Tower Of Power - What Is Hip? (Chicago 1977)

Live at Soundstage Chicago 1977
Better quality:
• Tower of Power - Live ...

[@PRE1959]

The kids today think they are listening to music. These men right here TOP are musicians and entertainers in every sense of the word , PURE TALENT.

[@hugowiberg1843]

Saw them last month. My. Wife was surprised she enjoyed it. Both current trumpeters played with Maynard Ferguson. 'Nuf said.

[@mjc3813]

Kids today are still listening to this music! (- a real life teen) 😮

[@redteamla]

I assure you that kids today are still listening to music

[@edwardbellus1572]

I graduated in 77 and I think my homies are just discovering like I was how strong the speed was in that blotter acid. I got brought here by a reference from the Chad Smith drummer video. I hadn't heard the phrase Tower of Power in forever and this is Red Hot Chili Peppers in the 77's. Tell me I'm wrong.

[@edbowell]

MUSIC

[@sirjay451]

Who is here for some Rocco today? RIP, Mr. Prestia.

[@marcussteewilliams915]

RIP Bruce Conti 8/9/21

[@edbowell]

GOD BLESS

[@kperlick123qwerty]

im 13 and my band teacher recommended this band to listen for the Bari, and im glad he did, i now realize my low horn is a force to be reckoned with, not just a filler

[@MaestroPrep]

Your Band Teacher should win a trophy!!! Maybe even a Nobel Music Prize

[@richardbrucemusic]

If you're still playing sax, check out a little trio called "Morphine". You're welcome!

[@eggn00dle36]

Bro same I’ve got a guitar solo for Jazz and it’s ToP style

[@meliodas_-db2gv]

Same lol

[@rogerfox9028]

That baritone sax holds the whole bottom together makes me want to shake my ass.

[@ThereCanBeOnly2112]

This was the good old days, kids, when musicians were just as talented as they were unattractive.

[@cathridge]

😂😂😂😂😂 you right though.

[@withgoddess8029]

I think you mean they just wore less makeup

[@alejandrosalazar6445]

Lmfaooooo you’re right 🤷‍♂️

[@drummadave]

...and didn't give a flying f**k what people thought about their look

[@VigorousVirgo]

Roast or....

[@malesmandi]

Hands down to Rocco. That bass line is so good i wanna cry

[@jaco7675]

brobrobro Of course, the Bass Player was so prominently featured. Not.

[@claudiovallese40]

He was, still is, and always will be The Man

[@claudiovallese40]

Musopaul sure: for the sound is way tighter!

[@Tomatohater64]

A legend - one of the best. I have ghost notes in my sleep.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

​@@jaco7675chill Rocco was one of Jaco's influences.

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

One of the best, if not THE best funk bands in history.

[@63Baggies]

Hmmmm

[@mookie2637]

Now kids, this is what a band who rehearse sound like.

[@jaredwaller9980]

mookie2637 I know the trumpet player that hits the high C

[@chrisrutherford3]

ToP & Little Feat= well rehearsed golden greatness

[@Satanstoenail666]

Toby DeGard It also helps to be insanely talented

[@chrisrutherford3]

Satanstoenail666 yes it does. Unfortunately that's not required in our current music industry. it can even be a hindrance.

[@gayrambo4529]

Rehearse = Sniff the yeyo.

[@free2bpoppie]

This is so funky, it makes you stink through the damn screen! Rocco is laying that bass under the concrete!

[@allrequiredfields]

Rest in peace, Francis. You were unquestionably one of the greatest of all-time. You could play busy, intense shit that never got in anyone's way - that's every bass player's aspiration and you nailed it.

[@OliverSams-bg8me]

Plày what is hip by Tower of Power the studio version

[@michaeljones6536]

Rocco was one of the most innovative bass players of all time! Tower of Power is, and always has been a total and complete band. The most accomplished musicians on earth. I can’t say enough about these amazing brothers. Tower of Power FOREVER!!! 👏🏿🎼👏🏿🎶👏🏿

[@TheChaserTV]

There will never be another Rocco Prestia, RIP my man.

[@oneandoneeleven]

Who could dislike this? - crazy funky clothes - afros - funky moves - best musicians - best funk band SUPERGROOVALICIOUSFUNKYTOWN!!

[@BillonBass]

Now we know 3 certainties - death, taxes and TOP is the tightest and baddest band ever!

[@bacon39irish]

you hear the album version and think: this can't possibly be played any faster.... then this

[@Kesmi85247]

bacon39irish Exactly what I was thinking

[@longjebb]

I put the Live in Sacremento version into a wav editor and sped it up to this tempo. Pretty awesome.

[@garyhope2]

Pretty damn fast. Great drumming. It's not David Garibaldi who is also great.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

This is terrific!

[@pullom19]

I see there are a lot of musicians here. That tempo is just insane.

[@RogerMurdock]

If you aint bouncing while listening to this, you're dead...

[@Brewkowsky07]

I'm ashamed to say... but, this is the first time to hear these guys. They are freakin' awesome!

[@mikestuart3103]

No shame there

[@mikestaberstaber5738]

i saw them a few years back, with journey and steve miller.

[@patlatorres7000]

Dig up "East Bay Grease" if you can find a copy, it WILL hurt you in the best way possible!

[@gualt6762]

@@mikestaberstaber5738i was there

[@hinrichuhl3026]

Still on the road!!!!

[@ericmusch8325]

Rocco and Garibaldi are one of three best and most perfect powerhouse rhythm sections and Rocco is sick- in good way and was very fortunate to have met him before his passed away and thanked him for his bad ass playing .

[@playdrums]

Holy crap has anyone tried to play bass along with this at this live tempo? Rocco Prestia is a MONSTER!! I can't do it!!

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Keep rehearsals

[@patlatorres7000]

It was routine for the band to play faster live than in the studio. Listen to the studio version of Back On The Streets Again and then listen to the version from Fillmore The Last Days, they kick the tempo up by an order of magnitude !

[@Captainprice785]

I know I'm 13 years late but... just about...... with a pick lmao.

[@longfade]

Fucking SICK performance. Tight, yeah, but also full of soul, attitude, and straight up funk. I've always love that build at the outchorus when the horns come in at 4:15.

[@austinteutsch]

I've seen this band 5 times over 40 years. There is only one word to describe them. TIGHT!!!! No one can touch that horn section, so as a warning, don't even try this at home.

[@tazmankb26]

+austin teutsch - Tedeschi Trucks Band comes to mind as one tight band with an awesome horn section

[@floatsting20]

very tight

[@TheNickelDrummer]

... uhm I am a huge TOP fan. I love David Garabaldi one my fav drummers ever. But to say nobody can touch them is a lie. Lettuce is as an awesome funk band that comes to mind.

[@austinteutsch]

I'm sure Lettuce is great, too. But for me, it's TOP all the way. I'll check out Lettuce for sure!! Thanks!

[@chrisrutherford3]

in a different realm, if tightness is what you seek, check on Charlie Daniels band. totally different style but the same work ethic. Frank Zappa is also the master of rehearsals

[@33henzen]

This is still one of my most favorite bands. The first time I saw them was at the Paramount in Portland, Oregon in the late 70's. They opened for Cold Blood, and brought down the house. They got called back for three encores that night, they were on fire. Cold Blood did not dissapoint either. It was a great night!

[@bholaoates1542]

Man, that must have been heaven. Two great Bay Area horn bands!

[@frankfrank7921]

Any mention of Cold Blood is a very good thing. They should have been huge!

[@starskyguitarman]

​@@bholaoates1542Yeah man, the Bay Area rules.

[@alanthesheep6428]

It's depressing to think that today's pop music is something you're supposed to LOOK at rather than LISTEN to. Today it's all about image. Back then, it was about the music. Half of the horn section look like a cross between a geography teacher and a serial killer, and yet they sound like pure heaven. Because back then, it didn't matter what you looked like.

[@ando4479]

I was lucky enough to get turned onto these guys in the 70's and have seen them multiple times. They were great then and still great today. It's a shame that this kind of music has disappeared and replaced with what ever you call it!!

[@neomacchio4692]

People have no clue how tight and absolute beasts this band was. It doesn’t exist anymore in the music industry. This is when you had to show you could play… inside of 10 seconds. Otherwise you don’t get the gig. Why? Because these guys would get the gig.

[@JimRobbinsPhotography]

Ronnie Beck on drums. Ronnie like other ToP drummers through the years, had his own distinct (and badass) style, but the core sound was developed almost ten years prior to this recording by Dave Garibaldi. I had the good fortune to see Ronnie about ten times! Cheers to you Ronnie.

[@bob_._.]

Tower of Power - that's what is hip

[@dexxtur]

They were the musicians, backup singers, & backup dancers and never seemed to lose their breath!!!! Just awesome!!!!

[@marq1798]

Rest in peace Rocco. This performance will keep your spirit alive forever!

[@richwahneEXPERTSmadeEasy]

I NEVER get tired of watching this video!

[@johnpatricklayden]

I saw tower of power at toads place in new haven in the 90s, it was New Year’s Eve and a lot of couples were there. I say next to the lead singers girlfriend and started buying flowers from the flower guy and I was giving out flowers to the women, maybe I was a little depress but I had a good time that night.

[@Warpedsmac]

Drummers solo is very very good because he maintains the groove AND improvises.

[@Javamancometh]

I'm here again and again for the free style dance impro. U never see that nowadays..now that's jazz!! As a whole.

[@jesperfristam2199]

Wow!! Have listened to TOP for twenty years but this version i've missed. Someone desperately needed to go the the bathroom! The tempo is crazy!! And i love it!!! Rocco rules as usual. I stand in awe. From Sweden to Oakland: TOP still rules!!!! Jesper

[@trumpettunes7281]

Lineup: Lead Singer: Edward McGhee, Organ: Chester Thompson, Guitar: Bruce Conte, Bass: Rocco Prestia, Drums: Ronnie Beck (or Ron E. Beck), Trumpet: Greg Adams, Trumpet/Trombone: Mic Gillette, Bari Sax: "Doc" Kupka, 2nd Tenor Sax: Emilio Castillo, Lead Tenor and cool suit: Lenny Pickett 

[@kirbyl.4646]

Thank you

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Bruce Conti is a monster player and for years my band followed him on the strip on the same venues. Nice, nice guy!!

[@mozdickson]

@@BamBam_PDX Atlanta, playing grass

[@hunter2532]

Cant believe that's doc

[@catboyzee]

Ah, I thought that was Ron E. Beck. Thanks for confirming the lineup.

[@oneanddone7992]

The drummer is fantastic.

[@berndthiel613]

, ... faster than a kolibri

[@yojo502]

The horn section is the best

[@immanthony6935]

well this video is sped up. Here is the real tempo of this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXLEpYOGesaNeqM

[@berndthiel613]

@@immanthony6935 , thats Album Version from 73 ! Yes .

[@bigalinwesttexas]

@@immanthony6935 Different drummer also The king of the backbeat rhythm, Mr. David Garibaldi.

[@kevins5011]

I stumbled on to this video and it staggered me. They got their on style of explosive funk. Don't know how they stayed under my radar back in the 70s

[@LucaLindemann]

... they're the THE BEST funk/soul band ever... I had the chance to see them in Italy few times with Garibaldi and Rocco Prestia... ❤️❤️

[@mejsjalv]

I was searching for "has humankind peaked?". This came up randomly on top of the search results. Haven't checked this version before, but Tower Of Power nailing "What is hip?" at a faster tempo... even when I'm not a fan of faster live versions of anything, they could pull it off.

[@TheTomvaliente]

This was the best Band that NO ONE has ever heard of! It's a shame there aren't good groups like this around anymore.

[@matthewgray469]

So sorry, now it's all sampled tracks, Autotune and unintelligible lyrics

[@doczooc]

Search for Vulfpeck

[@raynalddavis885]

Hey man! I with respect must disagree! TOP was known world wide!!!

[@paulzatorski527]

I disagree slightly. If you were into music and from Chicago we knew of this band in the 70s when they cookin'. Mainly due to songs like this. Such a talented group that I was able to see.

[@cpcattin]

Wrong. !!! All of you ! The band still tours. Check out their schedule on the web. With their maturity they have only gotten tighter and better ! October 2022. Ain’t no was about TOP.

[@withgoddess8029]

Oh I haven't heard this for years what a nice surprise. 🌿

[@marcuspun3822]

In the mid 1970's I worked at the only 7 Eleven store in the area (Berkeley at College and Russell )and every couple of weeks this gorgeous woman would come in with a bunch of empties and buy up a couple of cases of sodas and 6 packs of beer. Ostensibly for the TOP perpetual party....

[@soko1960]

This is a thoroughly impressive performance ( and a thoroughly grooving performance)!

[@Yavor54]

This recording is absolutely on the TOP of the pile of high-energy Funk. If you sit in a chair through this, you ain't got no soul.

[@godbluffvdgg]

I did, but I'm old...My body was still moving around though...:)...So I ain't dead yet! :)

[@rogerfox9028]

Makes me want to dance but I might Hurt myself

[@davidboa2768]

Proper soul, proper funk, proper music. RIP Rocco

[@semprini20]

The greatest rhythm section EVER!!! Just the perfect amount of funk

[@acoustiqdj]

This is beyond "tight" - it's a f#ckin' coke trip - the best kind, too :D Real professionals, doing what they do best. We need more true music like this.

[@keithfinsley330]

Tower of Power: One of the greatest bands ever! This version, albeit at break neck tempo is amazing!

[@iqi616]

Nice to remember that drum solos used to be musical not lowest-common-denominator thrashfests.

[@faithbassed49]

After 50 years and still going strong!! Marcus Miller does a great job on this song as well!

[@michaelodonnell5710]

OMFG! that was a close one! they very nearly revealed the existence of the bass player but thanks to diligent efforts from the production team we are still in the dark. (dipshits...!)

[@MrSilverbirch]

haha,true story. A very underrated bass line in this tune

[@Mijorra]

DAT BASS, THOUGH

[@chrisc.4517]

Rocco!

[@michaelodonnell5710]

Bass? What bass? I defy you to find any evidence of a bass player in that video.

[@msdiva2u147]

Ain't nothing like it!!!

[@melodysanger103]

REMEMBERING BASSIST FRANCIS "ROCCO" PRESTIA (March 7, 1951 - September 29, 2020) [03/07/2022]

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY 74TH BIRTHDAY SAXOPHONIST STEPHEN "DOC "KUPKA (MARCH 25, 2020]

[@FRANKENTWO]

I've been following these guys since the early 70's. And they still knock me out every time. Just a great fucking band. And much continued success! Frank

[@KKEVSTERR]

Almost like being 19, and Winterland, AGAIN. But, I have only "fuzzy memory" of those concerts, for some reason.

[@adc2327]

Winterland! The good old days. Now I know you are old like me. When Winterland was being demolished, a co worker and I snuck in on a day they were not using the wrecking ball. One last look. I saved a chunk of the building . Lost it, probably during a move.

[@matthewgray469]

@@adc2327 That's cool, I admire you, you have the soul of a true Archivist

[@wealthlash2533]

I saw them at Winterland my first week in California, fall 1972. They opened for Santana. Both bands were awesome!!! $4 for tickets...

[@georgeandy6923]

Lenny Pickett is one bad dude! And he can sho nuff dance. He wears some pretty awesome suits as well!! Also, my condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Rocco.

[@federicapudva]

Rocco, you were one of a kind... ❤🙏

[@henryquenin6580]

Great stuff. I love these guys. I saw them on stage in about 1970 when they opened for Jimi Hendrix at the Berkely Community Theater. I think it was their first major public performance.

[@wvkoi5675]

This is the fastest they ever played this song and Rocco was still able to keep it right in the pocket. Fastest bass fingers on the planet.

[@charlesbruno2201]

Its so fast you can't appreciate most of the song. I saw them at Fairfield University in CT. 74 or 75. They played true to the album and were fantastic live. Thank God what I saw was nothing like in the above video

[@larrylollis5875]

They deserve to be in the rock n roll hall of fame

[@lawrenceklein1331]

These guys were phenomenal! And probably way before their time!

[@GustavoDB]

what a beautifull guitar phrase at the begining.... lovely

[@nanooman]

A bunch of well seasoned musicians not only doing a hell of a job, but enjoying music as it should be enjoyed. Not only that, but there's no division of race in this music or this band. I think I found a new favorite.

[@Curlybird998]

I remember seeing Tower of Power, Sly & the Family Stone, the Sons of Champlin, just so many great tight bands growing up in the Bay Area in the 60's and 70's. The TOP Horns have been in demand forever.

[@billmccomb4629]

And several of these guys are still going strong in ToP in 2022!! So good!

[@fredgien]

From a time that bands were a mix of different races👌👌👌!

[@matthewgray469]

Tower of Power and Sly and The Family Stone

[@matthewgray469]

And also Otis Redding's band from Muscle Shoals

[@mchristr]

The tempo is a little fast but still without equal. This, my friends , is funk.

[@Craig2760]

When you join the band, you can kick off the tempo. Otherwise, just sit and listen, keep your yap shut.

[@dza6010]

This at least three times faster than the album version! Rest in power Rocco!

[@sonyadrake9394]

Excellent Musicians, just Awesome!! Thanks Big Brother for tuning me on to them!

[@BlakeNix]

Rocco is the Chuck Norris of bass

[@CooManTunes]

You're an idiot. Get an education, you dumb son of a bitch.

[@reginalddavis7578]

Blake Nix yeah! Rocco kicks ass!

[@GustavoDB]

jajajajaja

[@VigorousVirgo]

@@CooManTunes chill lol

[@coryperdue4522]

Correction: Chuck Norris is the Rocco of cinematic martial arts.

[@raylarkin5004]

Nothin! Nothin what so ever will ever replace that!!!

[@Analisa416]

i love Tower of Power, here are some songs you should listen to. So Very Hard to Go and Still a Young Man were hits for them back in the day but lately I have been singing this one !

[@melodysanger103]

REMEMBERING BASSIST FRANCIS "ROCCO" PRESTIA (MARCH 7, 1951 - SEPTEMBER 29, 2020) [03/07/2024]

[@adc2327]

Discovered T. O. P. When I was 17. This was in the 70s. I remember going to a club where they played a lot. With all that make up, short mini skirts and heels, I tried to look older. I was hoping not to get carded. It worked. Got too close to one of them. I remember going to a show and telling him I had graduated from high school. He was pleased. He was smart enough to wait until I was legal. I know, TMI!

[@shable1436]

And tell us more, so you was a hip trip?

[@chrisashby9307]

I actually started to clap when this was over

[@radiokid2]

It's shocking how these guys show us how SOULESS todays pop music is. This music has release emotional RELEASE! Light up a cigaette everybody.

[@PAKiller1]

This song would have fit in the Blues Brothers movie

[@thefacts1]

Awesome jam! The dude dancing in the middle at 3:17 has an excellent Bob Ross afro.

[@bobbytorres6458]

this is bass at its best thank you rocco

[@izobellegrier6982]

Loving this. Just loving it......................!!!

[@theena]

That horn section is utter bonkers. Wow.

[@GabeAustin16]

Chester throwing it down on keys before joining Santana

[@flipteezy]

still getting chills in 2019

[@asteverino8569]

Thank you ! I am from San Francisco. 1954. Tower of power indeed!!! Funk, Soul, Jazz best mix ever,

[@oneworld9071]

Let's see..... I'm 60, my ma 79, she took me to see the Tower about a year ago :) THey finally got around to Chester with the cam...... one of the happiest players ever :) I do consider myself lucky to have lived when this band was happenin'. Had a radio show in early 80's and occasionally did a feature of their material as well as with other bands. GREAT stumble-upon Funkgalaxy....thanks!

[@matthewgray469]

Lucky to have seen them perform with Little Feat back in 1978,Awesome is all I can say.

[@jones1351]

The 70's smoked!

[@thejazzmonastery9541]

Extreme Badassery!!!

[@roccon1338]

Saw them in Vancouver in 75 or 76. Very good show.

[@MusicEd1]

As far as I'm concerned, the rhythm section is and always will be the very best seat in the house. Tower of Power is all about tight rhythm grooves and kick ass timing.That's what is hip! Peace.

[@Frapzoid]

I'm biased because I'm from Oakland but David and Rocco are the best rhythm section I've ever heard.

[@melodiusthud4536]

Good lord! That tempo is putting the bass player through the paces!

[@JohnCoctostan]

+Melodius Thud That's the first thing I thought of too, when I started listening, lol.

[@RobertoGinsburg]

Defunkt (from NYC) take a lot of them

[@counterfit5]

He could probably do this in his sleep

[@chrisc.4517]

Rocco can handle it. One of the best!

[@shnootch]

he's driving it

[@bassybill]

That's a GREAT version of this tune. Rocco is grooving like a demon even at that tempo. Wow.

[@johnjarou2357]

yes. under rated band.

[@ReubenAdkins]

Hell yeah, funky R&B at it's very finest!

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY 68TH BIRTHDAY BASSIST FRANCIS "ROCCO" PRESTIA (MARCH 7, 2019)

Melody Sanger thanks for letting us know. I started learning the bass line the same day!

[@fernandogarciamartinez2694]

Pedazo de banda

[@lper1953]

I saw Tower of power in the mid-1970s at the back to Oakland concert ... and I remember Lenny Pickett dancing, like a madman, all over the stage and playing crazy sax. I'm just glad I get to hear him occasionally on Saturday night live since he leads the SNL orchestra.

[@bjs001001]

Now this is music at it's best.

[@juliettaalice3588]

Dear Lord...I've loved these men since I was 12. 34 now. This IS NOT disco. Almost as good as Bump City...

[@fredmendez4837]

Julietta Alice you're on tge right track...they have a whole arsenal of funk....

[@LaGranjaHumanaMX]

Shaolin Fantastic the lady killing romantic

[@tomsanchez3733]

Seen them 4 times and can’t wait to see them again.

[@karinenoel7797]

Best version By far, such pace! Love it x