Tower of Power Members, Gear & Sound

US R&B-based horn section & band

Genre

Jazz fusion Funk Jazz-funk Pop soul Soul jazz funk modern funk

Members

Select a Tower of Power band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Rocco Prestia

Roles:

Bassist

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Chester Thompson

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Genesis Weather Report Santana The Mothers of Invention Santana & Chad Kroeger R.O.A.R.

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Teddy Kumpel

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Nine Inch Nails Phil Lesh and Friends The Supremes

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David Garibaldi

Roles:

Drummer

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Jerry Cortez

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Go Ahead

Needs more gear

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Carmen Grillo

Roles:

Guitarist Composer Music Producer Audio Engineer

No gear added

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Barry Danielian

Roles:

Trumpeter

Groups:

The E Street Horns

No gear added

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Ellis Hall

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

No gear added

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Emilio Castillo

Roles:

Composer Saxophonist

No gear added

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Nick Milo

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

No gear added

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Brent Carter

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

The Average White Band

No gear added

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Lenny Pickett

Roles:

Saxophonist

Groups:

Saturday Night Live Band The Borneo Horns

No gear added

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Jeff Tamelier

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Starship

No gear added

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Mic Gillette

Roles:

Music Producer

Groups:

Cold Blood Sons of Champlin

No gear added

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Greg Adams
No gear added

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Lenny Williams

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Roger Smith

Roles:

Keyboardist

No gear added

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Lee Thornburg

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist

Groups:

Supertramp Jimmy Z And The Soul Lips Heart Attack Horns

No gear added

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Adolfo Acosta
No gear added

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Larry Braggs

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

The Temptations

No gear added

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Tom Politzer
No gear added

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About

Tower of Power is a legendary American ensemble renowned for its dynamic blend of jazz fusion, funk, soul, and pop soul. Hailing from Oakland, California, the group was formed in 1968 by Emilio Castillo (tenor saxophone, vocals) and Stephen "Doc" Kupka (baritone saxophone). Over the years, Tower of Power has seen a rotating lineup of talented musicians, but it has consistently delivered a robust, horn-driven sound that has become synonymous with what they call "Oakland soul." Key members have included Rocco Prestia (bass), David Garibaldi (drums), and Chester Thompson (keyboards), each contributing to the band's distinctive musical tapestry.

How to Sound Like Tower of Power

Tower of Power's sound is characterized by its tight, rhythmic horn section, producing a lively and infectious energy that defines their musical identity. This vibrant sound is anchored by Rocco Prestia's syncopated and percussive bass lines, often played on his Conklin Groove Tools GTRP-4 Rocco Prestia signature model bass, paired with powerful amplifiers like the Eden WTP900. The dynamic interplay between brass and rhythm creates an exhilarating, layered texture, while the drums, particularly Chester Thompson's contributions, provide an intricate, driving force with kits like the DW Collector's Series Drum Kit. Tower of Power's music is an invigorating celebration of groove and melody, where funk-driven bass and punchy horns seamlessly blend into an unmistakable, spirited sound.

Discography

East Bay Grease

1970

Bump City

1972

Tower Of Power

1973

Back To Oakland

1974

Urban Renewal

1974

In The Slot

1975

Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now

1976

Live And In Living Color

1976

We Came To Play!

1978

Back On The Streets

1979

Direct Plus!

1981

Monster On A Leash

1991

T.O.P.

1993

Souled Out

1995

Rhythm & Business

1997

Soul Vaccination: Tower Of Power Live

1999

40th Anniversary

2017

Great American Soulbook

2017

Oakland Zone

2017

The East Bay Archive, Vol. I

2017

Soul Side of Town

2018

Step Up

2020

50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater – Oakland, CA – June 2018

2021

It's Christmas

2024

Get the Tower of Power Sound

Want to sound like Tower of Power? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.