Oakland, California music legends Tower of Power –the most dynamic and distinctive band of survivors in Soul Music –is roaring into its unprecedented 50th anniversary with a dynamic new disc of all new material that finds them as energized and inspired as ever. A labor of love, definitively titled Soul Side of Town, this package is charged with 14 filler-free songs. In the spirit of their enduring theme song “Oakland Stroke” –the bookending intro and outro “East Bay” shine a light on elemental instrumental ingredients within the band’s signature sound. This astounding and historical release (available June 1, 2018 in digital, vinyl, streaming & CD configurations) inaugurates Tower of Power’s fresh affiliation with Mack Avenue Records/Artistry Music, a Detroit-based company renowned for its award-winning dedication to top-tier Jazz that is now extending its support to Soul and Funk giants, Tower of Power: a band so one-of-a-kind, it’s an institution.
PERSONNEL:Emilio Castillo, 2nd tenor saxStephen “Doc” Kupka, bari saxFrancis Rocco Prestia, bassDavid Garibaldi, drumsRoger Smith, hammond B3 and keyboardsJerry Cortez, guitar, electric sitar, lap steel, baritone guitar, 12 string GuitarTom Politzer, 1st tenor sax, alto sax, baritone sax (solo), clarinet, fluteAdolfo Acosta, trumpet, flugel hornSal Cracchiolo, trumpet, flugel hornMarcus Scott, lead and background vocalsRay Greene, lead and background vocals, tromboneJoe Vannelli, keyboardsChuck Hansen, bass saxHorns and strings arranged by Dave Eskridge except “Butterfried” horns Arranged by Adolfo Acosta and Joe VannelliLeah Meux and Tiwana Porter at the Track Shack, background vocals (CD #1 Tracks 2-4b and 9, CD #2 Tracks 1-5, 10, and 12)All other Background vocals:Melanie Jackson- Cracchiolo, Emilio Castillo, Jerry Cortez, Ray Greene, Marcus Scott at Blue MoonDisc 1SIDE A 01. East Bay! All Day! 02. Hangin’ With My Baby 03. Do You Like That? 04. On The Soul Side Of TownSIDE B05. Do It With Soul 06. Love Must Be Patient And Kind 07. Butter Fried Disc 2SIDE A01. Selah 02. Let It Go 03. StopSIDE B04. When Love Takes Control05. After Hours06. Can’t Stop Thinking About You 07. East Bay! Oakland Style!