David Garibaldi almost INVENTED Syncopation! Nobody ( in my opinion) has a handle on it like he does; and the ones that do, have STUDIED him INCESSANTLY Dave Weckl to name a great example of one, by his own admission!
Old guy here, been listening to this song since it come out..over and over and over. The part I always look forward to: at the end of the organ solo, when the drummer takes that pause then comes back in on the down beat...my whole body joins in on that down beat. Shoulders lift, little breath in, then jump in on it with them...then the horns come in. Gets me every time.
Another old guy Gary who like you and most here really does appreciate lasting talent and detail. No imposing tech overdubs here, just pure feel and fusion of people who have mastered their instruments and are having a ball. Goose bump time, every time.
The organ solo itself is unbelievable. At the end, that's a 16 bar tonic pedal over an Ab 7sus, and Garibaldi starts syncopating like crazy, but without losing the groove for an instant. The bit I think you're talking about is when he finally resolves to the dominant, and you're right, it's one of the great moments in music history. No-one understands tension and release these days, and these guys were all masters, every one of them. A brilliant, brilliant band!
I saw Tower of Power open for Quincy Jones in Detroit back in 75. Three standing ovations then Q brought out The Brothers Johnson...... That was one gritty ass show!!!!!
I dunno man, Chester Thompson killed it on the keys. But this is like arguing who played better on Zeppelin’s Achilles Last Stand. EVERYONE in this tune is firing on all cylinders, it’s incredible
I played this for my grandson and some of his friends here in 2013, and they were seriously amazed that people could actually play instruments like this!!!!
Drives me wild, has ever since I first heard it in 75. Had to pull the car cover over on I-85 heading back to VA, I just couldn't stop air drumming and playing every instrument. Sat there for 30 minutes playing it over and over.
This was my jam back in the day. Being a trumpet player, the TP horns were top notch. Still love hearing that trumpet on "your still a young man" and the horn section on "what is Hip". Great band from the bay area especially when Lenny Williams was providing lead vocals.
Timeless jazz-funk from the all-time KINGS...then as now and probably forever, no group can touch TOP! Forty years ago, I was Airman First Class King Bee, groovin' to this at Cannon AFB, Clovis NM...anybody else out in Tumbleweed Town with me in 1974-79...give me a shout!
@@arig0404 ... Great!! That means you have awesome tastes in music. This is considered music for musicians. So you have very complicated audio sensors young lady. Listen to other songs from this highly acclaimed career band. I'm sure you'll become an instant fan.
This is my all time favorite track from any band. It's damned near perfect. It always makes me SOOOOOO happy just to hear the B3 solo on this thing - amazing.
I just saw them perform this tune live about 3 hours ago. Garibaldi is still unbelievable and they are simply a joy to see in person. Go see them any and every chance you get. You'll never be shortchanged.
saw these guys in the New Haven coliseum in the mid 70's . Absolutely set the place on fire. What a great tune from a great band. I don't pay any attention to the R&R hall of fame because whoever picks who gets inducted is clearly sniffing glue and I didn't realize these guys were not in until somebody mentioned that in these comments. If true it's just one more example of how stupid the whole thing is
The first time I saw TOP live was in the early 70's. They were second on a bill with Sly and the Family Stone as the headliner. Squib Cakes was the jam that got everyone up and dancing. How good was TOP? So good, I forgot Sly was on next and I was a big Sly fan.
@@Musicfiend4ever I don't know where you are located, but KCSM (91.1) is doing a tribute to TOP today from 2-6 I think Pacific time. KCSM is a jazz station, but the deejay, Chuy Varela, is a big promoter of Bay Area talent like TOP.
My guitar teacher told me about these guys about 4 or 5 years back. I checked them out thought they were decent. Started digging them the more I listened to them and now Rocco Prestia is one of my biggest influences. That man can make any bassist feel like he's a beginner when you listen to him get down.
All I can say is.....WOW!!!!!! Tower of Power.....amazing talent and this song really shows off their musical capabilities. I cannot get enough of this song....it rocks!!! I sure wish new musicians could perform like these great older bands.
This track and "City Country City" by War were to die for. You had to have been at the Loft in NYC back in the late 70's and 80's to see the dancers get off to these tracks. Unbelievable physicality, passion and energy! Never to be equaled on any dance floor. You had to have experienced it for yourself! Only those that we present know what I'm talking about. Auntie Soul, thank you once again. I hope I will meet you one day. You are a true treasure from the UK!
This was the apex of music. 1969, I was a college student in Stockton, California. University of the Pacific held a benefit rock concert as a fundraiser for the new Minority Scholarship Fund. The concert showcased Santana, Tower of Power, Cold Blood, Sons of Champlain, Country Weather, etc. Without a doubt, it was one of the best!
Among the greatest horn ensembles in modern American music, and that includes The JBs, Wonderlove, The Phoenix Horns, Mandrill, Chicago, those guys at Stax Records, Cynthia & Jerry w/Sly, The Crusaders .... did I miss anybody?
Greg Adams, from Class of 1970 Westmoor HS. Our rivals "up on the hill" from Jefferson HS. Met Greg when he was still in the Stage Band, playing at the Westlake Shopping Center. We envied their band, cause they were so good and won competitions. I wasn't surprised, when I saw him on TOPs first album.
No matter what version of this song I run into when roaming the web and RU-vid I still love this original cut. When Bruce Conte steps over the horn lines and breaks loose with his solo I break into this big smile, his rhythm counterpoints Rocco's thumping, humping bass. And of course, the horns, love the horns, love this song.
it's street ... it's jazz .. it's r&b ... it's soul .... t's call and response .. it's the fortunate combination of the right people in the right place at the right time.... don't question it ... just experience it
the coolest conglomeration of black and white musicians EVER -- then again, when it comes to Tower of Power, you never ever think race - you just think GREAT MUSIC AND GREAT MUSICIANS ... I was a fan when I was in high school, just like the rest of you all. Amazing - the 70s were a great time; so much diverse, cool music ... from the best rock to blues to soul/rnb, to TOP, to JB, to james taylor, to the stones, to the beatles, to wings, to joni Mitchell, to Aretha, Motown, STAX, Ike hayes!
@@oldschoolfunkster1 That's the secret to being a top-tier funk drummer. Being able to stay completely loose & relaxed, no matter how complicated the grooves you're throwing out are. Start to overthink it & you'll start forcing the beat forward (instead of riding right behind it, in the "groove sweet spot") and it'll all start to fall apart really, REALLY quickly. Having that kind of "feel" is something you've either got, or you don't. And boy howdy does Dave got it!
I've known him for an extremely long time besides being a stunning musician and a fabulous keyboard player started playing the keyboard at church that's why he was so good with the foot pedals on a Hammond B3 he was doing the baseline with his feet and Rocco was taking a break get from when I first met him always a gentleman probably one of the loveliest intelligent and caring person that you would ever meet on the face of this Earth God bless him
Gotta love the section where it's all Chester and Garibaldi. Chester's got the matchstick in the B3, kicking pedals, and lays down the funk on the clavinet simultaneously (just a wee bit of Conte scratching in the background). It's like James Brown mashed up with Stan Kenton or Woody Herman- this is the funk answer to Basie's "April in Paris" for me. Bless you for sharing AuntieSoul!
I've been listening to this band since probably 1975. There has never been another band in the same league. Their music is the meaning of cookin'... I've been going to see their shows since 1976. Never an off night, never a disappointment. One of the greatest bands of all time, without a doubt
i,ve been playin blues harmonica for 26 years and still hold a good squib cakes jam with this track when Im really feelin it then try and catch my breathe cause Im gettin old
Funk, Jazz, or Rock and Roll it is a DAM SHAME that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has neglected these guys for so long......C’mon folks, give them their due!!!!!😎😎😎😎😔
Tower of Power was one of my favorite funk groups of all time. Their versatility made them hot in California and then they became hot every where else thereafter. This jam is the bomb! :-)
Chester Thompson!! A REAL Hammond player!! Do y'all realize that during the Hammond solo that's just Chester and Mr. Garibaldi! (well there's guitar in there too). Thats 4 limb music right there. Yes that's Chester doing right hand, left hand and bass pedals with expression. Eat your heart out Joey D. It's a sight to behold!!
Thanks Nele for sharing this classic. For all you TOP fans out there, if you go to their website, you'll notice that Rocco is not touring with them now ... he needs a kidney, in kinda tuff shape now ... the band is asking for prayers and donations too, if possible. Go to the website, you get more details ... sad stuff. FRANCIS ROCCO PRESTIA is one of my heroes... Great, funky bassman and a super-nice cat. Met him in Pgh, Pa. in 1983 at the Graffiti Club in Oakland (Pa.) on U. of Pitt campus.
I’ve seen TOP live many times, all superb performances. Never a bad show ! And that 40th anniversary cd/dvd is fantastic. Every musician whoever played with them is on it !
One of the best brass sections around, along with Chicago, Blood Sweat, and Tears 😊 Real music 🎶 Still got that groove and funk... Brovo TP Aloha Kimo 😅 Hawaii Strong 🤙
Padraic Macnachtan i have and I'm only in my 20's. My dad digs them and we saw them live @ Cape Cod Melody Tent last Saturday! And I got to meet Tom Politzer! quite the hottie! He thought I was only 12! haha
I love this song and always have. I hear a lot of "Cissy Strut" in this. Either way it is still one of my all time favorites. Please do not leave any comments about the "Cissy Strut" thing. We all hear music differently and especially musicians (and I am one) so no need for any unnecessary or rude comments to leave here. This is a great piece of music by one my all-time favorite bands, drummer and one the greatest legendary keyboard/organ players ever Chester Thompson.
Dope joint, Jayquan: the Foundation lesson on producer Pumpkin brought me to the recording, I'm still rocking "What is hip" & "Still a young man" now I have another cut to add to my collection.
Was watching the Warriors beating Cleveland tonight....and, while commentators were chatting, back from commercial.....I heard Garibaldi's trap and high hat...looked over to my wife...we both said, " Squib Cakes!" at the same time! some sound tech on NBA Playoffs has great music taste! RIP Mick Gillette.
In 1980 I used 29 seconds of Squib Cakes (starting at 1:13) as a bumper in a TV ad for a local banking organization. We shot tape of the bank's annual staff picnic and softball 'game', edited tightly into 4 or 5 funny outtakes and voiced-over with a pitch that the bank's employees were just everyday "Real People".
Michael Bennardo Only drawback from me possibly relocating to Bay,,,I hate the Warriots,liked Rick Barry Phil Smith version,,,don't you realize Connie Hawkins (HOF) would have destroyed Draymond,like bigtime!
I knew I heard it somewhere watching NBA! Yes. They always play amazing jazzy music during offs before commercials.. so perfectly fitting for a game played on hardwood.
This boys had the best horn section back in the 70's and re still rated with the best. I believe Maceo would agree with that. Is that B-3 kicking or what. He got that leslie pumping
bruce on guitar garibaldi on drums ...rocco on bass this chester on keys emelio, lenny willilans...if lenny would've stayed these cats would be on some earth wind and fire level...they are too me but I mean mainstream...I work w a band called dumpstaphunk,,,,,every time we play it seems someone from TOP is on the side of the stage. I had the honor of working w chester when I was on Santana's supernatural tour and he's such a sweet heart.!! we measured 118 a weight behind his rig. of course he doesn't play that loud all night but sometimes he has that leslie screaming to the point of hurting our ears!!!
@UCAT1IZ6-HPgDPY2ACib4ghg Love Dumpstaphunk. I have a TOP cover band in B'ham, and a 3 hour night of playing this stuff is a workout. Have seen them numerous times, but I regret never seeing them with Lenny. Might try to make a NYC trip when they are at B.B. King's some time. I think Lenny always sits in with them when they are there.
There is so much soul in this. I mean, this is funky anything, but it's almost more soul thank straight funk. I love how even in 1974 they still straddled that original blurred line between the two!
i was the back line tech on Santana's supernatural tour.....Chester played keys on that tour and i found myself in awwww every single night......he uses two 122's every night and is super loud but it didn't care it was Chester!!!!
Yeah, that guy rocks on that Hammond. I saw a used one for sale for only a $100 at a garage sale including the Leslie. I had the money but not a place to keep it or transport it. I told a friend about it, but it was already sold when we went back. One those almost moments. Story of my life.
What in the hell is wrong with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? These guys have been eligible since 1996-WHY are they NOT in there? TOP and Sister Rosetta Tharpe are the two most glaring absences (she should've been an initial 1986 Early Influences Inductee) and they both need to be inducted NOW!!!
You apparently have the grossly mistaken impression that Rock and Roll is not the direct child of Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, C&W with some Big Band/Pop tossed in. Don't get locked into one narrow strain of what deserves induction into the Hall. When The Beatles first hit US shores in 1963, their albums were 50% original songs....the other half were American R&B covers! T of P has a 45-year history of soul ("So Very Hard To Go"), jazz ("Squib Cakes") and funk ("Soul With A Capital S") at the absolute highest levels of musicianship.. certainly worthy of the RRHOF. Lemme see Iron Maiden try "Cold Sweat!" (That's James Brown, so you'll know...I'm sure you didn't.) And my error...it's ROSETTA Tharpe...the first American Guitar Idol! (check her story.)
People can say what they like about America (and I'm just as guilty) but truly...THIS IS THE SHIT bros and sistas, Holy God this makes me wanna funk for the joy of being alive...human beings at their finest! LOVE! Thanks USA!
americas greatest contribution to the world in my opinion is the music , funk , soul , blues, jazz , RnB , rock n roll , hiphop because the music came from people under great pressure and those carbon based life forms produce diamonds for the world, straight from outer space
You have to follow this.. I saw them perform this album live at the San Diego Sports Colosseum circa 1972. This is the only version of this song that you need to listen to (but the band is still great. Saw them again in the late 90’s, and they were a very good replacement.) but My friends and I were dancing right up front. At the crescendo, where the Hammond/Leslie end, marquis colored lights went across everything. The mike stands, drums, above the horn section, everything! Then, as the trumpets did their amazing part, the “Back To Oakland” freeway sign unrolled in the back. Perfect
Nerding out with ya! My dad's guitarist said he wanted to play Tower of Power. Obviously, the most popular is "What is Hip". I found this on the sidelines of youtube listening to that one. This song is so much more amazing! I sent it to my dad and he was like, "Why aren't we currently playing this PHENOMENAL song?" He's right, as always.
Great big giant smile - thanks for uploading... i have this album on CD but always nice to put the headphones on while at my idiot box and absorb this exact vibe! Thank you!
My band All n All opened for TOP in sactown in June of 1982. Lol They were all alive. Chester Thompson on organ. B3 Hammond. With Leslie speakers. Little Mic Gillet and Greg Adams on trumpet. I remember. Lol. It was at the Galatica 2000 on 15th and L street. No one can play and perform like these cats. They will always be..... The Pride of Oakland. !!!!!!!!. By the way. Lenny Picket was and is The Man. !!!!! Signed BILEE KILOWATT 1000 WATTS of Power BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED
I am a guitarist but have the utmost respect for the B3 because it can play "the world's longest note". This track has the longest note I've ever heard.
“That’s Right”..... It Was the ESSENCE BAND, of New Haven, Ct. I was the Keyboard player, but coming up in the Hamilton Street Projects. We went from Basketball Ballers, to The #1 Entertaining Group’s of the “Battle of the Bands”. We Playing this style of music was Pure Funk at it’s best.
I need to check my computer's warranty. My speakers caught on fire while I played this song. Seriously, ladies and germs, whenever my phone gets a text or does some notification thingamajiggie, it plays the last five notes of this jam. The TOP Horns (and Hammond organ) at their best ever.