Tower 57

It does not take very long to realize that this is a nicely put together record. The singing is intense in somewhat of a Springsteen/David Eugene Edwards (Woven Hand) manner, but unique from them. The surrounding instrumentation weaves in and out in a folk rock manner at times and works as a full throttle rock band at others. The Singer-Songwriter category does not quite do justice to the songs. I would say rock fans will like this more than people wanting straight folk, but it has a good general appeal to both the crowds seeking lighter thoughtful material and those that want a good rock beat. The music is rather universal and what is truly interesting is that the California duo behind this band has historically done so much better in Europe than in the US. While I often can understand why some great European born music may not translate as well in the US (and vice versa), I have never understood why several great US bands (Wipers, 16 Horsepower) do so much better in Europe. Add this band to that list, as US listeners need to join in. I believe this album of eleven original songs comes with a bonus CD containing a full live set. (David Hintz)

TOWER OF POWER 'Dinosaur Tracks' is -believe it or not- a complete, fully-loaded, totally groove-filled PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED STUDIO ALBUM from 1983. Soulful ballads. Up-tempo swingfests. And a couple disco-twinged dance numbers (remember this was the early 1980s now, wasn't it?). All with that unique trademarked sound of the mighty TOWER OF POWER horn section. While one of these tracks snuck out awhile back to be used on a European -then later US- release and another was later re-recorded for a live album, this is THE VERY FIRST TIME ANYWHERE this ENTIRE studio album, just as TOWER OF POWER originally intended it to be, has appeared anywhere on Earth.

With Step Up, Tower of Power forges on into the next decade of the 21st century, while keeping to its continuous hardcore tour schedule and ongoing reinvigoration with the continual addition of new talent, most notably the phenomenal young lead vocalist, Marcus Scott, among many others. Marcus replaced TOP’s longtime lead singer, Ray Greene, who makes his final appearance with the band on Step Up. Also taking his bows on the new album is 30-year TOP veteran bassist Francis ‘Rocco’ Prestia, who is stepping back from life on the road and whose driving fingerstyle funk is ably replaced on tour by Marc Van Wageningen.

In the Slot came off a four-year string of classic singles and albums. As Bump City era lead singer Rick Stevens exited, the phenomenal Lenny Williams replaced him. With Williams, Tower of Power became a hit-making machine as albums like Back to Oakland and Urban Renewal became R&B standards. In the Slot marks the first album of vocalist Hubert Tubbs. He possessed a throaty more muscular voice a few shades lower than his predecessor. While it was serviceable, Tubbs' voice didn't have the same grace and agility as Williams'.