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Rocco Prestia Update

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rocco_fundBelow is a message from Tower Of Power:

 

UPDATE:  A Special Message To Our Fans And Friends:

 

As previously reported,  Rocco Prestia is in need of a kidney transplant, and we are happy to announce that several donors have come forward and are being tested for compatibility. It looks as though Rocco will be having this surgery within the next couple of months.


Rocco is in need of your support. A fund has been started to assist with the costs of his urgently needed kidney transplant. In order to help with the medical expenses that will not be covered by insurance a medical fund, The “HELP ROCCO FUND” has been established.  Please consider donating to our “Help Rocco Fund” and let’s keep him playing Live And In Living Color for many more years to come.

Donations can be made on the web through PayPal, or by regular mail by sending a check. You can donate through Paypal even if you are not a paypal member.

To Find out more or to contribute go to:  http://www.towerofpower.com/rocco_bio/index.html

Josh Shpak’s youtube video dedicated to Clark Terry

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Josh Shpak

Josh Shpak

Josh Shpak, the 19 year old Berklee College of Music student, recently posted a youtube video dedicated to one of his mentor’s, the one and only Clark Terry. We first caught Josh at a Tower Of Power concert a few years ago, when he sat in with Tower for a couple of songs,and have been following him since. Over the years, Josh has had several mentors including horn legends Clark Terry, Mic Gillette, and Bobby Shew.

Here is a brief bio about Josh:

“I love connecting with people,” says young trumpeter, Josh Shpak. “Whether they be teenagers or your grandma, if I can see that they’re feeling the music, I’m happy.” This breaking of generational gaps has become somewhat of a habit for the 19 year old Berklee College of Music student. With a rich style evident of influences from classic jazz to electronica, Shpak has made himself a wanted commodity in the music world. This cross-generational quality has launched a career playing with jazz heavy-weights, such as Cedar Walton and Jimmy Heath, soul legends Tower of Power, and young cross-over innovators like Esperanza Spalding and Christian Scott.

Clark Terry With Josh

Clark Terry With Josh

A protégé of jazz icon Clark Terry, Josh Shpak is dually driven by a great respect for the past, and a drive to put his own mark on the future. “Every great musician in history has been completely present in his or her own time period, while using their knowledge of the tradition to drive their creative forces.”

Among his numerous awards and accolades are being named the 2012 Yamaha Young Performing Artists jazz trumpet winner, the 2012 NFAA YoungArts jazz trumpet winner, one of 3 finalists in the 2012 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, one of 4 trumpet finalists for the 2012 Monk Institute, a semifinalist in the 2013 National Trumpet Competition, a resident of the 2013 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program at the Kennedy Center, a resident in the 2013 Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music, and a recipient of the 2013 Downbeat Magazine Outstanding Jazz Trumpet Award.

Below is the youtube video/song titled “For CT”:

Special thanks to Michael Miller for providing bio, pictures, and video.

 

Super Groovers new CD Mainline Connection now available

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thesupergrooversThe Super Groovers second CD release “Mainline Connection” is now available at cdbaby.

From The Liner Notes: The Super Groovers second CD release “Mainline Connection” consists of 10 instrumental jazz songs composed, arranged and produced by Andrew D. Gordon keyboards/guitar, bass and drum programming and Frank Villafranca saxes and flute. This album is a cocktail of many musical influences including funk, jazz, latin, reggae, blues, new age, african creating memorable melodies and irresistable grooves.

We currently have two songs from the new CD in our current rotation “Mainline Connection” and “You’re The Only One In My Life”.

To purchase the CD at cdbaby click the link below:

The Super Groovers: Mainline Connection

For more on the Super Groovers go to :  http://www.thesupergroovers.com/

Mic Gillette and Students Play The National Anthem

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Mic Gillette

Mic Gillette

This past Saturday, May the 11th, our friend and world class trumpet player Mic Gillette played the National Anthem at the San Francisco Giants game.  Along with Mic, were three of his students, performing an awesome rendition.

Below is a Youtube video of the performance.

For more on Mic go to www.micgillette.com

A Message From Tower Of Power

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Rocco Prestia

Rocco Prestia

From Tower Of Power:

 

A Special Message To Our Fans And Friends:

As you know, our beloved Rocco Prestia has been a part of Tower of Power since the beginning. He is the legendary bassist that has inspired countless musicians. His music has touched the lives of many, and will continue to do so. Everyone, he needs our help. Rocco is currently battling some health issues that require the immediate attention and concern of others. Rocco is in need of a kidney transplant, and it is crucial that a donor is found quickly.

Please help us in spreading the word. If you or someone you know is interested in being tested to possibly become a donor, please contact the following e-mail address: GiftofLife4Rocco@Yahoo.com. You will speaking to Eddie Hernandez, someone who has been through this process, and Eddie will answer any questions and concerns that you may have.

Please visit this page or our http://www.towerofpower.com/ for developing information.

Thank you. God bless, and lets keep the music playing.

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