The new release by Tower of Power (Great American Soulbook) ~the groups 20th release and the first studio album in five years is something different for them, they played some old tunes by lifelong favorites. Both Saxophonist Stephen “Doc” Kupka and Second Tenor Sax player Emilio Castillo (both co-founders of the band) were resistant to the idea of doing songs other than their own, but realized about a third of the way through the project that it was working to their satisfaction. In addition to Emilio producing most of the tracks, legendary Frank Zappa keyboardist George Duke took the helm on three songs. There are many highlights to this album, none of which I could tell you that are better than others until you ear it up for yourself, but the guest artists are a tribute to the band really embracing the idea of working on tunes that inspired them~they include: Sir Tom Jones, Sam Moore, Joss Stone and Huey Lewis. The track “Star Time” (Tribute to James Brown) is a personal standout for me both as a music listener and a music sharer, it is one that really hits it for me. The album is release on the groups own Tower of Power Records label and will be available at live shows, off it’s web site, and all your favorite digital forms of media. Come now, it’s Tower of Power doing some of the great soul and R -n- B tunes heard by ears all over the world…..it’s IS as good as it sounds.
