He is also a professor of jazz saxophone at New York University. Pickett joined SNL In 1985 and has lead the band since 1995. The show will feature Berkeley born Lenny Pickett, leader of Tower of Power horn section in the 70’s. We hope you enjoy this website, which will be growing and evolving continually to include more band history, information on alumni members, and regular updates on Tower of Power. New generations of fans come to see the band perform as their timeless music continues to excite fans of all ages. Tower has never been busier or more in demand. Recent releases include their 40th Anniversary Concert Blu Ray recorded at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco and “Hipper Than Hip” a remstered gem that was tucked away in the Warner Brothers vault since 1974. Tower is truly blessed to have a dedicated following that often travels to see the band, and in many cases fans will plan their vacation or work schedule around an appearance of TOP.Įach year Tower of Power tours the United States, Japan and Europe, playing to sold out crowds all over the world. Always in demand, the band never fails to entertain and amaze their fans. Since the beginning, Tower of Power has never stopped touring and recording. Over the years, the Tower of Power Horns have recorded with hundreds of artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA. Their next album, “Bump City,” was recorded on the Warner Brothers label, and this led to a string of hits and memorable albums that include many of the songs that TOP fans come out in force to hear, even to this day. All of the compositions were original tunes written by Castillo and Kupka. Playing area venues and making a name for themselves, Tower of Power’s big break was just around the corner.Īfter playing at a Tuesday night audition at the Fillmore in 1970, Tower was signed to Bill Graham’s San Francisco records and their first album, “East Bay Grease,” was recorded. Bands like The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Big Brother, Journey, Cold Blood and others all helped to define the “San Francisco Sound.” Tower of Power has always claimed Oakland, California as their hometown. Many other bands came out of the San Francisco Bay area in the late 60’s. When Doc auditioned during a band rehearsal at Emilio’s house, Emilio’s father called him into the kitchen and offered the following advice: “Hire that guy, he’s got something.” Doc and his signature baritone sax sound were now in the band, and on August 13, 1968, Tower of Power, as we know them today, began playing gigs, and soon became very well known in the area.

Ethans face lit up with joy like a kid on Christmas. Tower’s musical odyssey actually began in 1968 when Emilio Castillo met Stephen “Doc” Kupka in July of that year. So we had Tower of Power come by at night, after a long day of recording sessions at KaaBoo Del Mar.

Tower of power