Hosted by Kathryn Branch. Since that time, many great players have come and gone through TOP’s ranks, including Lenny Williams, the band’s lead vocalist on its classic early 70s hits. He was 77. (2) The renowned horn-driven funk outfit Tower of Power have been issuing albums and touring the world steadily since the early '70s, in addition to backing up countless other musicians. Celebrate 50 years of FUNK and SOUL with ‘Live at the Fox Theater,' out now on all streaming platforms. May 7, 2021 - Explore David Menda's board "Tower of Power" on Pinterest. 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater captures Tower of Power’s storied career with no-holds-barred victory lap concerts in Oakland, CA on June 1 & 2, 2018, performing their full spectrum of life-affirming funk and soul hits. Oakland’s Tower of Power is one of those bands that has stood the test of time. Courtesy Yoshi's Show More Show Less 7 of 7 Tower of Power lead singer, Rick Stevens, is arrested on Feb. 19, 1976 for multiple murders committed in Boulder Creek and San Jose. “They join the renowned modern line-up of the band, featuring co-founder Stephen ‘Doc’ Kupka on baritone sax, longtime drummer David Garibaldi, and lead vocalist Marcus Scott. Born and raised in Amsterdam, Holland, Marc started playing bass guitar at the age of 16. Almost every song that we recorded brought me to tears. This is a snapshot of the current page to help us better understand any issue you might be having. By JOHN PIETARO. “Starting off in smaller nightclubs in Memphis, Tenn., it really groomed me into the performer that I am today,” he said. I call it, ‘waking it up.’ It’s bringing it back to the essence of the music.” And this convergence of forces, clearly, has yet to cool some 53 years hence. View all concerts. Indeed, the horn section is so pivotal to Tower of Power that unlike most band stage setups that have horns in the back, T.O.P.’s renowned and respected horn section is right up-front with the lead singer. Oakland: Rick Stevens, the former lead singer of Oakland's Tower of Power rhythm and blues band who spent 36 years in prison, has died. Tower of Power will take the main stage on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 9pm. Congas, Bongos – Brent Byars. The full album is available to stream everywhere you listen to music now! Guitar, Vocals – Bruce Conte. Tap to unmute. Tower Of Power – Tower Of Power | Album of the day 10th March 2021. No snapshot showing? “There’s a musical conversation going on between everyone. Some songs it’s one way, some songs it’s another way. Scott is looking forward to performing in a venue the size of The Clyde that allows him to connect with the audience in ways that are more difficult in a larger setting. Oakland: Rick Stevens, the former lead singer of Oakland's Tower of Power rhythm and blues band who spent 36 years in prison, has died. Tower of Power: 50 Years of Funk and Soul. The mission of Whatzup is to connect everyone in Fort Wayne and beyond with great events, from music... Megan King has a voice that at one minute can be dark and sultry and the next light and airy. Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. There have been a number of lead vocalists, the most well-known being Lenny Williams, who fronted the band between early 1973 and late 1974, the period of their greatest commercial success. “I take every audience to heart. Tower Of Power concert tickets are on sale. “Part of why I named it that is because a lot of artists from my generation are not really familiar with soul music because a lot of us use technology to our advantage,” Scott explained. Now, he’s striking out on his own with a new solo album, Back 2 Da Soul. Fort Wayne, IN – Marcus Scott, Memphis-based soul singer and current lead vocalist of Tower of Power, has announced the release of his first solo album ‘Back 2 Da Soul’ which was recorded at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On February 19th 1976, the lead singer for Tower of Power, Rick Stevens, surrendered to police on the playgrounds here and was arrested for a triple murder. Live at the Fox Theater – Oakland (German). With a landmark 50th anniversary album, 2018’s "Soul Side of Town," still visible in their rearview mirror, one would think Tower of Power (or TOP, as it is more often referred to by its global legion of fans), the much-lauded creators of their own horn-based, hybrid brand of East Bay soul/funk/R&B/rock, would take a well-deserved breather. KTVU-TV reported that Stevens died Tuesday after a short battle with cancer. The core band was made up of members of the Sweetwater All-Stars as well as acclaimed instrumentalists like Michael Omartian on keyboards, Tom Hemby on guitar, and others. Soul Side Of Town is out now:https://mackavenue.lnk.to/nyzNu Buy Tickets. Tower of Power. Rick Stevens, the former lead singer of Oakland’s Tower of Power rhythm and blues band who spent 36 years in prison, has died. $21 to $59. The horn-driven Tower of Power has been rocking their renowned sound since 1968, infusing Soul (with a capital S) into the music industry for 52 years – and now, they’re celebrating with their new album STEP UP, a collection of sounds guaranteed to funkifize, energize, and provide the soundtrack for new American movements of Love, Peace, Soul Power, Mind Power, and People Power to rise! 3 of 27 4 of 27 Rick Stevens the former Tower of Power lead singer, sang his hit song "You re Still A Young Man" at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco were he … A huge outpouring of love and gratitude to the fans, musicians and folks across the world who have been on … And this convergence of forces, clearly, has yet to cool some 53 years hence. Tower of Power will be performing near you at Meadow Event Park on Wednesday 18 August 2021 as part of their tour, and are scheduled to play 10 concerts across 2 countries in 2021-2022. For any further ticket inquiries please reach out to point of purchase. For the past few years, Marcus Scott has been making a name for himself as the lead singer of the legendary band Tower of Power. Tower of Power. This album is the last Tower of Power album to feature lead vocalists Ray Greene and Marcus Scott, and is also the last album to feature legendary bassist Francis Rocco Prestia before his death a few months later. You can find the list of Tower Of Power tour dates here. It's also the last album to feature lead singer Lenny Williams, who would leave to continue a successful solo career. Then, in 2016, the opportunity with Tower of Power presented itself. “I have two little daughters, four and six years old, and I have a wife I’ve been married to for 10 years. He was 77. In the realm of power funk and jazz-rock, Tower of Power was an original voice, one carved from a unique place within an exceptionally heady moment. Design, Illustration, Photography By, Harmonica – Bruce Steinberg. He moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1980 and started playing with jazz greats Eddie Marshall, George Marshall, Larry Schneider and Mel Martin. March 25, 2021. Fort Wayne, IN – Marcus Scott, Memphis-based soul singer and current lead vocalist of Tower of Power, has announced the release of his first solo album ‘Back 2 Da Soul’ which was recorded at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We'll send you a link via email to reset your password. He’s just 34 years old, but his voice and style evoke an era of music born before his time. Tower of Power’s third album ‘Tower of Power’ from 1973 was the first with Lenny Williams as lead vocalist and band members Chester Thompson and Lenny Pickett, probably their best ever line up. If some feature of our website is broken or not working properly. Me being on the road, I’m always thinking of them, so I wrote a lot of songs with them in mind.” It brought me to tears. “I’ve toured 200 days a year for the last 53 years, so yeah, it’s difficult,” band co-founder Emilio Castillo says. He’s just 34 years old, but his voice and style evoke an era of music born before his time. However it wasn’t until 1972 and a new lead vocalist in the form of Rick Stevens, that the band started getting honest to goodness hits in the form of “So Very Hard To Go” and “What Is Hip?”. Tower of Power Public on-sale slated for mid-June! clock. Sign in to view read count. You have two keyboard players and they’re discussing, ‘You go here, and I’ll go there.’ Same thing with the guitar players, same thing with the horn section. . Stevens was the voice behind one of the group’s seminal hits, the fantastic ballad “You’re Still A Young Man,” and remained with the group from 1969 until the mid 70s. Sometimes it’s good to take a step back and look at where we’ve come in the last 60 years of music in pop culture and acknowledge some of the bands and artists whose influence has transcended those generations. Retake Snapshot. Tower of Power will take the main stage on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 9pm. Tower of Power. Read Marc' complete biography Also taking his bows on the new album is 30-year TOP veteran bassist Francis ‘Rocco’ Prestia, who is stepping back from life on the road and whose driving fingerstyle funk is ably replaced on tour by Marc Van Wageningen. Tickets for the reserved-seating show are $20 each or two for $30. Buy Tickets. Back 2 Da Soul was recorded over three days last December with live studio musicians, a practice that’s become less common these days. He was 77. Now, he’s striking out on his own with a new solo album, Back 2 … Tower Of Power Tour Dates 2021. . Sign in to view read count. The 10-piece Tower of Power band is prepared to throw down next year with a celebratory tour that will include sweet spots around the globe. Due to the need to prioritize public safety the "Tower of Power" show on Sunday, August 23, 2020 has been postponed to August 13, 2021. Over the course of two memorable evenings in June 2018, legendary soul-funk-R&B outfit Tower of Power returned to Oakland, the city that started it all, to celebrate its landmark 50th anniversary with a few thousand friends, family, and fans. OAKLAND, Calif. - The former East Bay-based Tower of Power … In the summer of 1968, tenor saxophonist/vocalist Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka, who played baritone sax. Please enable JavaScript to use Whatzup.com, Tower of Power frontman steps into solo spotlight. Tower’s sound can be hard to categorize, but the band's leader and founding member, Emilio Castillo, has labeled their sound as "Urban Soul Music." Hosted by Kathryn Branch. Tower of Power Frontman Marcus Scott Celebrates Release of ‘Back 2 Da Soul’ With the Sweetwater All Stars. Organ, Vocals – Chester Thompson (2) Producer – Tower Of Power. Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 6:30 PM PST. Mixed By [Mixing Assistant] – Alan Chinowsky. From Emilio Castillo: Jacques Sonyieux talks with vocalist Marcus Scott about his new solo album, Back 2 Da Soul, creating a sonic palette, and what it was like to become the new frontman for Tower of Power. Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 6:30 PM PST. Tower Of Power concert tickets are on sale. Rick Stevens, a vocalist for the funk-soul band Tower of Power who, after leaving the group, was convicted of killing three men in a drug-addicted haze … Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. “After we recorded it, Mark sent me a copy of everything, and I was on an airplane at the time,” Scott said. The Tower of Power five-piece horn section, led by founding members Indeed, the horn section is so pivotal to Tower of Power that unlike most band stage setups that have horns in the back, T.O.P.’s renowned and respected horn section is right up-front with the lead singer. Tower Of Power Tour Dates 2021. Copy link. However Greene isn’t likely to … “Some of the songs are personal, dedicated to my daughters,” he said. We respect your privacy and don't share this snapshot with anyone outside of Whatzup. On March 26, Tower of Power will release '50 Years of Funk & Soul - Live at the Fox Theater,' commemorating two special 2018 shows in Oakland. Celebrate 50 years of FUNK and SOUL with ‘Live at the Fox Theater,' out now on all streaming platforms. “We may use a beat machine with samples and everything. Adding a bittersweet tinge is the presence of founding bassist Francis “Rocco” Prestia, who passed away in September 2020. A year in quarantine lockdown can be overwhelming, especially for a band that is so used to being on the road as Tower of Power, the mighty soul outfit from out of Oakland, California. Step Up is a studio album by Tower of Power on Mack Avenue Records.It was recorded over the course of the 2010s, and was released on March 20, 2020. They join the renowned modern line-up of the band, featuring co-founder Stephen “Doc” Kupka on baritone sax, longtime drummer David Garibaldi, and lead vocalist Marcus Scott. Soul Side of Town is also blessed with not one but two lead singers: outgoing Ray Greene (now in Santana) and incoming Marcus Scott (boldly introduced on several selections, including "Hanging with My Baby"). Then enter the password for that account. See more ideas about tower of power, tower, power. Acclaimed studio musicians Share. 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater captures Tower of Power’s storied career with no-holds-barred victory lap concerts in Oakland, CA on June 1 & 2, 2018, performing their full spectrum of life-affirming funk and soul hits. The horn-driven Tower of Power has been rocking their renowned sound since 1968, infusing Soul (with a capital S) into the music industry for 52 years – and now, they’re celebrating with their new album STEP UP, a collection of sounds guaranteed to funkifize, energize, and provide the soundtrack for new American movements of Love, Peace, Soul Power, Mind Power, and People Power … Within months the group, then known as The Motowns, began playing various gigs around Oakland and Berkeley, their soul sound relating to both minority and rebellious listeners. Tower of Power: 50 Years of Funk and Soul. “I’m playing it in my ears and all of a sudden, I hear this choir behind me, and, I’ve got to be honest, I almost lost it on the plane. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/rick-stevens-tower-power-dies Sound check with Ray Greene as NEW LEAD SINGER FOR TOWER OF POWER "SOUL". April 15, 2021. Music, Etc. Please select the account you'd like to login to. Wednesday, August 18. “We had something like 50 Grammys and 30 Dove Awards in that room,” Hornsby said. Scott said the album was heavily influenced by James Brown but contains his own personal touch that provides a glimpse into who he is as a person and as an artist. We’re making those decisions per song, on the fly. Bringing back the soul Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. IMPORTANT: If you're reporting an issue, not including a snapshot may hinder our ability to fix it. • Icons made by Whatzup & Google. Drums – David Garibaldi. Their shared passion for Memphis soul music led to a discussion about Scott’s solo project. pages at Whatzup.com, Glam rockers to fire up fans with ’90s hits at 13-24 show, Songwriter uses unusual stringed instrument for newest album, Hammered dulcimer centerpiece of band coming to Fort Wayne. Tower of Power’s Emilio Castillo says he’s “very proud” of band’s “diverse” new album 06.11.17. Tower of Power tour dates 2021 - 2022. Info. Your question will appear on this page after answers it. He was 77. Marcus replaced TOP’s longtime lead singer, Ray Greene, who makes his final appearance with the band on Step Up. Marc “VW” became a full-time member of Tower of Power in 2018. Oakland native vocalist Rick Stevens, a former lead singer for Tower of Power, passed away on Tuesday after a short battle with cancer. Lead Vocals – Lenny Williams. Scott is holding an album release party and show on Wednesday, May 15, at The Clyde. Tower of Power is currently touring across 2 countries and has 10 upcoming concerts. I wanted to go another route. “When you get everybody in a room together — real players — there’s a synergy that can’t be replicated,” Hornsby said. The album also features Tower of Power’s latest vocalist Marcus Scott, who was brought on after Carlos Santana lured away Ray Greene — although … Urban Renewal is a Tower of Power album recorded in 1974 and released in 1975. In Memoria Of…. “Marcus is definitely on a mission. See all your opportunities to see them live below! For the past few years, Marcus Scott has been making a name for himself as the lead singer of the legendary band Tower of Power. The energy behind it. Connecting with the audience The window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit of ToP has been a balm for the soul throughout the band’s half-century … More than a year ago. Shopping. Are the horns a feature or are they there just to back up the rest of the band? I look at it as you want these people to remember you.”. Since that time, many great players have come and gone through TOP’s ranks, including Lenny Williams, the band’s lead vocalist on its classic early 70s hits. ... and lead vocalist Marcus Scott. As a solo artist, Williams made several hit recordings, including 1978's "Cause I Love You" and 1977's "Choosing You". Marcus Scott sings lead for Tower of Power. More than a year ago. . Wednesday, August 18. ... May 2021 Issue. After Hours Concerts – The Meadow Event Park. A huge outpouring of love and gratitude to the fans, musicians and folks across the world who have been on this journey with us from day one through today. The album mixes itself.” Sadly, we are informing you of the loss of a former member and lead singer of Tower of Power, Edward McGee. There was an error loading the media, please try again. A huge outpouring of love and gratitude to the fans, musicians and folks across the world who have been on … This year, veteran Bay Area band Tower Power has been promoting its 25th studio album, Soul Side of Town, with an expansive tour that's also commemorating the horn-driven outfit's 50th anniversary. He was sentenced to life for the murders. Tower of Power’s Emilio Castillo reflects on “50 Years of Funk & Soul”, Fifty Years of Oakland soul and East Bay funk, Tower Of Power: 50 Years Of Funk And Soul, Tower of Power: 50 Years of Funk & Soul. He had a great voice as can be heard on “You’re Still a Young Man”. You have multiple accounts. Their Oakland-born sound emerged in 1968, and even after 50 years their shows still manage to … . clock. Rick Stevens, the former lead singer of Oakland’s Tower of Power rhythm and blues band who spent 36 years in prison, has died. How would you rate your overall experience? The full album is available to stream everywhere you listen to music now! The B-Side at One Lucky Guitar continues to book some impressive shows at their downtown design and ... © 2021 Whatzup, LLC. Dynamic and soulful, Eddie McGee was part of the band's legacy in the 1970's. This past New Year’s Eve, Greene officially replaced former lead singer, Larry Braggs who toured with the band for 13 years. Sign up for an account to save listings to your own personal reminders list. He’s on a crusade to bring attention back to the talented musicians who actually play this music.” Their next tour date is at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, after that they'll be at Avalon Ballroom Theatre, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls. For over 40 years, Tower of Power has been creating their own kind of soul music. In the realm of power funk and jazz-rock, Tower of Power was an original voice, one carved from a unique place within an exceptionally heady moment. Show | 6pm // Doors | 5pm. April 15, 2021. Celebrate 50 years of FUNK and SOUL with ‘Live at the Fox Theater,' out now on all streaming platforms. He moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1980 and started playing with jazz greats Eddie Marshall, George Marshall, Larry Schneider and Mel Martin. He said the venue just made sense because he’s developed a connection to and love for Fort Wayne while recording the album at Sweetwater Studios. You can find the list of Tower Of Power tour dates here. All Tickets for the Sunday, August 23rd 2020 show will be honored for the August 13, 2021 date. The elite collection of musicians have never stopped touring, and whether at a casino theater or a classic concert hall, a Tower of Power show is always gonna be a kickin' good time. Leonard Charles Williams (born February 16, 1945) is an American singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the lead vocalist for the soul/funk group Tower of Power in the early 1970s. $21 to $59. Tower of Power Frontman Marcus Scott Celebrates Release of ‘Back 2 Da Soul’ With the Sweetwater All Stars. Born and raised in Amsterdam, Holland, Marc started playing bass guitar at the age of 16. Plus drummer David Garibaldi left temporarily, although he does appear on the song "Willing To Learn" which was the first single released on the album. The result was an 11-song album that Scott said he’s extremely proud to debut and an experience he won’t soon forget. Take everything there is to do on the go. (September 6, 2017) Former Tower of Power lead singer Rick Stevens has died at age 77, following a battle with cancer. Stevens was paroled in 2012 after 36 years behind bars. I’ve never worked with people who work just as hard as me in the studio.” By JOHN PIETARO. Fancy & Staple hosts art, music and animals, Promote your band with our redesigned (and still free!) Then, in 2016, the opportunity with Tower of Power presented itself. Watch later. Castillo had played in several bands, but Castillo's father told his son to "hire that guy" after a home audition. Memphis-born and bred Marcus Scott was indoctrinated three years ago as the new frontman and lead singer of the legendary R&B band Tower of Power, which is still making records and performing to sold-out crowds around the world after 50 years. Marc “VW” became a full-time member of Tower of Power in 2018. Show | 6pm // Doors | 5pm. The work ethic they put into it. The partnership was the culmination of a friendship that evolved after Sweetwater Studios owner Chuck Surack and Senior Producer/Engineer Mark Hornsby bonded with Scott after a Tower of Power show two years ago. There have been a number of lead vocalists, the most well-known being Lenny Williams, who fronted the band between early 1973 and late 1974, the period of their greatest commercial success. The former lead singer of Tower of Power spoke with KTVU's Alex Savidge on The Four on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. After Hours Concerts – The Meadow Event Park. Following Stevens' departure from the group, he tragically became addicted to drugs … Since 1968, Tower of Power has delivered their unique brand of music to their fans, appearing before sold out crowds as they tour the world each year. : Marcus Scott, Respecting His Roots. FireHouse celebrating 30 years of hit debut... It’s called a harpejji, and you can hear it live soon... © 2021 Whatzup LLC • Icons made by Whatzup & Google. The Sweetwater All-Stars will open the show on May 15 at 7 p.m. and Scott will play all of the songs from the new album along with a few others. Anchored by Doc Kupka’s baritone, the renowned Tower of Power Horn Section has long been considered by many the best in the business and features 1st tenor saxophonist Tom Politzer and trumpeters Adolfo Acosta and Sal Cracchiolo. The group's leader since the beginning has always been tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo, who was born in Detroit but opted to pursue his musical dreams in Oakland, California.