You know that feeling when a horn section hits so hard it actually feels like a physical punch to the solar plexus? That’s Tower of Power. For over fifty years, this Oakland-born collective has been the gold standard for "Urban Soul Music." But if you’re looking through the massive catalog of Tower of Power albums, it’s easy to get lost in the sheer volume of releases, line-up changes, and decade-shifting production styles.
Honestly, most people just know "What is Hip?" and maybe "You’re Still a Young Man." That’s a tragedy. To really understand why musicians like Phil Collins, Elton John, and Santana obsessed over these guys, you have to dig into the dirt of their discography. We’re talking about a band that survived the disco era, the synthesized 80s, and the fickle whims of the 21st-century music business without ever losing that syncopated, greasy Oakland thump.
The Early Days and the Birth of East Bay Grease
In 1970, the world wasn't quite ready for East Bay Grease. Released on Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records, it was raw. It was loud. It sounded like the streets of Oakland. Emilio Castillo and Stephen "Doc" Kupka—the "Funky Doctor"—had already spent years honing a sound that blended the grit of James Brown with a more complex, almost orchestral approach to brass.
The debut isn't their most polished work, but it contains "Knock Yourself Out," which became a live staple for decades. It showed a band that refused to be just a backing group. They were a force of nature.
Then came 1972’s Bump City. This is where things got serious. This was the debut on Warner Bros., and it introduced the world to Rick Stevens on vocals. His delivery on "You’re Still a Young Man" is legendary—it’s the kind of soul ballad that defines a generation. But the title track and "Down to the Nightclub" proved they could out-funk anyone on the planet.
The Golden Era: 1973 to 1975
If you only ever buy three Tower of Power albums, they need to be the self-titled Tower of Power (1973), Back to Oakland (1974), and Urban Renewal (1975). This is the peak.
Why? One word: Rocco.
Francis "Rocco" Prestia’s "fingerstyle" bass playing on these records changed the instrument forever. He didn't just play the notes; he played the ghost notes, creating a percussive, bubbling foundation that locked in with David Garibaldi’s drums. Together, they created a rhythm section that musicians still study in college today. Seriously. If you go to Berklee, you’re learning "What is Hip?" in your first month.
The 1973 self-titled album is basically a greatest hits record disguised as a studio LP.
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- "What is Hip?" (The ultimate test of a drummer's stamina).
- "Soul Vaccination."
- "Get Yo' Feet Back on the Ground."
- "So Very Hard to Go."
Lenny Williams was on vocals here, and his range was staggering. He brought a gospel-infused polish that helped the band cross over into the R&B charts in a big way. Back to Oakland followed it up and, arguably, it’s even better. It’s "greasier." The production is tighter, and the horn arrangements on "Squib Cakes" are so dense you need a map to find your way out.
By the time Urban Renewal hit in '75, they were experimenting with more complex structures. It was less about the "hit" and more about the "groove." It’s a bit more refined, maybe a bit more "produced," but the soul is still dripping off the vinyl.
The Struggle and the "Disco" Transition
The late 70s were weird for everyone. Punk was happening. Disco was everywhere. Tower of Power tried to navigate this, and some of the results were... divisive. Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now (1976) and We Came to Play! (1978) have their fans, but you can hear the pressure to be "commercial."
The horns are still there, obviously. But the grooves started to feel a bit more straightened out. They weren't quite as "Oakland" anymore.
Back on the Streets (1979) is often cited as a low point by purists. It’s got that late-70s sheen that feels a bit dated now. But even a "bad" Tower of Power album has better musicianship than 90% of what was on the radio back then. They just couldn't help being talented.
The 80s Silence and the 90s Resurrection
For a long time, the band didn't record much. They became the world's most elite horn-section-for-hire. If you hear a killer horn part on a Huey Lewis and the News record, or if you hear brass on a Heart album, it’s probably Tower of Power.
They finally returned to the studio for Monster on a Leash in 1991. It was a massive comeback.
It sounded modern but retained the DNA. The 90s were actually a very fertile ground for Tower of Power albums. T.O.P. (1993) and Souled Out (1995) proved they weren't just a nostalgia act. They found a way to bridge the gap between their classic funk roots and the cleaner production of the era.
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The Modern Staples and 50th Anniversary
Most bands after 50 years are just playing the hits at state fairs. Not TOP. They’ve stayed incredibly active.
- Rhythm & Business (1996) brought back some of that 70s grit.
- The Oakland Zone (2003) showed they could still write a hook.
- Soul Side of Town (2018) and Step Up (2020) were recorded during the same sessions and are genuinely fantastic.
Soul Side of Town hit #1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. For a band that started in 1968, that’s insane. It features Marcus Scott on vocals, and he brings a youthful energy that fits the veteran horn section perfectly. It doesn't sound like a bunch of old guys trying to recapture glory; it sounds like a band that finally mastered their craft.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Discography
One big misconception is that the "classic" lineup is the only one that matters. While the Prestia/Garibaldi/Castillo/Kupka core is the soul of the band, the revolving door of vocalists and keyboardists has actually kept them fresh.
Another mistake? Ignoring the live albums.
Live and in Living Color (1976) is one of the greatest live funk albums ever recorded. It captures the energy of the band at their absolute zenith. If you want to know what it felt like to be in a crowded club in 1975 with the loudest horn section in the world, that’s your record.
40th Anniversary (Live) is also essential. It’s a massive celebration featuring former members like Lenny Williams and Sam Moore. It’s a long listen, but it’s a masterclass in how to arrange a live show.
How to Build Your Collection (The Logical Order)
Don't just buy a "Best Of" compilation. Those are fine for the car, but they miss the "vibe" of the individual records.
- Start with Tower of Power (1973). It’s the essential textbook.
- Move to Back to Oakland. This gives you the deeper, funkier cuts.
- Get Bump City. You need to hear the Rick Stevens era.
- Dive into Soul Side of Town. See how they’ve evolved into the modern age.
- Listen to East Bay Grease. Go back to where it all started to see the raw materials.
The Impact of the Tower of Power Horn Section
It's impossible to talk about their albums without mentioning their session work. They are the most recorded horn section in history. They appeared on tracks for:
- Aerosmith
- Rod Stewart
- Lyle Lovett
- Phish
- Santana
- Toto
When you listen to a TOP record, you aren't just hearing a band. You're hearing the architects of a specific brass sound—tight, aggressive, and perfectly in sync. They use a lot of "staccato" phrasing, which basically means the notes are short and detached. This creates a rhythmic "chug" that mirrors what the drums and bass are doing.
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Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Funk Fanatic
If you're serious about getting into the deep cuts of the Tower of Power albums, here’s what you should actually do today.
Dig for the 12-inch versions.
Many of their 70s tracks were extended for the clubs. The 12-inch version of "You Ought to Be Havin' Fun" has a breakdown that is pure rhythmic bliss.
Follow the drummer.
If you're a musician, listen specifically to David Garibaldi. On albums like Urban Renewal, he plays "linear" patterns where no two limbs hit at the same time. It’s a puzzle for the ears. Try to tap along to "Ebony Jam." It’s harder than it looks.
Check the credits.
Look at who produced the albums. When they produced themselves, things usually got funkier. When they brought in outside "pop" producers in the late 70s, things got smoother. Understanding this helps you navigate which era you’re in the mood for.
Watch the 50th Anniversary Concert.
It's available on video. Seeing the current horn section (including long-timer Tom Politzer) interact with the founding members provides a visual context for the "tightness" you hear on the records.
The Tower of Power legacy isn't just about nostalgia. It’s about a specific, uncompromising approach to soul and funk that refuses to die. Whether it’s the 1970 debut or a 2026 tour, the mission remains the same: "To help you get yo' feet back on the ground."
Find a copy of Back to Oakland, turn the bass up higher than you think you should, and let the East Bay grease take over. It’s the only way to truly hear it.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Identify the "Prestia/Garibaldi" era records first if you want the heaviest funk.
- Search for the 2013 remastered versions of the early Warner Bros. catalog for better dynamic range.
- Compare the vocal styles of Rick Stevens vs. Lenny Williams to see which "flavor" of soul you prefer before buying more.