"It's a damned shame that bands don't make the effort these days to have a good horn section."

...THUS says a a certain "vlunney" who commented on this video of the band Tower of Power (T.O.P.) performing their song "How Could This Happen to Me".  I happen to agree with this person, and in fact, I believe anybody who's listened to a T.O.P. album will understand where we are coming from.

          Horns add dimension, refinement and depth to any musical act.  The best bands that I know of (or, more accurately, my favorite bands) always have them incorporated in their performances - whether they are recording in a studio or performing live.  The great Steely Dan has them in its multi-dimensional repertoire.  Earth, Wind and Fire has successfully and expertly blended them with their disco tunes and ballads at the height of their fame.  And even the very modern and experimental artist Beck (whom I also admire) has a formidable horn section.

          But as far as horns go, T.O.P. are the undisputed masters of brass.  Prior to my discovery of Steely Dan, this band was my top favorite from the 70's era.  These guys have funk, soul, and power in their music - a combination I previously didn't think was possible for any one band, more particularly on the power aspect.  Most horn-intensive acts "cheat" and give the illusion of power by simply increasing their volume by means of sound engineering.  T.O.P., on the other hand, sounds as good in live performances as they are in studio recordings (i.e. if the numerous amateur videos of their live performances are of any indication).  Their sound is very fine, and the brassy music resonates in you.  That's real power.

          I first came across them through my younger cousin, Anchot (who, for someone born well into the 80s, knows a lot of excellent 70's artists.)  Their songs "You're Still a Young Man" and "So Very Hard to Go" struck a chord in me, and I immediately set off to know more about this band and finally ended up buying their "Best of..." compilation.  I wasn't disappointed, because all the songs were excellent, and well worth the hefty price tag.

          Now, this was at a time when I was naive enough to think that any song not included in a band's "Best of..." compilation probably wasn't that good.  Years later I was pleasantly surprised to hear "How Could This Happen to Me" on the radio.  "Surprised" because this song was not included in the compilation, and it was just as good if not better than some songs there.  And so I came to the conclusion that, just like Steely Dan, T.O.P. is one of those bands where you'd end up buying the entire boxed set of their albums because a "Best of..." compilation never fully captures the immensity of their greatness.

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photo credits:

http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drum10/davidgaribalditower.jpg

http://www.dwightmccann.com/Images/TOP02082007/TowerOfPower394.JPG

http://www.chrisfromcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/tower.jpg