Search - Rocco Prestia :: Everybody On The Bus

Not your regular bass player album.

Kelvin S. Yew | Singapore Singapore | 05/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You're probably thinking to yourself that this, in the tradition of bass player albums, is an exercise in musical self-gratification (to use a more polite phrase). Not so. The man himself, credited for holding down the bottom end for acclaimed Soul/Funk band Tower of Power delivers what he has been doing best for the past 25 years. His signature style of 16th note muted fingerstyle funk is the driving force for all the songs on the album without once taking a solo.With fellow TOP regulars Jeff Tamelier on guitar, David Garibaldi and Herman Mathews on drums, Nick Milo on Keyboards and Brandon Fields on Sax, don't expect this outing to deviate too much from the regular TOP formula of dishing up middle-of-the-road-funk, except with less prominent horns. Not to say that this isn't a musically proficient production, but rather the funk element comes off almost too clean and digitized rather than earthy inspired.Still, the album is a good listen, especially for those familiar with the Bay Area Soul sound of the 70s. Recommended tracks are: Solid like the Rock, the remake of Express Yourself, and Don't need No Changes. In all, a good backdrop for showcasing the bass legend, credited for being an influence by no less than Jaco Pastorius."

Outstanding...10 stars!

Kelvin S. Yew | 11/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very impressive bass work and compositions. A must have for T.O.P. fans"

Don't Miss The Bus--Get Your Ticket Now!

Kelvin S. Yew | 02/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hmmm....well, let's see. You've got Rocco (bassist for the legendary soul/funk band, Tower of Power), you've got Bruce Conte, you've got Chester Thompson on keyboards, you've got David Garibaldi and Herman Matthews on drums, you've got Biner, Champlin, Grillo, and the incomparable Brent Carter handling the vocals, you've got Kupka/Castillo collaborating on a couple of the tracks: Hmmm...this is Tower without the Power of the horn section. But what a nice and refreshing change it is! There isn't a throw-away track on this CD, but a couple bear special mention: Brent Carter just really shines on Double Identity and I was especially impressed with Tamara Champlin's vocals on Express Yourself--reminiscent of the Staple Singers. Baby Don't Go features a strong bass line that actually makes you feel the plucking of the guitar strings. I'm So Glad has a unique presence that strikes me every time I hear it. There are also two worthy instrumentals that allow the musicians to shine each in their own right. You ought to get on the bus if you haven't already--it's worth the trip!"