T.O.P.

by Tower of Power

Overview

This 1993 effort marked a strong comeback for the group, who started with 1991's Monster on a Leash. T.O.P. continues the formula with great results. The reason for the revitalization can be directly attributed to the energetic, Stevie Wonder-influenced lead singer, Tom Bowes. The hard-driving, James Brown-derived funk of "Soul With a Capital S" and "I Like Your Style" update the band's classic horn-driven sound and is augmented by not only Bowes but Francis "Rocco" Prestia's amazing and soulful bass work. The ballads -- like "Quiet Scream," "Please Come Back to Stay," and arguably the best, "Come to a Decision" -- underscore the fact that this version of Tower of Power was the first in years that was equally adept with slower songs and up-tempo offerings. T.O.P. also has other members doing lead vocal chores. Group co-founder Emilio Castillo leads on the hammy and fun "Come on With It" and guitarist Carmen Grillo assumes lead on the melodic and smooth "You." Former member, saxophonist Lenny "L.P." Pickett, shows up for five tracks. Produced by Castillo, T.O.P. not only made an album to stand with Monster on a Leash, but also other classics like Urban Renewal and Ain't Nothing Stopping Us Now. ~ Jason Elias

Product Details

Release Date:	04/20/1993
Label:	Epic
UPC:	0074645280523

Tracks

1. Soul With a Capital S
2. It All Comes Back
3. Please Come Back (To Stay)
4. The Real Deal
5. Come to a Decision
6. Cruise Control
7. The Educated Bump, Pt. 1
8. Mama Lied
9. Quiet Scream
10. I Like Your Style
11. You
12. South of the Boulevard
13. Come on With It
14. The Educated Bump, Pt. 2

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Tower of Power   Primary Artist
Paul Perez   Guest Artist
Lenny Pickett   Guest Artist,Saxophone
Poncho Sanchez   Guest Artist,Congas
Brandon Fields   Guest Artist,Saxophone
Lee Thornburg   Vocals (Background),Flugelhorn,Trombone,Trumpet
Nick Milo   Keyboards
Tom Bowes   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Russ McKinnon   Drums,Percussion
Carmen Grillo   Guitar,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Emilio Castillo   Vocals,Sax (Tenor),Vocals (Background)
Francis "Rocco" Prestia   Bass
Greg Adams   Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Stephen "Doc" Kupka   Sax (Baritone)

Technical Credits

John McCurry   Composer
Neil Jason   Composer
Danny Alonso   Assistant Engineer
Mick Wiggins   Artwork
Pete Kudas   Mixing
David Coleman   Art Direction
Nick Milo   Composer
Nancy Donald   Art Direction
Michael Caplan   Executive Producer
Pat Rodman   Assistant Engineer
Jerry Manuel   Mixing
Rocky Schenck   Photography
Ken Kessie   Mixing,Engineer
Carmen Grillo   Composer,Producer
Emilio Castillo   Composer,Producer
Greg Adams   Arranger,Composer
Louie Teran   Assistant Engineer
John Jackson   Assistant Engineer
Pete Magdaleno   Assistant Engineer
Maureen Droney   Engineer,Production Coordination
Randy Long   Assistant Engineer
Vladimir Meller   Mastering
Tommy Keane   Composer
Stephen "Doc" Kupka   Composer
George Adams   Composer