(May 2025) Episode 651 is TOWER OF POWER, the horn-driven funk/soul band out of the East Bay, California, and expressively proud of it. They reached their peak in the mid-70s (with Lenny Williams on vocals) but have kept up to the present day, in part because the horn section has had its own life backing up many famous artists over the years. When they get funky, it’s good funk. But the soul pop and ballads don’t quite bite, so I can’t put them on my A-list of 70s funk/soul acts. Horn aficionados will love them though.
Favorite album: Urban Renewal
Favorite song: What is Hip?
Favorite instrumental: Walkin’ Up Hip Street
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: The four albums from 1973 to 1975 (Tower of Power to In the Slot)
Opus Project 