Still very hip!

Tower of Power filled the Orange Court last night. I am not just talking about the thousands of fans who stood shoulder to shoulder on one of Fuji’s most remote stage which felt like a rice paddy, I am also talking about the space between speakers as the dozen or so members of the band created a powerful sound.

After playing for more than 45 years, the band has developed a legion of fans that opt for them rather than hotshot upstarts like Gary Clark Jr. which played next door on the Field of Heaven.

The band did not disappoint, riffing through their 90-minute set with great precision and practice. Band leader, Emilio Castillo, has kept the group together over many decades. Today, he needed all of that experience  because of limited stage space, guitars, drums and bass, were  delegated as the horns and the vocalist were featured right in front.

One crowd favorite was  ”Digging On James Brown” as well as their multi-generational hit “What Is Hip?” and “So Very Hard To Go.” The horns blared brilliantly tonight, and its was a great scene for those who love funk, rhythm and blues, or just good music.