Tower Of Power, What Is Hip? - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@LeeKennison]

I'm really glad that you are starting to get some exposure to R&B, funk, and soul, which were very important parts of the musical culture back in the 60s and 70s (1973 here), and continuing in slightly different forms from the 80s onward. As you becomes more acquainted with these genres, you will start to recognize this is having a strong "funk" feel. You were exposed to funk in Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some more modern funk influenced songs. The bass really stands out for me in this one. Strong creative bass lines are usually very prominent in theses genres. I liked your conclusion, "What ever is you is hip." Although as a rebel I personally go for the anti-hip vibe.😉 Great reaction!

[@youngfunkenstien1963]

I can't wait till she tries to make sense of p-funk lyrics

[@daveking9393]

Holy cow. I never see anybody reacting to this group. Thank you so much for sharing

[@jimsilvey5432]

Just for kicks, try Tokyo Groove's cover of this song.

[@EnricoAnsaloni]

One of the funkiest, most iconic bass lines of all time, by the amazing Rocco Prestia. A must learn for every respectable bass player. Very tough to do, it requires a lot of precision and stamina

[@KyleS.1987]

Rocco was a force of nature. He had a singular style, and yet his lines always fit the tune like a glove.

[@KevCampbell]

About 14 years ago TOP gave a free clinic at our local Yamaha music dealer, and I took my High School Sax student son. It was "just" the horn section, meaning no bass/percussion to give them time, and I was floored by the sharp precision of their playing. They were absolutely beat perfect on piece after piece - never playing an entire song, but rather a section to illustrate technique or style. Incredible musicianship.

[@gradypatterson1948]

The opposite for me - I attended a clinic with Rocco and David Garibaldi - as a bass player, I am amazed at how much stamina Rocco had - so many of his bass parts were the same relentless staccato dead-on-the-beat 16th note pulses, and he made it look effortless! Even now, 20+ years later, I can't keep it up without getting a bit off-beat here & there!

[@kellahella5286]

TOP is renowned for being an industry leader for tightness. Early Chicago also were really tight.

[@J0hnC0ltrane]

Funky. Y'all radio used to be fun. Thank you for the bright spot on my day.

[@KHALIDISOLDADOMUHAMMAD]

My Daddy introduced my Brothers and I to "Back to Oakland" as soon as we were able. He knee-tapped each and every instrument from "Squib Cakes" for us, for years on end, to be sure we respected each instrument and musician (specifically Dave Garibaldi) and had us quizzing on which organ was being used on a particular song (mostly Hammond 🙂). From TOPs albums, we gained a respect for music, mostly unseen among our peer groups. Every child and Grandbaby he has, is fully aware and appreciative of every note, of every song. Watching this supreme artist herself, reacting to the my Daddy's favorite song brought tears to my eyes; mainly because he used to do the same thing, to every song, no matter how many times he heard it. Lost in the brass, the flickering guitar, the staccato beats, the wailing organ.. he'd close his eyes and "discover" a note he swore he'd not heard the first 30k times he'd listened to it😁Every time YOP came within 500 miles, my Mommie and Daddy would join with their friends and never miss a show. 🥹 I am an only daughter, with 6 Brothers..we just lost our Daddy in 2019..our absolute HERO..and I would have LOVED to share this video with him, surely he would have enjoyed it, immensely. This is the genius, and blessing-that is Tower Of Power. Thank you for this. ❤️ I miss you every second of every single day, Daddy.🥲🎷🥁🎹🎺🎸

[@tobbesander1360]

Great band with great musicians. Funky and tight. Saw them live in Stockholm and it was like getting a kick in the forehead (in a good way).

[@boardmanfan]

I've been lucky enough to have seen Tower of Power four times and they never disappoint.

[@stevenwitt1812]

Love Tower of Power. Had the great pleasure to see them perform live in Chicago back in the 70's opening for Santana. Incredible and fun performance, with sax man Lenny Pickett dancing like a dervish onstage throughout. They have so much wonderful energy. Also, check out Santana's Everybody's Everything. That's the Tower of Power horns.

[@charleskelly1887]

I ran the sound system in a dive where ToP performed. I met 16 y.o. Lenny Pickett, who told me he was dropping out of high school. I asked him why, and he told me he was already a better musician than anyone who taught music at his HS. "I just need to play with heavy cats, and these guys are heavy cats." Now of course, he leads the SNL band.

[@stevenwitt1812]

@@charleskelly1887 Wow, very cool! I also saw him when he played with Bowie during the Serious Moonlight tour. Incredible show! Love Lenny Pickett.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Saw them last year in Denton

[@NotBenCoultry]

Similar in mood but more complex, a perfect morning song for the next early day: Weather Report - Birdland

[@RogerWyatt365]

I never would have paired these two together, but now that you mentioned it...

[@manlioyllades]

"The Eternal question" (TOP fans will understand) Tower Of Power not only has one of the best horns section, but also had the tightest drums/bass team in history: David Garibaldi and Francis "Rocco" Prestia (RIP). I had the chance to meet Rocco once and he was the coolest guy. Being a big influence on many bassists (including Jaco Pastorius) he was so humble! And yes, Funk is the way to wake up!

[@J0hnC0ltrane]

Yes David Garibaldi. Saw him perform a few times.

[@skiziskin]

People don't talk about Rocco nearly enough. He had it all. I love the way he pedals on this for so long before eventually going on flights of fancy fills beneath all the other instruments. A master.

[@victormoreno1808]

So true, lots of bands have used the TOP horn section on their albums (Heart and Santana) just to name a couple, but their backing vocals were also in demand! Thanks for sharing.

[@PallHermannssonGuitar]

Loved this. This track is so funky and has swag so thick you can cut it with a knife. What Amy said about Bach's "long note" is pretty much what I try to do when I'm playing a solo over a busy rhythm, which is to play slower and more elongated notes using more sustain and go for contrast rather than clutter up the rhythm.

[@ed.z.]

I love Tower of Power and JS BACH! Now I know the connection. Thanks.

[@41Forethought]

I grew up in Oakland in the 50s and 60s. Many bands that became nationally famous got their start playing high school dances. I first saw Jefferson Airplane, Blue Cheer, Credence Clearwater, Sha Na Na and many others in a school auditorium. Tower of Power was a real standout - their brass section blew me away! Their show was so dynamic that most of the attendees stopped dancing and crowded the stage, grooving to the music! GOOD TIMES!

[@rk41gator]

Sounds great. These guys were so talented, musical, and perennially hip.

[@kellahella5286]

Bay Area 🎼 🤘

[@grahamokeefe9406]

TOP is all about the horns. Ironically, 'What Is Hip?" will never not be hip. (Also, Amy had pillow face before it was mainstream)

[@ivansargent4481]

First of all this young lady is adorable she has that beautiful welcoming smile and I love her first time reaction to hearing this particular song. The song What is Hip is an anthem and the sound of this song will never go out of style it is enjoyable today as it was when it was first released. The Tower of power band and show is exemplary.

[@bonniegropper]

Saw them in Tampa F.l. last year and it was such a great show!Love the horns and one of my favorites is your just a young man sang by Rick Steven's.That is such a beautiful love song which just touched my soul.

[@thomassharmer7127]

From blues-funk to The Brandenburg Concertos after a sleepless night with the baby; I'm impressed 😅. Definitely 'wake-up' music.

[@charleskelly1887]

My friend Mic Gillette (R.I.P.) played that trumpet.

[@stevengifford7457]

I met him several times in Reno in the 80's.

[@alcambrola2834]

In all respect to Mic, Greg Adams did those solos on this song.

[@paulsonornot]

This is strange, I didn’t know this band at all. So good!

[@theoriginalblacknerd4524]

I am glad I came across your channel. The 1st video I saw was your Purple rain video. I am a Prince fan. My late wife and I actually went to the Purple Rain concert 3 times in 3 different cities. Then you hit me with this one which was one of my High School days theme songs. I am now a subscriber.

[@kinexkid]

This band brings back so many amazing memories for me. When I was a sophomore in high school in 2009-2010, a close friend and I played bari sax in our high school's jazz band, and the other bari player was dating a girl from our rival school who also played bari. As it turns out, she was the granddaughter of Mic Gilette who was one of the big brass players for Tower of Power. We worked something out and we're able to set up a charity concert where we got to play some of tower of powers greatest hits. Not only did Mic Gilette join in on trumpet/trombone/flugelhorn, but we also had Tom Politzer of Tower of Power join in on tenor sax, and Stevie "Keys" Roseman who performed with Journey for a bit.

[@kinexkid]

My favorite memory from that concert was belting out the intro to "Squib Cakes" when Mic Gilette takes the microphone from the from of the stage and held it in the bell of my sax for the entirety of that funky intro

[@TheNoladrummer]

It may sound easy-going, but I assure you that the drum part is fiendishly difficult and never stops.

[@ultrasquid]

Yes, in California, we hella do, on occasion, say "y'all"

[@diverdown631]

I've seen TOP live several times. Nobody sits everybody moves and grooves.

[@alcambrola2834]

Thank you for reviewing this. I've seen the band almost 100 times in the last fifty years, yes, I'm old. One time I had a conversation with Greg Adams who plays those trumpet solos and asked how he got the type of sound for those particular parts. He said a phase shifter was used. Whatever that is. Anyway, great song and review.

[@gbulmer]

This is *_Glorious!_* It's full of complementary musical jokes. The music _is_ illustrating change. The drums are worth a listen for their intricacy, minimising repetition, which is counter to 'traditional' drum patterns. Best Wishes. ☮

[@RogerWyatt365]

One of the best "big brass" bands of the era (Blood Sweat & Tears and early Chicago being the others). This song has ALWAYS been my favorite TOP songs Amy, I'm so glay you (and Vlad) put up this reaction - pillow-face and all.

[@peterliljeholmen5703]

Great song and reaction! Haven’t heard this before but I got clear vibes of The Temptations. Will dig deeper into the catalog of Tower of power! However, it would be nice to have a reaction to The Temptations too, for example Ball of confusion 😊

[@dgrjazz]

TOP is still playing in 2025. Some of the same guys as well. Sometime when your in the mood for this check out their 40th anniversary show On the linguistic question you asked. During the 2nd WW many people moved from the poor south to Oakland to work in ship building. Many stayed and kept their accents which included y’all.

[@kellahella5286]

Welcome Funk and R&B. Sly and the Family Stone take it to the next level. Both bands are rabbit holes well worth diving into.They were still performing last year and still as funky.

[@mightyV444]

I did not expect to enjoy and be entertained this much by a reaction to a song I'd never heard before! 😄👍 I've somehow always only known this band by name! 🤔 Another great song with lyrics around a similar subject but from a different musical genre is 'Out Of Style' by Joe Jackson, which I warmly recommend 😊

[@TonyBailey-xf5tn]

It doesn't come much hipper than that. TOP were in a class of their own when it comes to this type of music. Tight as two coats of paint.

[@amosglitterz2649]

Seen these guys live a few times (horns have different people except for ol' Doc playing the baritone sax). I think there's only two original core guys are STILL there: Emilio Castillo and Stephen ("Doc") Kupka. They've rotated various vocalists through the years, too. They sound exactly like their recordings live. So tight.

[@webjammer1]

When I listen to Tower of Power my neighbors do too.

[@TerrysQuest]

one of the features of this song which made it stand out is the syncopation and tight unison parts between the drumset and the brass on those accents. It was putting the rhythm front and center and as a young drummer at the time it was very influential. And the guitarist starting his parts already bent upward adds a bit of tension. And the organ solo brings it back to jazzy coolness. Truly iconic and as I see the review talking about that funk feel this syncopation and sliding around the beat defines it.

[@Unclesmokey314]

I play this all the time at work!! Growing up in a very musical home I heard my dad playing this all the time on the sax. When it was good it was great!

[@keepgrindingup7661]

THAT 🔊BASS.... RIP Rocco Prestia

[@willharm6143]

My opinion is that the quest for being "cool" or "in" is a marketing scam, that when mistaken for reality or something that has actual valid worth, has led to innumerable personal and societal tragedies, and a world of missed opportunities for genuine fulfillment.

[@terrymckown2441]

Rocco absolutely killin it. 😎

[@madmanasaurusRex]

Great song! Great little reaction! Not my favourite song you’ve ever done, but considering it’s not extremely deep, it was very nice to see you early in the morning getting pepped up over this piece! 😊

[@joestuby6699]

Dave Garibaldi on Drums, Francis Rocco Preista on Bass, laying down 16th note percolation is the foundation of this song and band.

[@gwengoodwin3992]

Oh I hope you are setting up an original/cover combo here, because I just LOVE the version of this song by Japan's Tokyo Groove Jyoshi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnKbgX6uZZ6UpZo Keyboards, bass, drums, and samisen. It is sooo good. The frenetic bass and bursts of horn sounds are characteristic of funk music. That's what you're hearing: a bit of blues/funk. You'll hear more funk when you get deeper into Prince's catalog.

[@mikelistman5263]

Dear Vlad: good funk but please get this wonderful musical lady onto James Brown and the Famous Flames...I don't know...Cold Sweat?

[@trappenweisseguy27]

The great Francis “Rocco” Prestia laying the groove down with staccato bass notes.

[@user-gl8mx9uc2d]

I remember Lovebeads & Bell bottom pants & Peace Signs,too.

[@pcatful]

Doesn't get more CLASSIC and ICONIC than thie piece. Sadly I never expect to hear new original music like this again. Anyone? Closest I've heard to this recently-- a few years now actually-- (and sort of in this style) is Newen Afrobeat.

[@madmanasaurusRex]

Man, this song really got my head bopping. If I wasn’t sitting down I’d be dancing!!! 🫨

[@unclejack123]

the best 1hr49min you will ever spend on you tube is the live "Tower of Power 40th anniversary at the Fillmore west" . the got together with all of the past and present members they could muster (with interviews) ..... just sayin'

[@jonathansmith3742]

I can tell you What is Hip. Driving in your 75 Corvette Stingray with the T-Tops off and Tower of Power cranked up with What is Hip at a loud volume. That will neve become Passe. I love doin it.

[@terrykennedy-lares8840]

Yes, having pillow face is definitely hip!

[@pdxyadayada]

As funky as you can get!

[@LucaW.]

For a serious musician, I expected her to comment on what was going on musically, like the 16th note feel and how it all fits together.

[@antidote7]

Funk fest! Killer bass line and drum groove, great horn section. Such a great band. Definite social commentary.

[@Nastyn1nja808]

there are seriously Not Enough "Tower of Power " Reactions! Live this song!!!!! HIPPER THAN HIP!

[@davidhowe5415]

As a bass player, I can attest that there were two players in the 1970's who raised the game to a level that made us wonder if we could hang anymore: Frances Rocco Prestia, and Jaco Pastorius. Some of the bass licks on this track are from another planet. Generally a driving 16th note feel, but check out how he embellishes it further with some 32d triplets @8:10, at "what's hip today might become passe." Another killer aspect of this song is the heavily Latin-influence drum groove - David Garibaldi on the trap drum set, with the support of congas.

[@marknovaky]

Hughes Mearns Yesterday, upon the stair, I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish, I wish he'd go away... When I came home last night at three The man was waiting there for me But when I looked around the hall I couldn't see him there at all! Go away, go away, don't you come back any more! Go away, go away, and please don't slam the door... (slam!) Last night I saw upon the stair A little man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today Oh, how I wish he'd go away...

[@victormoreno1808]

I know the word Y'ALL sounds like it is a word spoken in the south (USA), but the vocalist MR. Lenny Williams is black, and in California most black people use that word, even today. Thanks for exploring into this genre of music, it is some of the best American music we have offer. As a matter of fact, that whole album is great! Chester Thompson on the Hammond organ who later went on to play with the group Santana was also a key factor in this line up.

[@MMT58]

The Drew Carey Show (1995 - 2004) used to do what were essentially music videos of certain songs, including this one. I’m sure it’s still posted on youtube.

[@Deanrite]

Rocco on base drives this bus

[@DefenestrateYourself]

Bass

[@Deanrite]

@@DefenestrateYourself Damn spell check didn't catch that. Oops.

[@wvkoi5675]

World’s TIGHTEST horn section.

[@supasoulproductions]

I believe the phrase in the lyric is 'hanging out with the so-called hippest set'. As opposed to 'hippie set'. For whatever difference that might make.

[@robertholmes6906]

Would love to see you cover "Lowdown" by Boz Scaggs !!!!!!

[@georgesheffield1580]

And they are still around and still a tower of POWER . TZhey also back up o ft r assist other musicians .

[@tomsan7742]

the bass part is quite famous

[@Greg-om2hb]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Funk. Now it’s time to get acquainted with Mr. James Brown, the charismatic musical genius who invented Funk some ten years earlier.

[@thomasripley1548]

Best horns in business, definently check out more....

[@juanjoseescanellas3798]

It remainds me kind to Prince, like what he refered to as Funky. Of course I don't know. So I don't expect to be right, instead, I liked this and your comments very much. It's not something that I prefere at glance, but it's interesting, Jazz like I find.

[@davidbrankley1645]

What is hip? I find myself at an age (71) when it little matters anymore. Did it ever matter to me. I suppose it did when I was a teenager. Saw this band perform much later than that in 2003. I sang along to their music and danced my ass off. Absolutely loving what they were putting out. Was I hip then? Not really. I was just another geezer dancing along to a band made up of geezers. Hip didn't matter. Maybe they should write a song about what lies beyond caring if you're hip anymore. Maybe Hughy Lewis already did. "Hip to be Square".

[@stevem1965]

Watching Virgin Rock is the Hip thing to do and will not become passe!

[@pdxyadayada]

IT’S FUNK!

[@rodneygriffin7666]

I'm still waiting for the answer to this question since 1974. I think you're hip Amy. Cool channel.

[@Spazzmatazzz]

You owe it to yourself to go watch the live version! Just for you! :)

[@frantz2000]

David Garibaldi is soooo good.

[@nickosP-o3e]

you have to listen James Brown to understand this. The horn arrangement is brilliant , also the solos, and you don't realise this. ok. Keep listen music (funk and soul music to understand this)

[@pankajchand1981]

The drums and bass line were mostly David Garibaldi's idea, and are considered an acquired taste for bassists. So, I believe this track should be analyzed from the perspective of the rhythm section. If you are not a drummer or bassist, some of the technical points of this track may allude you.

[@billdomitilli8125]

THE tightest band in the SF Bay area, and one longest lived. The message is: Shake your ass! Lyrics aside, how about that syncopation, tightness, and drive!

[@danclark745]

More funk, What is Hip? I'll tell you what hip is, the syncopation of this rhythm section, you gotta get hip to the competitive nature of 'band' music, this tune is flat out bad ass. Bass and drums all 16s and 32s driving it home like nobodies bizness. This is dance music that can't be danced. Its built to blow the house down. They're asking 'What is hip' and playing so hot they can't be touched. Get yourself some speakers, this is not headphone music. You'll understand once you turn it up to 11!

[@rk41gator]

This is still hip!

[@stevengifford7457]

Being hip has nothing to do with hippies. Hip is about cool, and the next new thing. And the most uncool thing is to try to be cool. The next song should be "Youre Still a Young Man". Totally different vibe.

[@RonSmith8]

Why have You never reacted to ELVIS The Biggest Performer in History..The great Opera singer Placido Domingo (one of the Three Tenors) who was a big ELVIS Fan once said ELVIS can do everything I can do But I Can never do what He Do's. As a Classical Musician I would advise You To start in The 70s where Elvis' voice had fully matured He always had a Great Voice but in The 70s His Voice was more mature and stronger a good one to start of with would be - What Now My Love

[@DavidPChristian2]

Black Californians largely migrated from Texas and Louisiana and say y'all just like southerners.

[@HughMorristheJoker]

Trying to keep up with fashion is the surest way to be out of fashion.

[@StevenTAbell]

Y'all? Oakland. Which is different from a Fresno Y'all.

[@gerardbyrnes5780]

I'm very fond of this group and this song in particular.. that's why I stopped by.

[@ecarteringram]

It's called Funk......it's called Great musicianship..........One of the tightest horn sections ever.........Rocco [ bass]and David[drums} are brothers of another mother, who bring the funk.............These guys are serious players..........Hip is Hip...... Because they use the word hip means they're hippies? nope.. Maybe they smoked weed , and might even have progressive views.but these guys wear a lot of black. These fellows are East Bay grease types Hip came from the word hep. a Jazz term. At that time we didn't like some of our parents expressions and music. He's a hep cat turned into hip dude. This recording still cooks.

[@krimi8934]

Please react to Dimash "stranger"

[@Sulurianxx]

If you don't know what it is then you're not hip ;-)

[@69Mucci]

There is nothing more un-hip then somebody who is trying desperately to appear hip. Yes, everybody should just be themselves.

[@letsgomets002]

Its called Funk....and are copying James Brown

[@DefenestrateYourself]

🙄 lol bless your heart

[@walterstevens8676]

Not my scene....I lasted a minute or so