For more than 55 years, Tower of Power has been delivering an electrifying mix of funk, soul, and jazz. Drawing inspiration from the music scenes of Oakland, Detroit, Memphis, and Philadelphia, Tower of Power has crafted a distinctive “Oakland soul” sound that blends tight horn arrangements, blistering solos, and infectious grooves. Now, you have the chance to see Tower of Power here in Seattle.
In the summer of 1968, Emilio Castillo, a tenor saxophonist, recruited Stephen “Doc” Kupka, a baritone sax player, to join his band, The Motowns. However, the band quickly realized they needed a name that would make an impact. They settled on Tower of Power, a name that perfectly captured their energy.
By 1970, Tower of Power had assembled a powerhouse lineup and signed a recording contract with Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records. Their debut album, East Bay Grease, showcased their soulful sound and introduced Rufus Miller as the lead vocalist. With support from radio station KSAN, Tower of Power gained traction in the San Francisco Bay area music scene.
Their breakthrough came in 1972 with the release of Bump City, featuring the vocals of Rick Stevens. The album’s hit single, “You’re Still a Young Man,” climbed the charts. Tower of Power continued to impress with their self-titled album in 1973, which spawned their biggest hit, “So Very Hard to Go.” The band’s fusion of funk and soul greatly increased their fan base, especially on the West Coast.
Fast forward to 2018, Tower of Power returned to Oakland to celebrate their 50th anniversary. While many other veteran bands seem to be winding down their careers, Tower of Power shows no signs of slowing down. The band plans to keep delivering their unmistakable groove to their fans for years to come. Call it soul, call it funk, or even call it jazz, Tower of Power’s music will make you move.
Tower of Power is a group of exceptionally talented musicians. While their lineup has gone through some changes over the years, their commitment to their signature sound has stayed strong. With hits like “You’re Still a Young Man,” “So Very Hard to Go,” and “What Is Hip?,” Tower of Power has built a dedicated following. Throughout the years, they have toured the world and consistently released new music. Their discography currently contains more than 30 albums.
The current lineup of Tower of Power features a talented group of musicians who bring their immense skills and vibrant energy to the stage. Emilio Castillo, the band’s co-founder, on second tenor sax while also contributing captivating vocals. Stephen “Doc” Kupka, another founding member, plays baritone sax, and his songwriting partnership with Castillo has shaped much of Tower of Power’s catalog. David Garibaldi, recognized as the Best Traditional R&B Drummer by Modern Drummer Reader’s Roll 2007, is on drums. Roger Smith, effortlessly switches between piano, clavinet, and organ, adding depth and richness to the band’s sound. Adolfo Acosta’s trumpet and flugelhorn skills have been an integral part of Tower of Power since 2000, while Jerry Cortez’s funky rhythm and guitar leads have impressed fans since joining in 2010. Marc van Waginengin, hailing from Amsterdam, lays down the bass. Tom Politzer is on lead tenor saxophone. “Iron” Mike Bogart, who rejoined the band, showcases his mastery of the trumpet, trombone, and flugelhorn. Lastly, Mike Jerel, with his soulful vocals and heartfelt connection, draws comparisons to music legends like Stevie Wonder and Bruno Mars. Together, this extraordinary lineup continues to keep the Tower of Power legacy alive.
Tower of Power has not only enjoyed success with their own hit singles but has also provided backing for legendary artists including Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and many more.
Tower of Power will be bringing their brand of soulful funk to Seattle at the beginning of June for four nights, June 1st through the 4th. This is a fantastic opportunity to see this iconic band in such an intimate venue. For more information and to buy tickets, visit Jazz Alley’s website.
2023 Tour
What is Hip?
