This is Tower of Power at their most powerful. Everyone talks about the T of P horns, but they had a monster rhythm section.

So we're doing this lane? Then it's time for Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears is another band that rocks the horns.

“So Very Hard To Go” has one of the loveliest trumpet solos I’ve ever heard. Plus, a gorgeous melody.

Another great horn band - The Ides of March, with their hit song “VEHICLE”

Off of the same album ("Tower of Power") is one of the greatest slower songs of all time - "So Very Hard To Go". This locked me into an appreciation for TOP that continues to this day. That album also featured another hit of theirs - "This Time It's Real".

David Garibaldi on Drums and Rocco Prestia on Bass - the best rhythm section ever. They played together for the better part of 50 years. Rocco passed away unfortunately in 2020. They were insane. And they did it often and it was even better live.

Tower of Power owns an epic catalogue of the funkiest music ever produced ! You just scratched the surface. The Steely Dan of Funk, every song is great! I've been waiting for you all to go down this rabbit hole! Try Soul Vaccination next!

Live TOP + Little Feat = magic. “Spanish Moon” or, more properly, the entire Waiting for Columbus album

"Horns by Tower of Power" was a battle cry on more "other artists" records than I can count. Other bands didn't have to "touch horns" because they hired Tower of Power to do it for them. You should pull up "Bump City" (Down to the Nightclub) and "So Very Hard to Go".

I have been waiting and begging for this song FOR MONTHS!!! FINALLY!! You guys both going S Tier on this was just the cherry in top!!! Definitely a banger!!!

You're Still a Young Man, to change up the flavor to their other end of style. It has the most iconic, simple horn riff ever written by anybody, ever.

SQUIB CAKES is gonna blow your mind, totally agree on the S, I’ve seen these boys live 4 times and they blow my mind every time

I've never heard that song in my life, but I'm totally alright with the "S" tier rating.

I’ve been a fan since their inception. They’re the most Funkiest in Old School FUNK! As I musician, I crave to see them perform whenever I can. Best rhythm section and best horns. BTW, catch them Live. They sound as tight as they’re recordings.

This was Tower of Power's great moment. I recommend that before you return to them, hit a few funk songs by other artists. You could make a poll of the following, or just occasionally hit one of them: Isley Brothers - It's Your Thing Curtis Mayfield - Superfly Earth, Wind & Fire - Shining Star Parliament - Tear the Roof Off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk)

Oakland’s own right here baby! “Soul Vaccination” should be next!

James Brown was founder of the concept of the band as one percussive instrument. Tower of Power took it to higher level on this song. I like the TOP songs, Don't Change Horses, Down to the Nightclub (Pure Dope) or Squib Cakes as a companion piece to this song. Bay Area represented here by this band. Awesome choice

Andy, that's called "on the ONE" when all the instruments come together and it is the key to funk. James Brown was the man for teaching his band to play on the ONE. It is relentless in the best funk. Good on ya' for calling it out! Edit: Here's Bootsy Collins, layin' it all right out just like the Godfather told him - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z72Hd7qV1JapZI0.html

THIS WHOLE ALBUM IS FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loved this reaction! It's great to see you branching out, trying different sounds, and finding out there's a whole world of great music out there to be heard. 🔥 I've been hard on you lately, but all I would ever hope for you two is that you get the finest experience from your music journey.

The great Francis Rocco Prestia on bass and Dave Garibaldi on the skins. SNL band leader Lenny Picket on alto sax in a world class horn section that played on many other albums by other artists that would surprise you. Thank you gentlemen!

Dear guys, four years ago I was doing some work in Menlo Park. One evening I was invited to watch a basketball game. I didn’t know nothing ‘bout basketball but since I am a Swede and there was a Swedish guy, Jonas, playing in the Golden state warriors I went there. The paus started, a band was gathering, and my company started to go to by sausages n stuff. I heard the first riff and called to everyone around me: “You have to stay! This is “What is hip” and the band is Tower of Power!!!! Well, noone cared, they all went to buy sausages. I went to heaven. Tower of Power playing What is hip - live, and I was there! The most surprising musical experience in my life. Btw - I really appreciate your reactions!

FYI... Lenny Pickett is an American saxophonist and musical director of the Saturday Night Live band. From 1973 to 1981 he was a member of Tower of Power. He is known for his skill in the altissimo register, which can be heard during the opening credits of Saturday Night Live

Oakland's own *Tower of Power* asking "What is Hip?" - I was a wee tyke in the East Bay suburbs when this came out (soon to move south to the newly-dubbed "Silicon Valley"). So there's a fair bit of nostalgia and local pride for me in this. Similarly with *Sly and the Family Stone* - representing the Bay Area in fine form.

Fifty years after recording 'What Is Hip', Tower of Power are still kicking it up. So many other bands have come and gone, but these players are still as vibrant as they were in their heyday.

TOPs biggest hit “So Very Hard To Go,” from this album, is worth reviewing.

Love this song by Tower of Power - saw them back in the day - great memories - but my favorite song by them has to be "So Very Hard To Go"... always played on the radio - I can still sing the whole song! Has heart and soul!

Francis Rocco Prestia on Bass was a God.

earth wind and fire had great horns. 'shining star', 'sing a song'', 'serpentine fire', slower ones like 'that's the way of the world'. another great soul/funk 70's band.

Little Feat plus the TOP horns on Little Feat's epic live album, Waiting For Columbus. My personal favorite is Mercenary Territory and I found this nice little tidbit; "They were backed on these shows by the Tower of Power horn section; their leader, Emilio Castillo, told Songfacts: "We were prominently featured on the whole recording, but 'Mercenary Territory,' to me, was the highlight. The tenor solo by Lenny Pickett, playing off of Lowell George's searing guitar is completely off the chart!""

One of the most iconic, funkiest bass lines EVER!

ALOHA AND THANK YOU FOR PLAYING TOWER! May the one and only Rocco Prestia...bassist for Tower of Power...Rest in Peace as well as the fabulous guitarist Bruce Conte...who sadly passed this year. Great job and great reaction guys!

In the 1990s I worked at a little bar & grill in Walnut Creek, CA that had live music every night. Often the Tower of Power horn section would pop in to play with scheduled bands.

I've seen them almost 100 times. Never disappointed. Yes, I'm old but hip. RIP Rocco, Bruce Conte, Brent Byars. To me, this was their best lineup. Lenny Williams was and is the man up front.

Blood Sweat and Tears (You've made Me So Very Happy) is a definite must... Two great Tower Of Power tunes are "So Very Hard To Go" and A cover of The Temptations "(I Know) I'm Losing You" Their classic is "You're Still A Young Man". Great Job Guys!

Back in that time, my high school buds were all hard core rockers but when we got our hands on this album we were blown away! Can't deny the funk!! It will get ya moving yer feet! If you are not moving when TOP is doing their thing, you might be dead! (Props to Jamal. He said it first!!)Cheers!

Will be first reaction for many. Lenny Pickett, tenor sax player for TOP, became bandleader on SNL. Top musicians, fun band.

“SQUIB CAKES” will set you free!

Now you REALLY need to listen to TOP “Diggin on James Brown”!! You will say YES they can do it again!! Thrilling to see you guys LOVE THIS!!!

Saw TOP in college back in the late 70's. In high school we debated who has the best horns, Chicago or TOP. I like both but TOP does it for me. Go Emilio Castillo, founding member and still going strong.

You all have now reached a whole new level of cool by reacting to Tower of Power!!!! I saw them in 1974 right after the release of this album. They opened for Rare Earth. Quite a show!!!!

You’re welcome !!! TOP covers many bases. Their first hit “so Very Hard To Go” is more heartbreak ballad, but stylish and jazzy. Knew you’d dig What is Hip? Check out their live version on NYE 1973: Decent video and sound, but they party, and Lenny Pickett dancing is a sight to behold.

I've never heard this song, but I was impressed!

Next, do Youre Still A Young Man, my favorite of all TOP hits. Then thoroughly research that tune"s vocalist history for a story and a half.

GOOOOOOOD MORNING A&A FAMILY!¡ ☮️❤️♾️

I got to see TOP live at a county fair in California some 20 years ago and they played What is Hip and damn, their sound live is POWERFUL

Next T.O.P. tune- "You're still a young man", WARNING LABEL: This song will own your soul within 15 seconds.

I saw them one time in my life. They were Huey Lewis’s back up band for his tour that came through Providence RI back in 1989. I was blown away.

I've seen Tower of Power in concert (Detroit) twice in the last 8 years - even in their older age they still lay down the funk HARD! They certainly can do this again, you definitely have to check out more!!

You’re Still A Young Man…those horns at the end will give you goosebumps…

We first saw TOP in Cleveland Ohio at the Agora when they just released East Bay Grease. No one knew them, there were maybe 20 people in the audience. The next time they came back to Cleveland you couldn't get into the club. One of the greatest groups of all time and should be in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. They are real musicians and have "Soul with a capital S." 🎼🥁🎷🎺🎲

I’ll say it again, you boys need to hit the Little Feat live album, Waiting for Columbus. Arguably one of the best live albums of all time, and it features the Tower of Power horns. Besides the ridiculously talented Lowell George (songwriter, vocalist, slide), Feat has my favourite keyboard player, Bill Payne. These days, when Payne isn’t busy with the Feat, You can see him on tour playing with Bob Seger or the Doobie Brothers.

“So Very Hard to Go” is THE song you should have reviewed first!

I saw this dropped when I had to clock in for work, and I've been looking forward to hitting it all day. Finally clocked out, got my dinner and a fresh bowl, and ready to enjoy. If y'all don't give it at least an A, I'll be surprised. One of my all-time favorites, and very fitting for this here channel. "If you're really hip, the passing years will show." Coming back after the video: *S Tier* with a red button, yes!

Chase is another band that rocked the horns. Also, the band singing “What is hip” is such a great homage to the big band era when the horn section use to do that kind of thing.

that bass line will break your fingers. Mister Rocco Prestia. RIP This song is still the baddest and TIGHTEST of all time. Thank you, dudes. (AND I like that you let the songs play uninterrupted. nice)

Dave Garibaldi, one of the best drummers ever a groove master🥁

Blood, Sweat,& Tears - "Spinning Wheel," "And When I Die," "God Bless the Child," "Smiling Phases" They were the first of the brass/rock bands to get heavy radio play. At least the equal of Tower of Power and Chicago...perhaps even more talented.

Tower of Power horn section was very much in demand back in the day.

Check out the horn band that started it all - Electric Flag - "Killin' Floor" from the album "A Long Time Comin"

A classic grew up in the 90s listening to funk compilations. This was a staple. Awb. Parliament funkadelic. Slave lakeside etc MAGGOT BRAIN!!!

Saw these guys live about four years ago. That horn section is as tight live as they are in a studio. That's why you see them in the liner notes all over the place. They have appeared on a number of other artists' recordings, including Otis Redding, Aaron Neville, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Labelle, Huey Lewis, Little Feat, Heart, Michelle Shocked, Paula Abdul, Santana and Stevie Nicks. They've also recorded with bassist Larry Graham's Graham Central Station, Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, Journey, Elkie Brooks, Cat Stevens (on his Foreigner Suite), Luis Miguel, Linda Lewis, R.A.D. (Rose Ann Dimalanta), Jermaine Jackson, John Lee Hooker, Helen Reddy, Rufus, Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship, Mickey Hart, Heart, Damn Yankees, Frankie Valli, Spyro Gyra, KMFDM, Lyle Lovett, Poison, Phish (two songs on their album Hoist, Toto, Pharoahe Monch, Brothers Johnson, and Sam The, among many other acts. Great horn sections: Tower of Power; Earth, Wind and Fire; Chicago; Blood, Sweat and Tears...

This is why you can find their horn section on a bunch of OTHER bands' albums during the '70s. Now check out "Down to the Night Club."

Listen to “Live and in Living Color” the whole album. You’ll jump outta your seats

Oh yes it's Funky Friday! Thanks, gents!

The late, great Rocco Prestia on bass. He was so amazing and seemed like a humble, nice guy.

I haven't heard this song in years - had forgotten how great it is. Thanks boys!

Oingo Boingo, another terrific horn-based based band. "Dead Man's Party", "Stay", "No One Lives Forever", "Just Another Day".

GROOVE!!!!!!!!

I was a late teen when this came out. I had been a concert band brass horn player who transitioned to bass guitar. This song made my radio smoke!!!

Tower of Power is still kicking it. Saw them in concert several weeks ago.

Check out the Meters.

Was never really a funk fan but I first heard this band in the early 90s when I switched from guitar to bass and was told about Rocco in the same breath as Jaco and Jamerson. Powerful stuff.

one of my favorite groups. They been around for 60 years. You should have looked for a live version.

SO HAPPY! For the past six months I've been begging for this song. Even sent a private message once that said something like "I promise Alex will be blown away by this band and this song". I loved watching both of them react to different things in the song, like Rocco Prestia's amazing bass work, David Garibaldi's perfect drumming and certain moments in the horn arrangement. S-Tier for sure. Andy & Alex: Here's some suggestions for more Tower of Power. Know that it can never be quite as good as this, because you started with their very best song. But there is a lot of ToP that is grade A funk and or soul. You Got to Funkifize Got To Get Yo' Feet Back On The Ground Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of The Stream) Clean Slate Only So Much Oil in the Ground You're Still a Young Man Give Me the Proof Maybe It'll Rub Off Just Enough and Too Much Drop It In The Slot Bump City Down To The Nightclub (Bump City) Funkiest band ever, imo. DEFINITELY best funk bassist (Rocco Prestia, again)

TOP didn't get played on the Radio in my hometown. Unless you watched Soul Train in '73 we didn't have any exposure to them. So don't be surprised if we don't know them. Class'74.

There’s an old live version of this on KZfaq from an older tv show I think that is actually even better than the studio version.

One of the best bands live! I got to see them at UNC Greeley in Colorado. They had the audience in the palms of their hands.

The bassist was Rocco Prestia who sadly passed away in September of last year. He influenced many bassists coming after him. His playing is recognizable because of his left-hand muting technique and playing lots of 16th notes, often incorporating ghost notes and syncopation.

Rolling Stones ( Doo doo doo Heart Breaker ) a must hear banger

Tower of Power are a top tier band! Rocco Prestia + David Garibaldi Superb Italo-American rhytm section

I've had the pleasure of attending 6+ of their shows in the last 50 years. The band started in 65/66 and STILL tour. They put on 'live' shows like no other band, and have a list of 'former singers' that none can rival. One of the top 'power horn bands' of all time.

Tower of Power horns played with MANY great bands in the studio and on tours.

Even TOP’s Tiny Desk concert in 2018 is STILL hip.

Yes to the S!!! The most underrated bass player of all time. Check out their recent live performance on NPR Tiny Desk. They old but they still got it!

This might have been the first real band I have seen live. Orlando, Disney-World in 1976 or so. I was only 13 or 14. We were vacationing there. Crazy, but Disney had concerts there at the time.

My parents and drum teacher took me to see them when I was in 7th grade at Hampton Beach, NH. Watching David Garibaldi play drums and the entire band made me have a life long passion for music. Love seeing you guys appreciate the talent in this band even though it's undeniable. This is one of those songs you play for someone and if they don't like it, you can't trust their taste on anything.

Also --Soul Vaccination--

TOP Soul With a Capital "S". Still Diggin' on James Brown. Down at the Night Club (Bump City) ....They can Do it!

T.O.P. 🔥🔥💯💯🤩🤩🤙🏼🤙🏼 They’re still doing it for over 50 years. Catch them “Live” You freak out, promise.

Listen to the album Tower of Power, Live and in Living color. Excellent version of this song as well as my favorite, 'You're still a young Man'.

they were the best at what they did. down to the nightclub is another song you should hear. david garibaldi was one of the best drummer at funk/rock genre. in the bay area back then, sheila e, her family the escovido family was another great percussion based music band around.

Maybe you’ll finally listen to Dr John - Right Place Wrong Time Since you like this…

Kids digging REAL music puts a smile on this guys face.

TOP had the best horns in the business...glad to hear you finally listened to them. BTW, they have many great songs so keep them coming!!

Try “Get It On” by Chase! In this same genre.

​Already getting a Thumbs Up - tasty choice

“So very Hard to Go”, “Squib Cakes”, “You’re Still a Young Man” “Soul Vaccination”. All are worth our time!

I can't believe the one day I'm late to the party you play Tower of power how freaking unbelievable I miss this one live well I'm glad you did it they're awesome thank you so much