BB Kings Blues Club & Grill
New York City
November 15, 2008
by Live Music Head
“City living woman, you're so static
Matching your men with a hook and eye
If you're gonna spend the summer in New York City
Them women, oh oh oh, they're gonna slice your pie”
~ You’re So Static by Elton John & Bernie Taupin (Caribou)
My first introduction to the Tower of Power horns
was way back when I was not yet a teen;
sitting downstairs in the family rec room
reading over the song credits on the cover of
the 1974 Elton John recording of Caribou.
I was an enormous Elton John fan back then,
and I had to know everything.
34 years later,
I’m still in love with the Caribou record
and the Tower of Power horns that blew me a Stinker.
“watch me get high as a heat wave honey
Tell me what your hound dogs think”.
But this wasn’t the only album
the horns made an appearance on.
Since 1970,
the Tower of Power have played with everyone from
Aerosmith to Ray Charles,
Big Brother and the Holding Company to Bonnie Raitt,
Little Feat to Lyle Lovett and Aaron Neville to Phish.
They even toured with Sly and the Family Stone.
Having said that,
they’re one hell of a funky band all by themselves.
Many have rotated the alumni over the years,
and now they’re heading toward their 40th.
After being disappointed with
an off-Broadway musical earlier in the day,
I was really looking forward to feeling the power of Tower,
so if this band couldn’t move me in New York City,
no band could.
We arrived to a jam packed house for a sold out 8pm show,
but I wasn't pleased with so many
minimum ten dollar tables jammed in.
Why can’t these places have more standing room?
And I couldn’t help but wonder
how anyone could enjoy a loud meal
barely able to lift a fork without
banging elbows with their neighbour.
Our table reminds me of what it must’ve been like
sitting for Elvis Presley back in 1970s Las Vegas,
with horseshoe-shaped seats covered in red velour.
But the table is placed smack dab in front
of a large supporting post,
blocking most of the stage.
But that’s okay, I say.
I didn’t want to sit in the first place.
It’s the Tower of Power for god’s sake!
I leave my friends for a place to lean,
but more importantly, a place to see.
The forty-foot long bar has three rows of people deep,
three rows!
Eventually I find the perfect standing spot and a perfect view.
My anticipation grows
when out the band members come,
all ten of ‘em.
Emilio Castillo,
the founder of Tower of Power
sets aside his tenor sax to take lead vocal for You Got to Funkifize.
And man, what a set of pipes.
Funkifize was a highlight.
But the lead vocals of Time Will Tell grabbed me the most.
Larry Braggs stole my heart.
But I had to pee seconds after ordering a beer,
so I then found myself in a fresh smelling room
with its own attendant.
BB Kings Blues Club & Grill sure is classy.
I appreciate that.
Returning to my spot, I found the waiter
standing tall in stylish black and white,
with a handsome smile,
and a single lime-studded Corona just for me,
sitting atop a circular hand-held tray.
Now that’s my kind of service!
Big tip for you.
But did I just hear mention of the late great
Godfather of Soul?
They better not be teasing me.
And they weren’t.
With horn spinning dance steps,
they took it to the bridge and got me where I live.
with the song, I’ll Still Be Diggin’ on James Brown.
But you know who really got me where I live?
Stephen (The Doc) Kupka on baritone sax, that’s who.
Under an old grey gangster hat,
I felt every one of his baritone blasts.
And Roger Smith on Hammond B3,
hit me in the hips, the inner thighs
and everywhere in between.
B3, baritone and James Brown I got
within a very enthusiastic crowd, sitting or not.
And What is Hip was incredibly hot!
With thunderous applause we brought ‘em all back,
for a song which Prince says he lost his virginity to.
You’re Still a Young Man.
Thank you Tower of Power for moving me.
And if only temporarily,
blasting my blues all over
New York City.
Tower of Power website...
http://www.towerofpower.com/
BB Kings Bar & Grill website...
http://www.bbkingblues.com/
