Tower of Power Direct!

[boojum]

Have any of you listened to this TOP album recently?? I just did now. I had forgotten just how hot TOP is and just what an incredibly good recording Sheffield Labs made with this group.

I worked with Emilio Castillo's brother, Candelario (I forget his "Anglo" name), who used to drum with them. He told me his brother considered it their worst album! So I lent him my copy to rehear. I am not sure he was able to change his mind, or that Emilio was. But I think it is one of the best funk/jazz albums ever recorded with TOP just hittin' on all eight cylinders.

Check it out if you haven't listened to it in a while. I'd give a lot to make just one recording that good. Yup.

[SoundWeavers]

TOP. One of the best bands ever!

Rocco Prestia + Vinnie + that horn section. Oh man.


Gerry

[theblotted]

i just recorded their 40th anniversary show up in Filmore, SF. what an incredible band. just about everybody who used to play with them showed up from the wood works.

[jhorsley]

Fantastic musicians, and fantastic to record. Worked with the Horn Section in 2000 on my album (LittleHorse, "Perils and Thrills" EP - http://www.LittleHorse.net if you are curious). Great Session.

Still love ALL their records!

Cheers,

Joachim

------------------------------
Joachim Horsley
LittleHorse Music & Audio
LittleHorse Music & Audio: Original Music, Sound Design, Audio Post, Artist Development

[Dr.Wu]

i grew up with the music of TOP as my dad is a big fan.
Love the direct recording CD.
Have you looked at the waveform?
Incredible dynamic range!

[boojum]

Originally Posted by theblotted

i just recorded their 40th anniversary show up in Filmore, SF. what an incredible band. just about everybody who used to play with them showed up from the wood works.

You what! Wow. To just have been there. I wonder if "Candelario" showed up. Most likely. He lives in or near Oakland.

The TOP Direct director, Lincoln Mayorga, made them play each (LP) side straight through no stops, only pauses for tracks: it was direct to disc. I think after four or five days of this the band was major pissed. Regardless, I think it is about their best if not their best.

At the re-union? I guess it does not get much better than that. They have the chops!

My hat is off to you, brother.

[boojum]

Originally Posted by jhorsley

Fantastic musicians, and fantastic to record. Worked with the Horn Section in 2000 on my album (LittleHorse, "Perils and Thrills" EP - http://www.LittleHorse.net if you are curious). Great Session.

Still love ALL their records!

Cheers,

Joachim

------------------------------
Joachim Horsley
LittleHorse Music & Audio
LittleHorse Music & Audio: Original Music, Sound Design, Audio Post, Artist Development

Now I am starting to get frosted! One of you records the re-union concert; another had the horn section in for some sessions. Sheesh. Only here, baby, on GS.

I guess I am with right crowd.

[boojum]

Originally Posted by Dr.Wu

i grew up with the music of TOP as my dad is a big fan.
Love the direct recording CD.
Have you looked at the waveform?
Incredible dynamic range!

Direct! Direct to disc/tape and no compression of jiggerypoke to mess on the sound. Let's all say a quiet "thank you" to Mayorga for doing this great album.