Tower of Power could be forgiven for mailing it in at this point, whether in concert or in the studio. After all, how many artists are still at the top of their game after half a century of recording and performing?
That’s a trick question, because the answer is obviously at least one: this San Francisco Bay-area institution. Tower of Power’s live shows continue to demonstrate a legendary tightness and verve. And while some of their albums over the course of those 50 years are a little uneven, Step Up harkens back to the best of the band’s past while still being contemporary.
The opening “East Bay! All the Way!” is just a brief intro to the title track; think “Oakland Stroke” transitioning into “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream)” or “Essence of Innocence” leading into “The Soul of a Child,” both from back in the ’70s. “Step Up” boasts insistent syncopated rhythms and hooks aplenty, while the horns bounce in, out and around the verses and chorus. Outgoing lead vocalist Ray Greene is ably supported by Leah Meux, Tiwana Porter and bandleader Mimi Castillo.
Greene’s successor, Marcus Scott, takes over on “The Story of You and I,” showcasing his raw soul chops. Castillo has been nothing but complimentary about Greene and is similarly enthusiastic about his replacement. Guitarist Jerry Cortez struts his stuff, prompting Scott to exclaim, “Damn Jerry!” before saxman Tom Politzer blows a brief solo.
Tower of Power has changed singers at least dozen times over its five decades, not including Mimi Castillo’s occasional lead turn. The longest-tenured was Larry Braggs, who had a 14-year run with the band before leaving in 2013. Ray Greene was a fabulous find, as Castillo has acknowledged on numerous occasions, but left after just two short (too short) years when he was given “an offer he couldn’t refuse” by Carlos Santana. Marcus Scott offers a contrast, much as when Hubert Tubbs took over from Lenny Williams, or Brett Carter from Tom Bowes. No matter the timbre or the style, Tower of Power’s singers have always been top notch.
That includes Mimi Castillo. He takes the lead on “Look In My Eyes,” scatting as much as singing against the background singers. The funky syncopated rhythms give Politzer, Cortez and keyboardist Roger Smith room to improvise.
You want other highlights? Pick virtually any track. “Sleeping With You Baby” is a relaxed ode to love and comfort. “Beyond My Wildest Dreams” celebrates the band’s vocal prowess while the horns handle the heavy lifting. Castillo excoriates those looking for a scapegoat on the hipper-than-hip “Any Excuse Will Do,” perhaps the best showcase for trumpeters Sal Cracchiolo and Adolfo Acosta.
Tower of Power’s Step Up is actually the second part of writing and recording sessions that took place over the past several years whenever the band was off the road, hence the inclusion of both Greene and Scott. The album follows the release of Soul Side of Town in 2018. Castillo enlisted the aid of Joe Vanelli as co-producer and engineer, who also played keyboards and percussion. The addition of female backing vocalists and strings on some tunes connects back to the band’s heyday in the ’70s, on tracks like “So Very Hard to Go” and “As Surely as I Stand Here.”
Step Up is actually, dare I say, a better album than its predecessor – really the best album this band has made in years. The songwriting is fun and festive, the vocals – both lead and backing – are outstanding, and if it’s a Tower of Power album, it’s got great horn interplay. Add Cortez’s fiery fretwork and Smith’s greasy keyboards and you’ve got a recipe for one of the best recordings of the year, and of the Tower’s half-century of history and hits.
“If You Wanna Be a Winner,” then get this album.
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