TOWER OF POWER
40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW AND REUNION
October 18, 2008
40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW AND REUNION
October 18, 2008
Last Saturday night, at the historic Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, the legendary soul band, Tower of Power put on an amazing show,
which included not only the current members of the band, but at times there were more than 2 dozen musicians on stage playing then band's time honored
blend of soul, funk, and jazz. The show was conceived, planned and choreographed by current band members, and there were 3 days of rehearsals, plus a
rehearsal/sound check followed by a lengthy full band meeting on Saturday afternoon.
There is no way to cover this monumental show in one post, so I am beginning a series of writings that I hope will serve to document the events of the days leading up to this historic event.
Emilio Castillo is a masterful bandleader, composer, arranger, and vocalist. On amateur video some of the rehearsals were documented, and one thing stuck out for sure, perfection is always the goal. Surrounded by gifted musicians and vocalists who can deliver inspired performances at will, Emilio brought out the best in every musician that was there, and the proof is in the fact that at one point, there were 24 musicians (maybe more) on the stage on Saturday night, each one fitting in their parts with amazing skill and accuracy, and since the show was recorded in full with state of the art video and audio equipment, you can make your own assessment when you get your hands on the DVD to be released as soonas it is edited and mixed.
In other posts, the rehearsals were discussed, and photos posted. During the three days leading up to the show, first the current band lineup rehearsed some of the songs that were going to be played that are a bit out of the current group of tunes that they draw from, and then the next two days were spent bringing in the various musicians that were to play on specific songs. From what I could tell, all of this was already planned out, although some additions were made here and there, and we all got to see Greg Adams do some on-the-spot arranging, making use of the additional horns that were going to be a part of the show.
I am posting this in two areas of the message board. In the "Announcements" area, it will remain in one stream, and I will be adding to it, and in the "General Discussion" area where your comments can be part of a discussion.
Frank Anzalone Photo
There is no way to cover this monumental show in one post, so I am beginning a series of writings that I hope will serve to document the events of the days leading up to this historic event.
Emilio Castillo is a masterful bandleader, composer, arranger, and vocalist. On amateur video some of the rehearsals were documented, and one thing stuck out for sure, perfection is always the goal. Surrounded by gifted musicians and vocalists who can deliver inspired performances at will, Emilio brought out the best in every musician that was there, and the proof is in the fact that at one point, there were 24 musicians (maybe more) on the stage on Saturday night, each one fitting in their parts with amazing skill and accuracy, and since the show was recorded in full with state of the art video and audio equipment, you can make your own assessment when you get your hands on the DVD to be released as soonas it is edited and mixed.
In other posts, the rehearsals were discussed, and photos posted. During the three days leading up to the show, first the current band lineup rehearsed some of the songs that were going to be played that are a bit out of the current group of tunes that they draw from, and then the next two days were spent bringing in the various musicians that were to play on specific songs. From what I could tell, all of this was already planned out, although some additions were made here and there, and we all got to see Greg Adams do some on-the-spot arranging, making use of the additional horns that were going to be a part of the show.
I am posting this in two areas of the message board. In the "Announcements" area, it will remain in one stream, and I will be adding to it, and in the "General Discussion" area where your comments can be part of a discussion.
OK...First photos
Frank Anzalone Photo
Front Row: (Left to right) Adolfo Acosta, Herman Matthews, Bobby Sparks,Dave Garibaldi, Bill Churchville, Greg Adams, Larry Braggs,
Carmen Grillo, Emilio Castillo, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Ellis Hall, Mike Bogart, and Richard Elliot.
Back Row (Left to right): Ron Beck, Russ McKinnon, Mick Mestek, Nick Milo, Tom Politzer, Roger Smith, Skip Mesquite, Chester Thompson, Mic Gillette, Norbert Stachel, and Mark Harper.
Not present in this photo, but present and playing during the show: Jeff Tamelier,Mark Russo, Michael Jeffries, Brandon Fields, Dave Matthews,and Vito San Fillipo.
So by my count, that's 30 present and former TOP members, plus special guest Sam Moore, for a grand total of 31 sensational musicians and vocalists appearing on this special night at the Fillmore.
BR photo
Back Row (Left to right): Ron Beck, Russ McKinnon, Mick Mestek, Nick Milo, Tom Politzer, Roger Smith, Skip Mesquite, Chester Thompson, Mic Gillette, Norbert Stachel, and Mark Harper.
Not present in this photo, but present and playing during the show: Jeff Tamelier,Mark Russo, Michael Jeffries, Brandon Fields, Dave Matthews,and Vito San Fillipo.
So by my count, that's 30 present and former TOP members, plus special guest Sam Moore, for a grand total of 31 sensational musicians and vocalists appearing on this special night at the Fillmore.
Here is a photo of the room, which will soon be filled to capacity with about 1300 people grooving to their favorite band.
The set list for the night.
The set list for the night.
The show began with Tower of Power taking the stage, to a huge ovation. Prior to the start of the show, Emilio and the band were
presented with a lifetime achievement award from Mr. Noel Lee, president and founder of Monster Cable. Monster Cable is celebrating 30 years in
business, and sponsored the show.
Frank Anzalone Photo
MUCH. MUCH MORE TO COME...
Frank Anzalone Photo
After the award was presented, there was a special introduction by none other than Mr. Bill Graham himself!
Frank Anzalone Photo
Frank Anzalone Photo
OK, that requires an explanation...On the "Last Days Of The Fillmore" which was recorded when the Fillmore was closing,
Tower of Power opened the show that night, and was introduced by Bill Graham. That exact introduction was used on this special night to introduce
the band and open up the anniversary show. A single spotlight illuminated an empty microphone, and one could imaging Bill Graham standing there so
many years ago.
OK, here are some photos of the show, and this is just the beginning of many more installments to come ...
Emilio working the crowd
Ellis Hall with Chester Thompson on Keyboards
Horn Section with Bill Churchville
Greg Adams
Mr. Sam Moore of the famous "Sam and Dave"
Knock Yourself Out with Everybody
OK, here are some photos of the show, and this is just the beginning of many more installments to come ...
Emilio working the crowd
Ellis Hall with Chester Thompson on Keyboards
Horn Section with Bill Churchville
Greg Adams
Mr. Sam Moore of the famous "Sam and Dave"
