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TOWER OF POWER KEEPS IT HIP WITH YAMAHA HORNS GRAND RAPIDS, MI (March 22, 2001)—"Tighter than a clenched fist"—that's how the Hollywood Reporter once described Tower of Power, the funky, horn-driven institution that has dominated its own musical niche since it was founded in the Bay Area in the late '60s. When the band's famous horn section raises its instruments and lights it up, the brass in their hands is from Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division.
Heard most recently on 1999's Soul Vaccination: Live, the Tower of Power Horn Section is also one of the most sought-after backup ensembles in the industry, with album credits ranging from Michael Bolton to Phish and a non-stop touring schedule. Bandleader and founding member Emilio Castillo, who also handles lead and background vocals, brandishes a Yamaha YTS-875 tenor sax. "In my career I've had the opportunity to play the finest horns in the world, every make and model, but this is my absolute favorite of any horn out there today," Castillo says. "It plays easily, with very little effort, and it's very in tune with itself in all registers. I play second tenor with Tower of Power Horns, so I need a big fat lower register, and this horn really delivers. It's got great tone with a good amount of edge, so I cut through the section just right." Another original member, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, uses a Yamaha YBS-62 baritone sax. When he's not on stage, Kupka also writes tunes on a Yamaha PSR640 61-Key MIDI Portable Keyboard. Adolfo Acosta and Michael Bogart both play Yamaha YTR-6310Z trumpets and YFH-6310Z flugelhorns; Bogart adds a YSL-354 valve trombone to the mix, and recently adopted a YTR-8345G Xeno Series trumpet as his new favorite. Norbert Stachel completes the Yamaha horn sound with his YTS-875B tenor sax. "Once you've said the Tower of Power Horn Section uses your instruments, I'm not sure what there is to add," says Michael Bennett, vice president and general manager, Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division. "For decades, these artists have set and reset the standard for creativity, virtuosity and seat-thumping sound. They're the best in their profession and it means a lot to us every time they take the Yamaha name on stage with them." In addition to the horns, Tower of Power drummer David Garibaldi—who first joined the group in 1970—has been a dedicated Yamaha artist since 1982, and uses the Birch Custom Absolute drumset. "My relationship with the people at Yamaha is really excellent," Castillo raves. "They're very supportive—and I can feel that they're just so honored to have us play their horns—and believe me, the feeling is mutual." For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, 3445 East Paris Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49518; telephone (616) 940-4900; e-mail info@yamaha.com; or visit the web site at http://www.yamaha.com/band.
© 2001 Yamaha
Corporation of America |
