TOWER OF POWER
IN CAMDEN, NJ 7/19/2007
SIMULCAST ON WXPN RADIO, AND ON THE WEB AT www.xpn.org
On Thursday night, 7/19/07, Tower of Power headlined on the first night of the WXPN music festival. There will be over 40 bands performing during this 4 day event. The venue is Wiggins Waterfront Part, in Camden NJ. A beautiful example of "Urban Renewal", the Camden waterfront has been revitalized during the last 15 year or so, and now hosts a marina, a world class aquarium, the Tweeter Center, and other popular attractions. There is also a water taxi that takes you across the Delaware river to Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, the centerpiece of the Phila waterfront.
Opening the show for Tower of Power was a band called Slo Mo, featuring Mic Wrecka, and the James Hunter Band. Folks, you will be hearing a lot more about the James Hunter band in the near future. Mr. Hunter has a very soulful voice, and is being called "Britain's Jackie Wilson". Here is James Hunter:
You can find information on James Hunter at www.jameshuntermisic.com
NOW ONTO THE SUBJECT AT HAND, TOWER OF POWER
TOP was set to take the stage at 8:00 PM. This photo was taken at 5:30, and the weather was ominous to say the least. Heavy rains were expected to break out at any time, but the forecast said they would be brief, and would be followed by clear weather. Thankfully for the crowds that were beginning to arrive, the rain NEVER came, and in fact, by the time TOP took the stage, the sun came out.
More people starting to arrive to see TOP
My friends, Judy, Bob, Eddie and Donna
Bob and I have been TOP fans since the early 70's, and have seen the band dozens of times together
Eddie and Donna are long time fans too, we all travel together to see TOP most of the time
Know this guy? It's Doug, AKA "Souled-Out-Groove" on the boardKnow this guy
Then comes a break for changing over the equipment, then it's
SHOWTIME...
This was the set list for the show. The show now includes 3 classic soul tunes dropped into familiar TOP tunes, and these, I assume are a sample of things to come on the TOP classic soul cover album. Larry said it would be out by the end of the year.
Can't Stand To See The Slaughter has "Express Yourself" in it.
What is Hip has "Soul Power" in it.
And, Knock Yourself Out has "I Thank You" in it.
Some people have asked, "Why is Tower Of Power doing a soul cover album". I think when it comes out, listening to some great songs with Larry's vocals, and TOP punching things up with enhanced horn lines, and the TOP rhythm section putting their spin on things, it will be a great record.
More Photos working from left to right...
Adolfo Acosta "Iron" Mike Bogart
Francis Rocco Prestia Stephen Kupka, The Funky Doctor Bruce Conte
Doc and Tom E. Politzer
"Pound for Pound, The Baddest Cat In The Land, LB, Larry Braggs"
More Pics of Tommy P.
Emilio Castillio, Leader and Founding Member
"The Original" Francis ROCCO Prestia...
Bruce Conte
Roger Smith on Keyboards
Unfortunately, the only shots I was able to get of TOP's drummer, David Garibaldi were blurred, and not useable for this report.
Well, Emilio always says, "Often imitated, but never duplicated", so no images here, unfortunately.
Here, however is a file shot so DG does not feel left out...
PPhilly Brian, with David Garibaldi
The band played into the night, and this show was another outstanding example of what Tower of power is all about. As I looked around, I saw a lot of younger people coming out to see what we have all been seeing and hearing for many years. It's great when there is a big crowd, totally into the show, because TOP really feeds off of that energy and feedback. This crowd, all on their feet, all night long, was not leaving without an encore.
"Down on My Knees....."
"So Long Camden, See You Next Year",