]

Rock and Funk. Two greatest music styles. TOP was funk and musicianship personified!

[@robertmiller9207]

TOP has been bringing the funk for over fifty years now and still nobody does it better. This track was composed by the legendary Chester Thompson who's also on the Hammond here.

[@DominicSilva-bl4ge]

My dad's favorite band. He's a keyboard player and loves Chester Thompson. I heard this record so much when I was kid. TOP is a force

[@paularietta6744]

Grew up with TOP and have been fortunate enough to see them in concert a few times. Their musicianship is amazing but their stage presence is even better. To this day (at 68) hearing their music still get me up on my feet dancing. Love this band...and they're still performing! Wow.

[@alcambrola2834]

Seen them almost 100 times. Never disappointed.

[@Kuhladestkyicky]

I think I saw them three t8mes before this album. East Bay Grease being their first. Great times! Winterland, The Fillmore and many small venues.

[@genecase9464]

"You're Still A Young Man" and "So Very Hard To Go" were their two biggest hits but "You're A Diamond Sparlking In The Sand" has a special meaning to me. Not as polished as their later work but still beautiful. Edit: The song is just called "Sparkling In The Sand". I always seem to add "You're A diamond..." because she was. 🙂

[@ML-un1oi]

Nothing wrong with some funk on a Sunday. Great reaction fellas! Appreciate you 🙏 ❤

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Their horn section is legendary. "Sparkling in the Sand" and "You're Still a Young Man" are two bangers with vocals by TOP.

[@scottsnyder2726]

This brought such a smile to my face. I have seen them a number of times live. Always an incredible show. Not too long until everyone’s on their feet moving. “Squib Cakes” typically the most requested song from audience. Lucky enough to be in front row one time - and it was rhythmic bliss!

[@williamisenberger1073]

Earth Wind and Fire, Brothers Johnson among others always had one instrumental on their albums, well worth a listen. I would start with Runnin' from the mighty mighty elements of the universe

[@davidcampbell4174]

East Bay Grease … love TOP. There are many songs by them that are reaction worthy. Try Down To The Nightclub, Soul Vaccination, You Got To Funkifize, and so many more. Thanks guys.

[@blkbass1958]

This was it in Northern Cal in the 70’s. We loved TOP.

[@MichaelB12345]

One of their strengths is that Rocco was all class bassist, however Chester is also playing bass pedals on the B3. They are still amazing. Check out their live recordings they’re even more powerful.

[@tonyguarascio4901]

I saw these guys when their first record hit the airwaves. Early 70s. I saw them again after 40 years, and now theyve been together for over 50 years and still jammin'. You owe it to yourselves to find some recent videos of them performing. They STILL got it goin' on! Thanks for doing this one! ( Check out " What is Hip" !)

[@joesmith1957]

Everything you can say that’s great about TOP is true, and they played like this live too - and David Garibaldi on drums is the pocket master!

[@neiss616]

Chester Thompson, the keyboard player during his solo, is playing the organ and running the bass line with his feet on the foot pedals of the organ, Outrageous

[@mamaflush9945]

This is a great album "Back to Oakland" was their fourth album released in 1974. "TOP" followed up with this album after their self-titled album and is their most successful album to date. But this album has a tougher funkier sound, and some have even said that this was an even better album. If you're interested in watching a live performance of them and that fantastic brass section, then check out *"Tower OF Power - Don't Change Horses in the Middle of the Stream - Leverkusen Live - Medley Part 2"* Larry Braggs killed it on the vocals, but that 5-piece horn section is what took it over the top. (IMO) love me some horns. lol Yeah, instrumentals were such a big pert of the 60's and 70's, Jam bands were very popular, and a lot of damn good session musicians came from those eras too. Here's another band that I believe you've reacted to before and seemed to enjoy their work. This is nothing but pure funk magic, bro. *"Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces (1977)"*

[@pcraig1383]

The fluegelhorn solo at @ 3 mins is Greg Adams who was arranging his HS bands music while still in school, he holds a PHD in music as does the Funky Doctor on baritone sax. Btw, give some David Garibaldi monster beats a try. Great reaction. How bout something from their first album 'East Bay Grease'. Tightest 5 piece horn section... EVER.

[@howard8738]

Saw them several times at the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia. The roof was shaking

[@stephenpreble2446]

That horn was probably the flugelhorn.

[@alcambrola2834]

It is.

[@lovethomassowell]

Greg Adams on the flugelhorn

[@ScottWDoyle]

The flugelhorn, on the low end, can almost sound like a trombone. And at the upper hand, a slightly mellower trumpet. Greg Adams kills it here.

[@Caheman1]

Been listening for 50 years. Love anything TOP!

[@donniellama4463]

Snarky Puppy Lingus live in the studio is definitely worth checking out.

[@mrnobody9104]

that gumbo was marinated in funk

[@cowprez]

They got it ALL bay bay!!! I've heard them live MANY times growing up the the SF Bay Area and they really stand out as one of the BEST soul-funk bands ever. Thanks for letting everyone hear them.

[@cowprez]

Check out "Knock your self out" - a new cut - EXCELLENT sound of what their up to these days.

[@christianman73]

In addition to their own incredible career, with the TOP band, of funky, soulful albums, the TOP horns have accompanied so many other great bands on their albums. For a while in the '70s and '80s, it seemed like the TOP horns were *everywhere* on so many albums! So many bands wanted them on their recordings, and rightly so. These guys could seriously play. The horns, and the larger TOP band, are *soooooo* tight and funky! 🙂

[@jimmoore8951]

Since Airplay is listening to a lot of Elton John now, how about finding some Elton with the TOP horns…

[@saxworthmusic]

Featuring Lenny Pickett on the sax solo. He fronts the Saturday Night Live band now. They have another excellent instrumental song called Ebony Jam . Earth, Wind and Fire did some instrumentals early on too. There’s one called Africano. Also the Average White Band had a big instrumental hit with their song Pick Up The Pieces .

[@IMCcanTWEESTED]

I ran across an interview with 2nd Trumpet/Trombonist, Mic Gillette. Dude that plays the trumpet intro to "You're Still A Young Man." The interviewer asked him what "Squib Cakes" were and he said that was an inside term band members used to describe the fine shapely caboose of an exquisitely sexy lady. Greg Adams (lead trumpet) played this song's solo on a Flugelhorn which is keyed to a lower register-sounding, at times, like the upper register of a valve trombone. We lost Mic to a heart attack in 2016 at 64 years old. Then in 2020 we lost another original member-Francis Rocco Prestia who was the monster staccato finger funk bassist that ruled the rhythm section along with original drummer David Garibaldi. David gave his notice last month that he's "Off the Bus!" The original heartbeat of Tower of Power is gone. I'm sure they find adequate players to fill those spots. I've been a huge fan since 1970 being a Tenor Sax player myself.

[@fusionfan6883]

Been a fan from day one and if you want to hear them at their epic best then listen to the version of their most famous track, What is Hip, on the album Live and in Living Color, it is a juggernaut!

[@Frankincensedjb123]

LOVE those old funk bands: TOP, Ohio Players, Earth Wind and Fire, Sly and the Family Stone, Average White Band ... Classic.

[@isomer13]

I love jam bands. Thanks, guys.

[@jimmoore8951]

Back to Oakland… something the A’s, Raiders, and Warriors might never say but at least Oaktown still has TOP and that East Bay grease

[@carlupthegrove4201]

Horns: Two Trumpets (doubling on Flugelhorn and Trombone) Three saxes: Bari and 2 Tenors. The incomparable Mic Gillette on Trombone, Trumpet and Fluegelhornl, The amazing Greg Adams on Trumpet and Fluglehorn Lenny Pickett on Tenor Sax, Chester Thompson on Hammond B3.... Rocco Prestia on Bass and Dave Garabaldi on drums.... Nothing like it.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Tower of Power is Top Shelf Funk.. Primo Blend. But right up there with em is also The Meters from NOLA. Not sure if you two know their album “Rejuvination”, but it’s a bonafide psychedelic funk masterpiece in its own right. If you’re unfamiliar, you’d be doing yourselves a solid to dig in to it. I can’t get enough of it, every song is on point in my book. Some highlights I’d point ya to are the opening “People Say” and a track called “It Ain’t No Use”, but the popular cuts really juicy: “Hey Pocky A-Way” and “Just Kissed My Baby”! Pure 🔥 🔥🔥

[@tobinharris8107]

I KNEW you would dig this one! So fun, so funky and such musicianship (added treat~the great "lyrics"). Thanks for reacting to it 👍

[@jonathansmith3742]

29 Oct in Hartford. I can't wait. It will sure be Hip!

[@vizzini589]

Rocco Prestia, and Dave Garibaldi were one of the baddest rhythm sections of all time. One of my desert island songs.

[@GBush-zq9fo]

Bass was played by Chester Thompson on organ foot pedals.

[@danielolson5378]

It's simply impossible to go wrong with these guys they're my biggest heroes!!

[@markmurphy558]

Best feel good music ever.

[@johnwilkinson4683]

I heard a clarinet. It popped out of nowhere... with the horns... :)

[@timgrady4630]

Legendary pulse . Defined the Jazz/Funk vibe .

[@TheSteveDallas]

Awesome song and a funky band!

[@user-ls8zy4ce3s]

squib cake is from the college of musical knowledge! The Doctor opens and closes the song! Then LP Lenny picket when he starts to play it's like he's saying , Here I go boys watch out! Garibaldi and CT jamming together let's talk about in the POCKET!!

[@williamweiss6128]

TOP, man, top of the line. ❤

[@Mr_Dopey]

I strongly recommend reacting to the artist Justin Townes Earle. The video JustinTownesEarle-Silencing Heckler-Slippin' and Slidin' is a great intoduction to the man. Yuma, Ain't Waitin', Harlem River Blues, Lone Pine Hill, Boy Keep Movin', Louisiana 1927 are just a few songs I could listen to on repeat. He was the son a famous singer, and fought demon his whole life. Sadly the got him in 2020.

[@jeffrubin5847]

Correct as you are about the bass player (Francis Rocco Prestia), without drums, you got nuthin. Drummers lead the band, drive the bus, navigate the land. These aren't "beats". David Garibaldi is one of the all time funk drummers (especially of his generation).

[@deaniegarcia5694]

Love this band, have since 1974! Disappointing enough, never crossed paths, but maybe one day…..anything they play, I love! Loved your reaction, always do…I never fail to pick up some nugget…Thanks fellas! Cheers!

[@garyrausch1184]

Great old school Hammond B3 organ solo

[@billadkins5150]

Has such a great flow to it.

[@mrwidget42]

The low-sounding trumpet sound is actually a fleugelhorn.

[@ryanaltemose5668]

if u liked this song u guys gotta check out their song butter fried

[@donlawson3330]

Channeling that classic NOLA funk for sure!

[@TheSteveDallas]

ToP is Oakland funk...

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

You’re maybe thinking of The Meters. They’re NOLA Funk, and most DEFINITELY La and Chi oughta be checking out.. like the entire album “Rejuvination”.. especially “Just Kissed My Baby”, or “It Ain’t No Use”.

[@user-hi1wm3fg3p]

Chester thompson on hammond b3 and lenny pickett lead sax. Funky doc kupka too

[@kentinatl]

I need my skates..let's Go!!

[@vicclement]

Many don't realize that the organist is playing the bass pedals during his solo and the bass player is just hanging out.

[@alcambrola2834]

According to Chester Thompson or CT, in conversation he was asked how Squib Cakes was named. He said he got the idea from watching a beautiful woman in tight jeans walk while her booty moved just the right way. I kid you not.

[@user-hi1wm3fg3p]

Best instrumental ever, ever

[@gregrambo606]

clean slate; an underrated track off the album tower of power. from this back to Oakland? Don't change horses is the standout.

[@garyrausch1184]

These guys played on Little Feats live album

[@Luke8886]

Great reaction, that's my favorite from them (:

[@Michael-Philip]

Tight but loose, Loosely Tight.. TOP

[@metaphoria3]

Loved that dudes! I’m w ya about those groovy angular bassists lately

[@kualua6612]

That’s Chester Thompson on keys and bass pedals at the same time!!

[@caryd67]

Chester Thomson was a drummer

[@caryd67]

@@Rock_Snob gotcha, thanks 😊

[@dickash1003]

All you commenters above who gave props to Chester Thompson you missed the main props - Chester wrote Squib Cakes!

[@jimmoore8951]

My old girlfriend sang in a band with Chester and said he would take long baths and write songs in the tub... much to the chagrin of those waiting for the bathroom

[@aaacelebrations]

Yay!! Props to CT!!

[@v.2080]

Yes!!❤❤🎉

[@Magumba_State]

You guys should check out Cory Wong, his band has an insanely tight horn section! But ontop of that you guys should check out VULFPECK, Cory Wong is their guitarist and their bass player Joe Dart is out of this world, I'd reccomend checking out Disco Uylesse (Instrumental) they're like the 21st century's Tower of Power, guaranteed you guys would love it!

[@chitownlee]

Best horn section ever.

[@alphaomega6062]

Back in the day people used to listen to music. These days people watch videos that have music in them...

[@normanrose2711]

Here are a couple more scorching instrumentals by Tower of Power Spank-A-Dang & Ebony Jam

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

You guys should try some of the Beastie Boys funk instrumentals. Any song from The In Sound From Way Out would be great. Ricky's Theme or Groove Holmes would be amazing.

[@Michael-Philip]

I once asked them to do Beasties and they said they were familiar with them.. but most people don't realize how deep the Beasties cataloug is.

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

@@Michael-Philip if they listen to almost any radio, they have heard some of these songs used as transitions or interludes between segments.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Well, truth be told, everyone oughta do themselves a solid and check out some stuff by the man himself: funkmaster organist Groove Holmes, just to know for sure what the Beasties shout out was about!

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

@@CANDOKNOWHOW Absolutely.

[@RonaldWilliams-qh7zc]

Damn man y'all listening to some good music seriously Tower of power back to Oakland yeah that's a nice album everything on that album this is actually the only instrumental on this album Lenny Williams sings lead vocals on the rest of this album

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

"Squib Cakes" ...while everybody is cookin' on blast furnace heat, no question; was ALWAYS known as "a drum clinic" by: David Garibaldi. -Personally, my fav. cut off of this album (if I had to pick ONE: which I DON'T!) has always been: "Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream)" 🤘🤘 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 ...That's, probably, also, NOT just 'cause: T.O.P. slams on it, but, also, because it was written (co-written🤷🤔) by one of my favorite guitarists and artists of all time: The MFin' LEGENDARY: Johnny "Guitar" Watson 🤘🤘 Johnny "Guitar" Watson can funk Kraftwerk or Metallica with a neck-brace. He busts the best chops, licks, grooves -No dis on George Clinton, WHATSOEVER, or the funk of Godfather J.B. (although: personally??: if I had ever met him, I would have put him in the hospital, multiple times, just for the way he treated his family & women, in general! (never MIND: others in his life!)...-but we're going well beyond music, now...), but: Johnny "Guitar" Watson is the master! ...Even over: PRINCE (I believe!)!~ 🤘🤘 ...anyway: Yeah, I think Lenny Williams added (or altered🤷🤷) some lyrics for/on "Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream)" [Lenny Williams being: THE BEST vocalist *and the ONLY GREAT one) that Tower Of Power eve had, I.M.O.!🤘🤘] and has a co-writing credit, ...but if you know Johnny "Guitar" Watson's funk and his grooves and his style ...you can hear his imprint all over that song! (Also: as far as I know: Johnny Watson never recorded "Don't Change Horses..." himself! -although I believe he did include it in live sets, at some points 🤷🤷.) - "Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream)": SO funky that: Your girlfriend, from 8th grade, will look up your current number and phone you from Australia, because: she feels somethin' so bumpin' and stanky and can't explain it! ...if you play it! 😛😝😂😂😉....

[@pescadote64]

I often put videos in my queue to watch later. Not this one. Where are my headphones? 😎

[@ricksoto1025]

This is East Bay! Grease!!

[@benhinds2971]

Lenny Pickett from SNL band was in TOP.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Like I've been saying for 40yrs the suits have ruined music. Do you think Miles or Herbie would get a contract today. Love the big band brass sound

[@Michael-Philip]

could be two saxaphones a trumpet and a trombone.

[@jimmoore8951]

Actually 3 saxes. What set their horn section apart was the Funky Dr. supplying the bottom on baritone sax.

[@mikehudsonrocks9585]

Rocco!!!!!!!!!!

[@benhinds2971]

There was a market for instrumental funk because of discotheques and clubs with dancing. Think about dub-step. No vocals. They're at a rave or whatever they call it now. You may know, if you are at a bar, that bar has to a cabaret licence for dancing also. So you may, technically, not be allowed to dance at the corner dive bar.

[@davidallanhardin]

You better wake up and release it.

[@bobfunkytrainman5422]

LENNY PICKEETT SAX

[@reedwilson64GTO]

Try a 3 piece band. REVEREND HORTON HEAT "Wiggle Stick"

[@jgsrhythm100]

Sly Stone- Poet

[@benhinds2971]

Could somebody please tell women that the bass player is the quarterback. Please.

[@user-im5he7kg9u]

Oakland

[@user-hi1wm3fg3p]

Fluegelhorn by greg adams

[@michaeldowson6988]

Have you fellows checked out Booker T & The MGs yet?

[@bobfunkytrainman5422]

HORNS

[@michelefaucher4180]

I miss the organ the most. Where did it go?😢

[@JuanMorales-vy5em]

You want funk try playing this song by tower of power it's called funk the dumb stuff try it out please play it and find out for yourself how funky it is

[@bobfunkytrainman5422]

LOOK AT ALL VIDEOS SEE ALL

[@kellydelay18]

Not enough oil is a good one

[@doeadear22cardenas74]

Only so much oil 😃

[@metaphoria3]

That beat is nasssty

[@mackymintle7806]

H f S