| 1. power of rhythm |
| 2. continental drift |
| 3. humanah |
| 4. gratitude |
| 5. ode to hamza |
| 6. clave cafe |
| 7. sirius |
| 8. goatskin hip hop |
| 9. merengue/bell heaven |
| 10. winds of the heart |
Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Drum Brothers is a four-member world percussion group based in Western Montana, that has performed together since 1994. Their performances include a mix of ethnic and contemporary world sounds: West African djembe and doun-doun drums, Australian didgeridoo, Native American flute, guitar, vocals, and hand percussion. Experienced educators as well as performers, Drum Brothers have taught classes, clinics, and workshops in rhythm exploration and drum-making in schools and educational centers throughout the U.S. and in Canada.
Product Description
Drum Brothers’ debut CD, Power of Rhythm, is an eclectic mix of world sounds. Several cuts, including “Power of Rhythm” and “Gratitude,” feature a West African sound with djembe and doun-doun drums, bells and shakers. “Continental Drift” and “Winds of the Heart” are based on Matthew’s guitar grooves, with Michael’s didgeridoo and Native American flute. Inspiration for “Ode to Hamza” came from a home-made tape of Hamza el Din, the great Nubian artist. “Humanah” and “Clavé Café” center on vocal themes with the percussion added later. Much of the CD’s material, like “Merengue/Bell Heaven” and “Goatskin Hip Hop,” grew out of improvisation and live performances.
The compilation kicks off with a bang, the blasting "You Got to Funkafize," showcasing the awesomely powerful horn section. "What Happened to the World That Day?" is a heartfelt love song, Rick Stevens' influence is pretty clear on these earlier tracks. "Down to the Nightclub" was their first big hit, a swinging party song. "You're Still a Young Man" is another solid early-70s slow jam. "What Is Hip?" is their best known song, musically incredible, with a gorgeous arrangement for the funk guitar and horns. Lenny Williams also lends one of his finest performances ever on this song. "So Very Hard to Go" is among my favorites, an inspired love song, and "This Time It's Real" is also very appealing, a happy and hopeful ode. The slow "Will I Ever Find a Love?" precedes the awesome "Soul Vaccination," a fast and funky cut from the same mold as "What Is Hip?," but maybe even better. "Time Will Tell" and "Below Us All the City Lights" are both fine examples of TOP's range and versatility, and "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream)" is a pumped up, swinging number. The slow, well-produced songs "Willing to Learn" and "I Won't Leave Unless You Want Me To" are split by the unforgettable "Only So Much Oil in the Ground," with the soaring horn cadence and Williams' wild vocals. The collection closes with the inspired "You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous."
One thing I love about Tower of Power's 1970s discography is that unlike so much music from that era, it really doesn't sound dated at all even today. Their music is so unique, well-produced, and exhibiting talent that the sound is timeless. For anyone who's a new listener or was a fan back in the day, "The Very Best of Tower of Power: The Warner Years" is a must have in the collection.
1. "What is Hip?"
2. "Down to the Night Club."
3. "Soul Vaccination".
4. "Only so much Oil in the Ground".
5. "Your still a Young Man".
6. "Diggin' on James Brown".
7. "Clever Girl".
8. "Attitude Dance".
9. "Oakland Zone".
10. "Page One".
On this CD, the noteworthy "What is Hip?" stands out as their rocking, syncopated, break-induced tunes. AOR lit into this one, as well as the soulful "So Very Hard To Go." Both these individual tunes are worth the price of the CD, but it doesn't stop there.
AOR never quite latched onto "Soul Vaccination" but that doesn't detract from the signature sound of ToP. The horn section is what drove ToP, and to this day I cannot think of another band that accomplished what ToP was able to do, when it was able to do it.
Tower of Power still receives airplay, but on a much smaller scale, considering this style of music is now considered as what ToP said in their song "What is Hip?": "What you think might really be passe'."
It is unfortunate that ToP is not still riding the airwaves in it's former glory, but since times and tastes have changed with the generations, we can only hope that ToP will remain an icon to older boomers who remember hard-driving funk and R&B.
I really want to add they still tour, usually jazz clubs, and are a not-to-be-missed act. If you ain't moving when "the Tower" is groovin' -- you dead.
TOP TRACKS:
Livin' The Life
Money, Power, Respect
All For The Love
We'll Always Love Big Poppa
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14
16
Featured soloists include a short, mellow guitar solo from Bruce Conte, followed by Greg Adams' fluegelhorn that first lurks in the pedal range (leading one to believe it's a trombone!) and then soars brilliantly higher and higher to a dramatic finish.
Tenor madness abounds from lead saxman Lenny Pickett (known primarily for his work as lead Tenor for the Saturday Night Live band), wailing in-tune in the difficult altissimo range (jazz musicians call these 'freak notes' because they are not notes typically included in the range of the instrument ... ), while at the same time refusing to compromise on excellent rhythmic and melodic ideas throughout.
Chester Thompson completes the soloistic foursome with a chunky Hammond organ solo that takes you back to a smoky bar in LA in the early 70s - without the probability of cancer. Lyrical yet hard-driving, Thompson lulls us first into his solo space by filling in behind the band as they chant 'Squib Cakes', then takes off on his own flight, delving out perfect 16th-note runs as though Bach suddenly had learned some jazz Hammond himself. In the middle of the solo, as if to a testament to the tightness of the groove, Thompson lingers on a treble note in his right hand, chunks out chords so symmetrically with the rest of the rhythm section with his left, that in the days of hearing this on vinyl, I wondered if my record was skipping through that section!
To finish the groove, at the end of Thompson's solo, the horns return to fill in a bridge with quick triplets. After he closes, we're back to the head to close out the tune.
Even with so much to savor, this syncopated gem will leave you hungering for more, even after the final stroke of the last chord. The musicianship and tightness of their groove more than make up for the bland lyrics on the album's other tunes. I have listened to this album for 30 years and revel in its freshness every time I spin it. I recommend it as a definite primer for anyone wishing to explore Tower of Power's "sound."
- Kathryn Shut
Every cut was a joy to listen to. Even the split-up version of OAKLAND STROKE was just a fun jam. My impressions of the group: Aside from Jimmy Smith, I hadn't heard a Hammond B3 sound so funky till I heard Chester Thompson. Aside from Jr. Walker, I hadn't experienced anyone who had such masterful control of their altissimo range till I heard Lenny Pickett. The supporting horns (Kupka, Castillo, Adams and Gillette) had their own vibe and despite a lack of solo time, managed to make a significant impact on every song. And for bass work, nobody was touching Rocco Prestia. In his true prime, Rocco's style was totally individual. David Garibaldi was what I considered a phenomenal drummer. All his rhythms were crisp and unique . . . playing off the sycopation of the bass, organ and guitar. He had a serious ear for rhythms. Bruce Conte was one of the most underrated of the crew, but his guitar work was ahead of its time. There were traces of jazz and some island influences that I hear very plainly.
Lenny Williams' vocals really set a definitive tone for this group. They were distinctive, fluid and heartfelt. His voice made the puzzle complete; put the icing on the cake; lit the cigarette after some mind-blowing sex.
My favorite selections: Without a doubt, JUST WHEN WE START MAKIN' IT ranks as one of my all-time favorite tunes. It exemplifies what the group is all about. It's jazzy, it's laid back, but it drives relentlessly, fills you with emotional fire and thrills your music sense to its fullest. Lenny's vocals are soaring and urging, Pickett's sax solos are powerful and sensual, the staccato background horns are poignant and dynamic, the organ break not only resets tempo, but turns into a thing of genius. CT creating a series of rippling, bubbling organ lines against the crescendo of the entire horn contingent and the incomparable Garibaldi drums - cymbals crashing, bass tom rolling, the incredible beat he lays down was too innovative. I was overwhelmed the first time I heard this. I must have worn out the vinyl from overplaying it. Actually, I have owned this album/CD around 12 times since 1973, from having to repurchase it after having it stolen or borrowed out indefinitely.
Other favorites: TIME WILL TELL, CAN'T YOU SEE, CITY LIGHTS. And no instrumental rocked my soul for a long time like SQUIB CAKES. Chester wrote a lot of songs in some other albums, but they all sounded like mutated versions of SQUIB CAKES . . . like distant cousins or wannabe next door neighbors.
In all, I really love this album. It's been part of my life for over 30 years. And it just sounds better everytime I put it on.
Paris sure got it goin' on; this is yet another killing live show from the town that makes everyone play at the outer limits of their abilities.
I took the funkiest tracks from this and the Dallas '68 JB cd and put them together on my mp3 player for running, and I can blow out mile after mile without even noticing; take out the ballads and those shows are like a lightning bolt.
The Maceo JB band was super tight, and this band was super rubbery. Both were extreme Funk, inventing the genre as they went. No one has come close to this day; this is the fonk from the Source itself.
JB was the original black power superstar, and in 1971 he was a true revolutionary. That power fairly crackles throughout this recording, and when it busts loose on Ain't It Funky, New Day, Sex Machine and Give It Up, there is an almost mystical energy created, like the sound a sperm might make when it beats the pack of a hundred million and slides in to the egg first.
Bootsy is 19 here (!!!), and he and his brother Phelps bring a loping intensity that has never been equalled; this may be the funkiest bass playing ever captured on tape. I've loved JB since hearing Brand New Bag in grade school, and always knew there must be a live recording that captured the essence of him at this funkiest.
Here it is.
James' voice wavers at points (ten shows in six days in Paris, just another stand in yet another town...hardest workin' man in show biz indeed), but his energy and conviction drive his band to the height of heights, funktually speaking.
Just program Ain't It Funky on your cd player to wake you up. You WILL get up and dance in the shower.
Good God!
But guess what? James Brown has Soul to spare. He has Soul to burn. He always did and always will, even in heaven. And when you uncover a Prime Era James Brown Tape, it will NOT disappoint. That is 100% guaranteed. He refuses to lose. When you hear Love Power Peace, you will find everything you love James Brown for, and more. When you play this album, you will be shocked that anyone could have as futuristic sound as the James Brown band had in 1971, even though you have heard this said a million times already. When you think about this show, you will think you would have given practically any material possession you own just to have been there. That's what I still feel. When you think about Phelps' solo, you will rack your brain to come up with any solo in any genre of music including jazz with as much energy, creativity and FUNK as this one. You will wonder how he never had 10 albums of his own.
When you hear LOVE POWER PEACE, you will feel the full force of the James Brown Experience. This Experience was honed with loving skill for almost 20 years before this show. There are few musical artists in the history of the world who can live up to their hype, their Legend, their Ego. James Brown is one of the few, perhaps the one.
This is the only live recording of James Brown with Bootsy (he would soon help the Parliament Funkadelic take off) and it shows that James Brown didn't need to rely on his big old orchestra to make good music. In fact, these days, Soul brother number one, is probably better known for what he did after ditching the big band and just jamming loosely wih a couple of stanky funkateers.
This disc is almost the opposite of what Say it Live and Loud is about, but yet still as good and still as powerful. The job gets more than just done here, its louder and grittier than ever. If you are looking for James Brown funk, this is your best place to start.
"East Bay Grease" blasts out of the Oakland flats with an edge and intensity that no hippie band could ever have hoped to match. Driven by a tight rhythm section, raw lead vocals (by Rufus Miller, the first of a succession of singers whom, in Spinal Tap fashion, kept getting waylaid by stints in jail, etc.) and of course that signature horn-section, "East Bay Grease" not only sets the prototype for the string of hit albums and singles that was to follow, but also has its own completely original, unrefined but virtuosic sound that, I believe, sets it at the top of TOP's discography.
Highlight tracks include "Knock Yourself Out," "The Price" and "Back On The Streets Again," which topically could have been recorded in the present era (certain parts of Oakland not having changed much since the day). Unlike other reviewers, I also like "Sparkling In The Sand," which may not seem to fit in at first glance but actually sets the template for their later classic ballads (i.e., "You're Still A Young Man").
And of course, there is only one Steve "The Funky Doctor" Kupka, whose gifts to the baritone sax are immeasurable.
least bit smooth or soft!From "Knock Yourself Out" on 'East Bay Grease' is filled with smelly horns,gutbucket rhythm and very
sandpapery singing.It actually owes more to the mutant horn
rock grooves of Blood,Sweat & Tears,Electric Flag and even Chicago then James Brown or Kool & The Gang.But the rhythm knows
it's buisness and that makes this album a dirving slice of gritty,hard core east coast funk!The plaintive "Sparkling In The
Sane" is the slowest song on the album and it doesn't even come
close to being soft-rather like a longish psychedelic soul groove with fleeting vocals.Any way you take it 'East Bay Grease' is very impressive stuff!
for the scope and depth that this band summons forth in this compilation of their other songs. Tommy Heath and Jim Keller evoke a synthesis of sound that stirs the echos of Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, the Beatles, T-Bone Burnett and Tom Waits among others. Why they did not chart more hits is no mystery as they had little help or promotion from their label. With songs like "Which Man Are You", "Why Baby Why","No Way to Cry", "Steal Away" and "Tonight", all of which have haunting lyrics and captivating melodies (like Orbison's Ballads)they should have stayed in the Top 40. Their lyrics are so good they must have been written with a silver pen using golden ink because once you start listening to the songs, its hard to stop. For anyone that believes no good music came from the 1980s, you need only hear Tutone 'Once' to realize that's not true. They had a rare talent and should have stayed together longer because their music is much, much better than the seemingly anonymous and androgynous "pretty boys" which seemed more concerned with their hair than with their music. Their guitars and vocals are faultless, and adding the meshing together of the drums and keyboards have you believing they had been together for many years. They don't need the on stage antics of other bands, and they did not need it as their music is so introspective and different that it is almost, "stand alone."
A genuine diamond that begs to be played over and over.
(April 2003 update: Now I HAVE heard the two later albums, and I like them both. 1994's "Nervous Love" seems more like a Tommy Heath solo album, but 1998's "Tutone.rtf" has got the old Tommy Tutone spirit, and holds it's own with the best of the albums from the 80s. I've submitted reviews of each to Amazon.
Drum Brothers is a four-member world percussion group based in Western Montana, that has performed together since 1994. Their performances include a mix of ethnic and contemporary world sounds: West African djembe and doun-doun drums, Australian didgeridoo, Native American flute, guitar, vocals, and hand percussion. Experienced educators as well as performers, Drum Brothers have taught classes, clinics, and workshops in rhythm exploration and drum-making in schools and educational centers throughout the U.S. and in Canada.
Product Description
Drum Brothers’ debut CD, Power of Rhythm, is an eclectic mix of world sounds. Several cuts, including “Power of Rhythm” and “Gratitude,” feature a West African sound with djembe and doun-doun drums, bells and shakers. “Continental Drift” and “Winds of the Heart” are based on Matthew’s guitar grooves, with Michael’s didgeridoo and Native American flute. Inspiration for “Ode to Hamza” came from a home-made tape of Hamza el Din, the great Nubian artist. “Humanah” and “Clavé Café” center on vocal themes with the percussion added later. Much of the CD’s material, like “Merengue/Bell Heaven” and “Goatskin Hip Hop,” grew out of improvisation and live performances.
Power of Rhythm,Drum Brothers
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James Ingram - The Greatest Hits: Power of Great Music
James Ingram Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  Contemporary Blues
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ASIN: B000002LQX Release Date: 1991-09-24 |
Tracks:
- Where Did My Heart Go?
- How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
- Just Once
- Somewhere Out There
- I Don't Have The Heart
- There's No Easy Way
- Get Ready
- Baby, Come To Me
- One Hundred Ways
- Yah Mo Be There
- Remember The Dream
- Whatever We Imagine
Customer Reviews:
BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND FANTASTIC VOCALS.......2007-06-27
Deeply moving.......2007-03-26
An underrated singer with a phenomenal voice!!!.......2007-02-20
James Ingram The Greatest Hits.......2007-01-10
Excellent.......2007-01-06
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The Very Best of Tower of Power: The Warner Years
Tower of Power Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| R&B
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ASIN: B00005LMXQ Release Date: 2001-07-17 |
Tracks:
- You Got To Funkifize
- What Happened To The World That Day?
- Down To The Nightclub
- You're Still A Young Man
- What Is Hip?
- So Very Hard To Go
- This Time Is Real
- Will I Ever Find A Love?
- Soul Vaccination
- Time Will Tell
- Below Us, All The City Lights
- Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream)
- Willing To Learn
- Only So Much Oil In The Ground
- I Won't Leave Unless You Want Me To
- You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous
Customer Reviews:
The best of the best!.......2007-07-09
The compilation kicks off with a bang, the blasting "You Got to Funkafize," showcasing the awesomely powerful horn section. "What Happened to the World That Day?" is a heartfelt love song, Rick Stevens' influence is pretty clear on these earlier tracks. "Down to the Nightclub" was their first big hit, a swinging party song. "You're Still a Young Man" is another solid early-70s slow jam. "What Is Hip?" is their best known song, musically incredible, with a gorgeous arrangement for the funk guitar and horns. Lenny Williams also lends one of his finest performances ever on this song. "So Very Hard to Go" is among my favorites, an inspired love song, and "This Time It's Real" is also very appealing, a happy and hopeful ode. The slow "Will I Ever Find a Love?" precedes the awesome "Soul Vaccination," a fast and funky cut from the same mold as "What Is Hip?," but maybe even better. "Time Will Tell" and "Below Us All the City Lights" are both fine examples of TOP's range and versatility, and "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream)" is a pumped up, swinging number. The slow, well-produced songs "Willing to Learn" and "I Won't Leave Unless You Want Me To" are split by the unforgettable "Only So Much Oil in the Ground," with the soaring horn cadence and Williams' wild vocals. The collection closes with the inspired "You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous."
One thing I love about Tower of Power's 1970s discography is that unlike so much music from that era, it really doesn't sound dated at all even today. Their music is so unique, well-produced, and exhibiting talent that the sound is timeless. For anyone who's a new listener or was a fan back in the day, "The Very Best of Tower of Power: The Warner Years" is a must have in the collection.
Not so faulty Tower.......2007-01-09
You want to know the truth in life..........2006-06-24
I would give it 6 stars if I could .......2005-11-02
1. "What is Hip?"
2. "Down to the Night Club."
3. "Soul Vaccination".
4. "Only so much Oil in the Ground".
5. "Your still a Young Man".
6. "Diggin' on James Brown".
7. "Clever Girl".
8. "Attitude Dance".
9. "Oakland Zone".
10. "Page One".
Tower of Power: Live they are far better.......2005-06-26
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Tower of Power
Tower of Power Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000002KEJ Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- What Is Hip?
- Clever Girl
- This Time It's Real
- Will I Ever Find A Love?
- Get Yo' Feet Back On The Ground
- So Very Hard To Go
- Soul Vaccination
- Both Sorry Over Nothin'
- Clean Slate
- Just Another Day
Customer Reviews:
Stewy in Music City.......2007-07-12
Tower of Power Self Titled CD.......2006-07-05
On this CD, the noteworthy "What is Hip?" stands out as their rocking, syncopated, break-induced tunes. AOR lit into this one, as well as the soulful "So Very Hard To Go." Both these individual tunes are worth the price of the CD, but it doesn't stop there.
AOR never quite latched onto "Soul Vaccination" but that doesn't detract from the signature sound of ToP. The horn section is what drove ToP, and to this day I cannot think of another band that accomplished what ToP was able to do, when it was able to do it.
Tower of Power still receives airplay, but on a much smaller scale, considering this style of music is now considered as what ToP said in their song "What is Hip?": "What you think might really be passe'."
It is unfortunate that ToP is not still riding the airwaves in it's former glory, but since times and tastes have changed with the generations, we can only hope that ToP will remain an icon to older boomers who remember hard-driving funk and R&B.
This Time Is Real.......2006-05-09
See them Live!.......2005-11-26
I really want to add they still tour, usually jazz clubs, and are a not-to-be-missed act. If you ain't moving when "the Tower" is groovin' -- you dead.
Funk that's as hot and danceable as it gets.......2005-08-04
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Soul Vaccination: Live
Tower of Power Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00000JQFW Release Date: 1999-08-03 |
Tracks:
- Soul With A Capital 'S'
- I Like Your Style
- Soul Vaccination
- Down To The Night Club (Bump City)
- Willin' To Learn
- Souled Out
- Diggin' On James Brown
- To Say The Least You're The Most
- You Strike My Main Nerve
- Can't You See (You Doin' Me Wrong)
- You Got To Funkifize
- So Very Hard To Go
- What Is Hip
- You're Still A Young Man
- So I Got To Groove
Customer Reviews:
Live Tower in the 90s.......2007-06-10
A Funkin' Institution.......2007-03-19
Great music!!.......2005-08-03
Simply put, THE 2ND GREATEST LIVE ALBUM EVER!.......2005-06-03
Vocals could be better.......2004-07-27
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Money, Power & Respect
The LOX Manufacturer: Bad Boy ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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East Coast
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ASIN: B0000039QI Release Date: 1998-01-19 |
Tracks:
- Yonkers Tale (Intro)
- Livin' The Life
- If You Think I'm Jiggy
- The Interview (Part I) (Interlude)
- Money, Power, Respect
- Get This $
- Let's Start Rap Over
- Mad Rapper (Interlude)
- I Wanna Thank You
- Goin' Be Some Sh*t
- The Heist (Part 1)
- Not To Be F**ked With
- The Set-Up (Interlude)
- Bitches From Eastwick
- Can't Stop, Won't Stop
- All For The Love
- So Right
- The Snitch (Interlude)
- Everybody Wanna A Rat
- The Interview (Part II) (Interlude)
- We'll Always Love Big Poppa
Customer Reviews:
I dont consider this they debut.......2006-07-29
Classic L-O-X!!.......2006-07-12
TOP TRACKS:
Livin' The Life
Money, Power, Respect
All For The Love
We'll Always Love Big Poppa
Overly, commercial, materialistic pap! .......2006-03-05
disgust.......2005-12-07
check it out.......2005-10-18
2
5
7
9
14
16
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Back to Oakland
Tower of Power Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000002KF2 Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Oakland Stroke...
- Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream)
- Just When We Start Makin' It
- Can't You See (You Doin' Me Wrong)
- Squib Cakes
- Time Will Tell
- Man From The Past
- Love's Been Gone So Long
- I Got The Chop
- Below Us, All The City Lights
- ...Oakland Stroke
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Formed out of various Oakland-based bands in the early '70s, Tower of Power was the West Coast answer to the various rock horn bands popular during that period. But where their rivals relied on catchy horn charts and bland lyrics (Chicago instantly comes to mind), Tower of Power was funkier, grittier, and a lot greasier than any of their contemporaries. Back to Oakland isn't one of their strongest albums. After two promising openers, "Oakland Stroke" and "Don't Change Horses in the Middle of the Stream," the set slips into more shapeless jams and is hobbled by the band's tendency toward mundane lyrics. Fans can savor the strong horn section work throughout, but this isn't the logical starting point for newcomers to TOP--a better bet is their second album, East Bay Grease. --Tom VickersCustomer Reviews:
East Bay... All The Way.......2007-01-02
Excellent Groove, Never Gets Old, Squib Cakes Highlight.......2005-04-28
Featured soloists include a short, mellow guitar solo from Bruce Conte, followed by Greg Adams' fluegelhorn that first lurks in the pedal range (leading one to believe it's a trombone!) and then soars brilliantly higher and higher to a dramatic finish.
Tenor madness abounds from lead saxman Lenny Pickett (known primarily for his work as lead Tenor for the Saturday Night Live band), wailing in-tune in the difficult altissimo range (jazz musicians call these 'freak notes' because they are not notes typically included in the range of the instrument ... ), while at the same time refusing to compromise on excellent rhythmic and melodic ideas throughout.
Chester Thompson completes the soloistic foursome with a chunky Hammond organ solo that takes you back to a smoky bar in LA in the early 70s - without the probability of cancer. Lyrical yet hard-driving, Thompson lulls us first into his solo space by filling in behind the band as they chant 'Squib Cakes', then takes off on his own flight, delving out perfect 16th-note runs as though Bach suddenly had learned some jazz Hammond himself. In the middle of the solo, as if to a testament to the tightness of the groove, Thompson lingers on a treble note in his right hand, chunks out chords so symmetrically with the rest of the rhythm section with his left, that in the days of hearing this on vinyl, I wondered if my record was skipping through that section!
To finish the groove, at the end of Thompson's solo, the horns return to fill in a bridge with quick triplets. After he closes, we're back to the head to close out the tune.
Even with so much to savor, this syncopated gem will leave you hungering for more, even after the final stroke of the last chord. The musicianship and tightness of their groove more than make up for the bland lyrics on the album's other tunes. I have listened to this album for 30 years and revel in its freshness every time I spin it. I recommend it as a definite primer for anyone wishing to explore Tower of Power's "sound."
- Kathryn Shut
ONE WORD: AWESOME!!!.......2004-08-13
Every cut was a joy to listen to. Even the split-up version of OAKLAND STROKE was just a fun jam. My impressions of the group: Aside from Jimmy Smith, I hadn't heard a Hammond B3 sound so funky till I heard Chester Thompson. Aside from Jr. Walker, I hadn't experienced anyone who had such masterful control of their altissimo range till I heard Lenny Pickett. The supporting horns (Kupka, Castillo, Adams and Gillette) had their own vibe and despite a lack of solo time, managed to make a significant impact on every song. And for bass work, nobody was touching Rocco Prestia. In his true prime, Rocco's style was totally individual. David Garibaldi was what I considered a phenomenal drummer. All his rhythms were crisp and unique . . . playing off the sycopation of the bass, organ and guitar. He had a serious ear for rhythms. Bruce Conte was one of the most underrated of the crew, but his guitar work was ahead of its time. There were traces of jazz and some island influences that I hear very plainly.
Lenny Williams' vocals really set a definitive tone for this group. They were distinctive, fluid and heartfelt. His voice made the puzzle complete; put the icing on the cake; lit the cigarette after some mind-blowing sex.
My favorite selections: Without a doubt, JUST WHEN WE START MAKIN' IT ranks as one of my all-time favorite tunes. It exemplifies what the group is all about. It's jazzy, it's laid back, but it drives relentlessly, fills you with emotional fire and thrills your music sense to its fullest. Lenny's vocals are soaring and urging, Pickett's sax solos are powerful and sensual, the staccato background horns are poignant and dynamic, the organ break not only resets tempo, but turns into a thing of genius. CT creating a series of rippling, bubbling organ lines against the crescendo of the entire horn contingent and the incomparable Garibaldi drums - cymbals crashing, bass tom rolling, the incredible beat he lays down was too innovative. I was overwhelmed the first time I heard this. I must have worn out the vinyl from overplaying it. Actually, I have owned this album/CD around 12 times since 1973, from having to repurchase it after having it stolen or borrowed out indefinitely.
Other favorites: TIME WILL TELL, CAN'T YOU SEE, CITY LIGHTS. And no instrumental rocked my soul for a long time like SQUIB CAKES. Chester wrote a lot of songs in some other albums, but they all sounded like mutated versions of SQUIB CAKES . . . like distant cousins or wannabe next door neighbors.
In all, I really love this album. It's been part of my life for over 30 years. And it just sounds better everytime I put it on.
SQUIB CAKES!.......2004-07-24
...like a bowlegged monkey.......2003-10-17
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Love Power Peace
James Brown Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B
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ASIN: B000001DWX Release Date: 1992-06-23 |
Tracks:
- Intro
- Brother Rapp
- Aint It Funky Now
- Georgia On My Mind
- It's A New Day
- Bewildered
- Sex Machine
- Try Me
- Medley: Papa's Got A Brand New Bag/I Got You (I Feel Good)/I Got The Feelin'
- Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose
- It's A Man's Man's Man's World
- Please Please Please
- Sex Machine (Reprise)
- Super Bad
- Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved
- Soul Power
- Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved (Finale)
Amazon.com essential recording
James Brown's status as one of the hottest live performers translated into a string of absolutely massive in-concert albums, but none are better than this outrageously funky outing. This is the only live CD available with Bootsy Collins and the original JB's posse, and Brown leads the incendiary ensemble through an airtight set. Only "Georgia on My Mind" reaches for the dimmer switch, but the point by then is immaterial coming after the ridiculous onslaught of "Brother Rapp" and "Ain't It Funky Now"--try to find the impossible seam between those two tracks. A hazardous slipstream of soul! --John CorbettCustomer Reviews:
Whe God throws a party, this is what He plays.......2007-06-25
Paris sure got it goin' on; this is yet another killing live show from the town that makes everyone play at the outer limits of their abilities.
I took the funkiest tracks from this and the Dallas '68 JB cd and put them together on my mp3 player for running, and I can blow out mile after mile without even noticing; take out the ballads and those shows are like a lightning bolt.
The Maceo JB band was super tight, and this band was super rubbery. Both were extreme Funk, inventing the genre as they went. No one has come close to this day; this is the fonk from the Source itself.
JB was the original black power superstar, and in 1971 he was a true revolutionary. That power fairly crackles throughout this recording, and when it busts loose on Ain't It Funky, New Day, Sex Machine and Give It Up, there is an almost mystical energy created, like the sound a sperm might make when it beats the pack of a hundred million and slides in to the egg first.
Bootsy is 19 here (!!!), and he and his brother Phelps bring a loping intensity that has never been equalled; this may be the funkiest bass playing ever captured on tape. I've loved JB since hearing Brand New Bag in grade school, and always knew there must be a live recording that captured the essence of him at this funkiest.
Here it is.
James' voice wavers at points (ten shows in six days in Paris, just another stand in yet another town...hardest workin' man in show biz indeed), but his energy and conviction drive his band to the height of heights, funktually speaking.
Just program Ain't It Funky on your cd player to wake you up. You WILL get up and dance in the shower.
Good God!
The greatest album ever recorded - period.......2007-05-08
This tops even your highest expectations.......2007-01-13
But guess what? James Brown has Soul to spare. He has Soul to burn. He always did and always will, even in heaven. And when you uncover a Prime Era James Brown Tape, it will NOT disappoint. That is 100% guaranteed. He refuses to lose. When you hear Love Power Peace, you will find everything you love James Brown for, and more. When you play this album, you will be shocked that anyone could have as futuristic sound as the James Brown band had in 1971, even though you have heard this said a million times already. When you think about this show, you will think you would have given practically any material possession you own just to have been there. That's what I still feel. When you think about Phelps' solo, you will rack your brain to come up with any solo in any genre of music including jazz with as much energy, creativity and FUNK as this one. You will wonder how he never had 10 albums of his own.
When you hear LOVE POWER PEACE, you will feel the full force of the James Brown Experience. This Experience was honed with loving skill for almost 20 years before this show. There are few musical artists in the history of the world who can live up to their hype, their Legend, their Ego. James Brown is one of the few, perhaps the one.
ALWAYS REMEMBER JAMES BROWN.......2007-01-13
This is the only live recording of James Brown with Bootsy (he would soon help the Parliament Funkadelic take off) and it shows that James Brown didn't need to rely on his big old orchestra to make good music. In fact, these days, Soul brother number one, is probably better known for what he did after ditching the big band and just jamming loosely wih a couple of stanky funkateers.
This disc is almost the opposite of what Say it Live and Loud is about, but yet still as good and still as powerful. The job gets more than just done here, its louder and grittier than ever. If you are looking for James Brown funk, this is your best place to start.
This Is The $#!+!!!!!!.......2006-11-01
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East Bay Grease
Tower of Power Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B0000032XU Release Date: 1992-11-10 |
Tracks:
- Knock Yourself Out
- Social Lubrication
- The Price
- Back On The Streets Again
- The Skunk, The Goose, And The Fly
- Sparkling In The Sand
Customer Reviews:
Raw, Extra-Greasy Funk from Oakland CA!.......2006-09-20
"East Bay Grease" blasts out of the Oakland flats with an edge and intensity that no hippie band could ever have hoped to match. Driven by a tight rhythm section, raw lead vocals (by Rufus Miller, the first of a succession of singers whom, in Spinal Tap fashion, kept getting waylaid by stints in jail, etc.) and of course that signature horn-section, "East Bay Grease" not only sets the prototype for the string of hit albums and singles that was to follow, but also has its own completely original, unrefined but virtuosic sound that, I believe, sets it at the top of TOP's discography.
Highlight tracks include "Knock Yourself Out," "The Price" and "Back On The Streets Again," which topically could have been recorded in the present era (certain parts of Oakland not having changed much since the day). Unlike other reviewers, I also like "Sparkling In The Sand," which may not seem to fit in at first glance but actually sets the template for their later classic ballads (i.e., "You're Still A Young Man").
And of course, there is only one Steve "The Funky Doctor" Kupka, whose gifts to the baritone sax are immeasurable.
Don't Play This One For Your Parents....Yipes!.......2006-08-13
Pure unrefined FUNK!.......2004-11-02
You Will Knock Yourself Out!.......2004-08-16
least bit smooth or soft!From "Knock Yourself Out" on 'East Bay Grease' is filled with smelly horns,gutbucket rhythm and very
sandpapery singing.It actually owes more to the mutant horn
rock grooves of Blood,Sweat & Tears,Electric Flag and even Chicago then James Brown or Kool & The Gang.But the rhythm knows
it's buisness and that makes this album a dirving slice of gritty,hard core east coast funk!The plaintive "Sparkling In The
Sane" is the slowest song on the album and it doesn't even come
close to being soft-rather like a longish psychedelic soul groove with fleeting vocals.Any way you take it 'East Bay Grease' is very impressive stuff!
TOP RULES.......2004-07-24
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Urban Renewal
Tower of Power Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000002KFN Release Date: 1993-09-14 |
Tracks:
- Only So Much Oil In The Ground
- Come Back, Baby
- It's Not The Crime
- I Wont Leave Unless You Want Me To
- Maybe It'll Rub Off
- (To Say The Least) You're The Most
- Willing To Learn
- Give Me The Proof
- It Can Never Be The Same
- I Believe In Myself
- Walkin' Up Hip Street
Customer Reviews:
excellent r & b album from 1974........2007-04-01
My Favorite TOP CD ! ! ! .......2007-03-26
Urban Renewal.......2006-01-18
4.5 Stars.......2004-07-24
SOUL RENEWAL !!!.......2003-07-16
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Tommy Tutone/Tommy Tutone 2
Tommy Tutone Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave
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ASIN: B00000093O Release Date: 1997-07-01 |
Tracks:
- Angel Say No
- Cheap Date
- Girl In The Back Seat
- The Blame
- Fat Chance
- Rachel
- Dancing Girl
- Hide-Out
- What 'Cha Doin' To Me
- Am I Supposed To Lie
- Sounds Of A Summer Night
- 867-5309/Jenny
- Baby It's Alright
- Shadow On The Road Ahead
- Bernadiah
- Why Baby Why
- Which Man Are You
- No Way To Cry
- Steal Away
- Tonight
- Only One
- Not Say Goodbye
Customer Reviews:
Why the concensus to diss National Emotion?.......2005-12-30
A Real Class Act .......2005-06-16
for the scope and depth that this band summons forth in this compilation of their other songs. Tommy Heath and Jim Keller evoke a synthesis of sound that stirs the echos of Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, the Beatles, T-Bone Burnett and Tom Waits among others. Why they did not chart more hits is no mystery as they had little help or promotion from their label. With songs like "Which Man Are You", "Why Baby Why","No Way to Cry", "Steal Away" and "Tonight", all of which have haunting lyrics and captivating melodies (like Orbison's Ballads)they should have stayed in the Top 40. Their lyrics are so good they must have been written with a silver pen using golden ink because once you start listening to the songs, its hard to stop. For anyone that believes no good music came from the 1980s, you need only hear Tutone 'Once' to realize that's not true. They had a rare talent and should have stayed together longer because their music is much, much better than the seemingly anonymous and androgynous "pretty boys" which seemed more concerned with their hair than with their music. Their guitars and vocals are faultless, and adding the meshing together of the drums and keyboards have you believing they had been together for many years. They don't need the on stage antics of other bands, and they did not need it as their music is so introspective and different that it is almost, "stand alone."
A genuine diamond that begs to be played over and over.
Plenty of Good Stuff Here.......2002-07-19
One Hit Wonders Had Many Other Fine Songs.......2002-02-13
(April 2003 update: Now I HAVE heard the two later albums, and I like them both. 1994's "Nervous Love" seems more like a Tommy Heath solo album, but 1998's "Tutone.rtf" has got the old Tommy Tutone spirit, and holds it's own with the best of the albums from the 80s. I've submitted reviews of each to Amazon.
Unknown Gems.......1999-03-08
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