Tower of Power, the 10-piece soul and funk powerhouse from Oakland, California, is widely considered one of the tightest and most explosive live acts in music.
The no-frills stage setup at Carlswerk Victoria left the focus entirely on the music. Led by founding members Emilio Castillo and Stephen ‘Doc’ Kupka, and featuring new Canadian vocalist Jordan John, the band got straight down to business. It didn’t take long for the packed room to surrender to the groove — the rhythm was infectious, making it nearly impossible to stand still.
Over the course of its 58-year history, Tower of Power has cycled through more than a dozen lead singers, yet the live experience has always adapted seamlessly to whoever holds the microphone. Recent tours have earned particular praise for dynamic frontmen like Jordan John, whose elastic, flawless falsetto brought fresh energy to the band’s legendary sound.
Despite the unusually hot weather, the musicians of Tower of Power were at the top of their game. Their renowned arrangements, centered around the formidable brass section and anchored by a rock-solid rhythm section, sounded as sharp as ever. Moving through their classic catalogue, the band managed to give familiar songs a renewed spark, highlighting the timeless quality of the material.
Jordan John, occasionally picking up the guitar as well, delivered spot-on vocals throughout the night, at times trading lines with Emilio Castillo. The members each took their turn in the spotlight, complementing the richness of the arrangements with fluid saxophone solos, blistering guitar runs, and swirling Hammond organ passages.
The sold-out — and sweltering — room was fully invested from start to finish, responding with unwavering enthusiasm throughout the set. The setlist struck a perfect balance between fiery, upbeat funk workouts and warm, soulful ballads.
If you appreciate top-tier musicianship, classic R&B, and irresistible rhythm, a Tower of Power concert remains an absolute must-see. Nearly six decades into their career, they continue to deliver a masterclass in live performance, proving that funk hasn’t aged a day. It’s an undeniable, feel-good live experience.
