Here are a couple of current bands that sound like they drank from the waters of Tower of Power and Sons of Champlin.
Richard Niles brings together a wide ranging band that includes vocalists Randy Brecker, Leo Sayer, Baskerville Jones, Lamont Dozier Jr among others, as well as Brecker on trumpet and a swinging rhythm section teamed with a popping horn collection. The team is peppy on the funky “Live As One” and Brecker belts out “You Can’t Get There From Here.” Kim Chandler sings on the reggae “LA Existential” and the team gets into its inner Earth Wind and Fire on””This World Is Mine” and “The 5th Elephant” with Nigel Hitchcock’s alto sax solo. The team gets into a soulful mood with Niles’ guitar and Julia Zuzanna Sokolowska’s voice on “Talkin’ In Whispers” with a gospel choir melding with Daisy Chute and Clarice Assad on a gorgeous “Tip For A Toreador.” Hip to the bone!
The Viral Jefferson St. Parade Band boasts four trumpets, five saxes, a rhythm section and SIX percussionists! The team gives some funky percussion mixing with classy horns on “Austin City Unlimited” while the reeds are playful on the grooving “Most Annoying Song Ever, Gone Viral.” Some rocking guitar gives a Famous Flames feel to “Jazz Bastard” and a reggae lilt on “Gass $$” leads into an Afro Funk thick groove on “El Cascabel.” Lots of percussion, earthy moods and even some delta blues on “Swamp.” A nice full gumbo.