Tower of Power, the 10-piece soul and funk powerhouse from Oakland California never fail to deliver – and at the London Palladium, led by their two founders, Emilio Castillo and Stephen ‘Doc’ Kupka, who kicked off the band in 1968 rehearsing in Emilio’s parents’ garage, they sounded fresher than ever. They weren’t going through the motions – they had a real spring in their step.
I have to confess a declaration of interest – from first seeing them on tour with Little Feat I have always been impressed. Whether when they were down on their uppers and playing at Dingwalls, or at the Roundhouse, Shepherds Bush Empire, the Albert Hall or Ronnie Scott’s, they never let standards slip, which drew high praise from James Brown. It was mutual admiration as they are lifelong Godfather of Soul fans.
With recent recruits in the line-up they were at the top of their game with their renowned arrangements focused on their formidable brass section underpinned by rock solid rhythm section work, frighteningly tight, yet with a brightness that shone with the pleasure of their playing. Going though their classics they had a fresh take on their classic material to bring out the timeless quality of the songs.
Mike Jerel (MJ) on keyboards, drummer Pete Antunes and Dave Richards on trumpet and trombone have stepped in to the shoes of long-serving band members, Richard Smith, David Garibaldi and Sal Cracchiolo, respectively. They were joined for much of the one hour forty by reknowned British trumpeter, Louis Dowdeswell, to give the brass even more sparkle and depth – and which explained the presence of the only score (electronic) to the left of the stage!
The Palladium suited them really well and brought out the best from the musicians. For a theatre holding just over two thousand it, somehow, has an intimacy which, with cheerleading from the band’s vocalist, Jordan John, drew the audience close to the band and with spot-on acoustics, immersion in the infectious repertoire was the order of the day.
Emilio dropped in anecdotes and introduced each band member, punctuated in classic style with blasts from the brass – rehearsed down to a tee but with the impression of total spontaneity. Focussing on ‘Doc’ Kupka he requested a phenomenal honking baritone sax blast which cut through the whole venue to the delight of the audience.
Solos abounded complementing the richness of the arrangements. Each had their moment to shine with Tom Pollitzer pushing out fluid lead sax solos and it was great to hear Jerry Cortez still delivering blistering guitar runs. Jordan John’s energy, vocal range and versatility and Hammond sequences from MJ, impressed.
Highlights from the repertoire went right back to their 70s output with So Very Hard To Go in a magical, moving rendition, There’s Only So Much Oil In The Ground from the Urban Renewal album being disarmingly apposite and the anthemic What is Hip? ending the evening on a memorable high.
Tower Of Power
Emilio Castillo – tenor sax / vocals
Stephen “Doc” Kupka – baritone sax
Jordan John -lead vocals / guitar
Mike Jerel (MJ) – keyboards / vocals
Jerry Cortez – guitar
Marc Van Wageningen (VW) – bass
Pete Antunes – drums
Adolfo Acosta – trumpet
Tom E Politzer – sax / vocals
Dave Richards – trumpet / trombone
Guest: Louis Dowdeswell – trumpet