We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
They were hard to miss throughout the 1970’s and 80’s. The horn section from the Bay area group Tower Of Power became the one’s to call when you wanted tight, funky horn sections are your record.
The group they anchored released their second album, “Bump City”, in 1972 and it’s a mixed menu of uptempo funk and slowed down soul grooves.
The band went to Memphis to record this and they deliver for the most part. The songs, mostly written by sax players Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupka differ a bit from fellow funksters Earth, Wind & Fire who were working a similar vein at the time. While EWF could wander into the spiritual and mystical with their lyrics, the Bay City guys were dealing with more mundane stuff. Relationship problems or letting loose on the dance floor.
I like the more upbeat stuff here. “You Got To Funkfize” starts the album out on a high note. Others that cook include “Flash In The Pan”, “Down To The Nightclub” (which was a minor hit) and “Skating on Thin Ice”
Willie James Fulton gives us some tasty guitar licks throughout. Rick Stevens moves from funky growls to purring soul on the mic.
You’ve heard the Tower of Power horn section on dozens of records. Now check them out on their home turf…
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