We're down to 2. Doc and Emilio are the last 2 members that were in this powerhouse band when I first saw them at Frenchy's in Hayward, CA. That was 1969. The last time I saw them was at the Fox in Oakland. Having kept track all these years, it was my 100th show in 50 years. Approx 3 years ago I received an email from Roger, thanking me fo my years of support. That meant a lot to me. Come to find out, it is was Charlie Peacock, a friend and musical genius, that told Roger about me. Thanks to both Roger and Charlie for taking the time to let me know I was appreciated.
Craig, thanks for popping in with your TOP expertise! I was glad to share with Roger your dedication to the band—100 shows in 50 years! Peace to you. Stay funky.
Hey Chuck! I was truly blessed be around observing your dawning brilliance. Those were heady days. "Lie Down in the Grass" still has an impact. But I think The Choir's "Diamonds and Rain" was an early example of your emerging role in an unstable and chaotic environment. The rest as they say is history. I will be in your area late summer and hope to be able to get together. Thanks, Chuck
Thank you for this contribution John! Unfortunately not being on FB anymore, I don't see your wonderful stories. This tidbit doesn't surprise me. Did you know Bill and Reni Slais? They were with Elvin Bishop and I think good friends with Mickey Thomas and Bob Cheevers. I have a very fuzzy memory of being with them at a house in the Bay Area and Doc K was there. That's as close to his baritone greatness I ever got (except standing up close to the stage). Peace to you. Hope you're feeling well enough to be creating and enjoying your good gifts.
Great read!!! Loved your weaving of myriad connections through space and time... the richness of friends and experiences. Loved TOP, of course, and living a few doors away from you guys! ~Vicky
TOP and other West Coast funk bands such as COLD BLOOD with Lydia Pence greatly influenced me, even though I am East Coast…Haaaa. I switched from guitar to bass after listening to ROCCO. We opened up for TOP at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in MIAMI, and met Mr Prestia. Truly humble dude. When he passed, I got all teary eyed.
The GARABALDI / PRESTIA connection still is one of the finest ever.
I get it! I got to see Lydia and members of Cold Blood years ago at the Fillmore (I document this in the book about Brent Bourgeois and I at the Fillmore in SF). And yes, Rocco and Garabaldi, amazing. What a treat to get to open for TOP! Appreciate you commenting.
Thanks for sharing this, I did the background vocals for Top’s Oakland Zone, and worked with Doc Kupka on a few cds on lead vocal. We (Uncle Rainbow) moved from Dallas to The Bay Area 1977, I later bought a house in Oakland and Became part of the east bay Soul Scene.
Thanks for the clarification! As long as we are going deep…question about another album that I think I heard your voice…”running from the light” on the Vector album Mannequin Virtue? Is that you?
Brent, yes that's me. I was part of the first Vector record with Steve Griffith, Jimmy Abegg, and Aaron Smith right before recording Lie Down in the Grass in late 1983 into 84.
Aw, Charlie, I loved this trip down memory lane. I was born in Oakland in the '60s, and while I wasn't cool enough to understand it at the time, my childhood was shaped by local sounds like Tower of Power and visionaries like Bill Graham.
Love this, Charlie! Hope your memoir launch has been amazing so far! I’d love to interview you for my podcast sometime in March if you’re interested! 💕JR
It has, and thank you for asking. Yes, check in with me and see how I'm feeling. So enjoyed our visit. Peace to you and blessings on your music and travels.
From my high school days into college and beyond, I tried to emulate some of Roger’s work on your projects, and, of course, Tower. What an absolute legend. ❤️ Can’t wait to take a deep dive into the catalog you’ve provided! Thank you! 🙏
We're down to 2. Doc and Emilio are the last 2 members that were in this powerhouse band when I first saw them at Frenchy's in Hayward, CA. That was 1969. The last time I saw them was at the Fox in Oakland. Having kept track all these years, it was my 100th show in 50 years. Approx 3 years ago I received an email from Roger, thanking me fo my years of support. That meant a lot to me. Come to find out, it is was Charlie Peacock, a friend and musical genius, that told Roger about me. Thanks to both Roger and Charlie for taking the time to let me know I was appreciated.
Craig, thanks for popping in with your TOP expertise! I was glad to share with Roger your dedication to the band—100 shows in 50 years! Peace to you. Stay funky.
Hey Chuck! I was truly blessed be around observing your dawning brilliance. Those were heady days. "Lie Down in the Grass" still has an impact. But I think The Choir's "Diamonds and Rain" was an early example of your emerging role in an unstable and chaotic environment. The rest as they say is history. I will be in your area late summer and hope to be able to get together. Thanks, Chuck
That brought back lots of memories of people and places and the times that were. w/love
Indeed. See my reply to John Lee Sanders. Hope you're well and making stuff!
Thank you for this contribution John! Unfortunately not being on FB anymore, I don't see your wonderful stories. This tidbit doesn't surprise me. Did you know Bill and Reni Slais? They were with Elvin Bishop and I think good friends with Mickey Thomas and Bob Cheevers. I have a very fuzzy memory of being with them at a house in the Bay Area and Doc K was there. That's as close to his baritone greatness I ever got (except standing up close to the stage). Peace to you. Hope you're feeling well enough to be creating and enjoying your good gifts.
Great read!!! Loved your weaving of myriad connections through space and time... the richness of friends and experiences. Loved TOP, of course, and living a few doors away from you guys! ~Vicky
Love this read !!
TOP and other West Coast funk bands such as COLD BLOOD with Lydia Pence greatly influenced me, even though I am East Coast…Haaaa. I switched from guitar to bass after listening to ROCCO. We opened up for TOP at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in MIAMI, and met Mr Prestia. Truly humble dude. When he passed, I got all teary eyed.
The GARABALDI / PRESTIA connection still is one of the finest ever.
Thanks for sharing Charlie !!
Kenny
I get it! I got to see Lydia and members of Cold Blood years ago at the Fillmore (I document this in the book about Brent Bourgeois and I at the Fillmore in SF). And yes, Rocco and Garabaldi, amazing. What a treat to get to open for TOP! Appreciate you commenting.
Thanks for sharing this, I did the background vocals for Top’s Oakland Zone, and worked with Doc Kupka on a few cds on lead vocal. We (Uncle Rainbow) moved from Dallas to The Bay Area 1977, I later bought a house in Oakland and Became part of the east bay Soul Scene.
Oh man…Forgiveness is SUCH an amazing song. To quote “this is a need” undeniable! Thanks for the share!
Brent, you're welcome. Background vocals are so deep on that recording. Kim Fleming, Vicki Hampton, and Vince Ebo. Stellar.
Thanks for the clarification! As long as we are going deep…question about another album that I think I heard your voice…”running from the light” on the Vector album Mannequin Virtue? Is that you?
Brent, yes that's me. I was part of the first Vector record with Steve Griffith, Jimmy Abegg, and Aaron Smith right before recording Lie Down in the Grass in late 1983 into 84.
Completely agree. That album is all around one of my favorites. Personal Revolution…is that Roger on the B3 in that one also?
No that's just me. The main keyboard on PR is the Wurlitzer 200A electronic piano with a Crybaby Wah pedal. p.s. I love this nerd stuff!!
Aw, Charlie, I loved this trip down memory lane. I was born in Oakland in the '60s, and while I wasn't cool enough to understand it at the time, my childhood was shaped by local sounds like Tower of Power and visionaries like Bill Graham.
Oh yes, then you know the power of the influence and the uniqueness of this place where revolutions and innovations were born. Peace to you.
Love this, Charlie! Hope your memoir launch has been amazing so far! I’d love to interview you for my podcast sometime in March if you’re interested! 💕JR
It has, and thank you for asking. Yes, check in with me and see how I'm feeling. So enjoyed our visit. Peace to you and blessings on your music and travels.
From my high school days into college and beyond, I tried to emulate some of Roger’s work on your projects, and, of course, Tower. What an absolute legend. ❤️ Can’t wait to take a deep dive into the catalog you’ve provided! Thank you! 🙏
Ha! We're all trying to emulate Roger!