The band who seems to rise above all the turmoil and drama of personnel changes has moved to be my TOP favorite in recent years. That is the TOP - Tower of Power. Of the original members 3 are left, but they are the founder/leader Emilio Castillo and his "partner in crime" Stephen Kupka who blows that monster baritone sax, plus a most unique drummer in David Garibaldi. The singers (quite a varied string over the years) are considered an integral musical instrument, not so much a "leader" or "front man" like most other bands.
They toured through the south recently and I so wanted to take my wife to see them, but the Atlanta venue required vax cards, and I ended up with work and Dr visit schedule conflicts for the Orlando date near my birthday in mid-Feb. I hope we still get a chance to see them.
I saw them back in 1977 and 1983 at My Fathers Place on Long Island, then in the mid-90s in Winter Park FL at the long demolished Cheek to Cheek club. Both venues were incredibly intimate for the punch of a 10-piece band with such dominant horns.
At 50+ years together they are still doing new material.
|