Tower of Power has shaped funk and soul with their signature “Oakland soul” sound and, for nearly six decades, the band has toured all around the world, recorded a number of hit songs, and collaborated with noted musicians. The legendary band perform the final shows of their residency at Yoshi’s, this weekend. This four-week, 12-show residency at the beloved hometown jazz club is a first for the group, and in some ways, it’s a homecoming.
In 2017, the band’s drummer, David Garibaldi and bassist, Marc van Wageningen were struck by a train crossing Embarcadero on the way to perform at the venue, leaving them severely injured. While the band continued to perform, this string of shows marks Tower of Power’s triumphant return to Yoshi’s.
Ahead of their performance on February 5, Tower of Power’s saxophonist and bandleader, Emilio Castillo and lead vocalist, Jordan John chatted with Lorisa Salvatin about the accident, returning to Yoshi’s, and the band’s signature soul…