It’s Christmas
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The first Holiday album from the legendary outfit Tower of Power, the Bay Area luminaries bring their funk, soul, and R&B ways to songs that we’ve all heard before, but never quite like this.
The rich and warm “The Christmas Song” starts the listen with glorious textures, and “This Christmas” follows with plenty of soulful singing and funk nods that radiate much power.
Further along, “It’s Christmas (A Long Way From Home)” comes with an intimate spirit that’s expressive and heartfelt, while “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” is a lively album highlight that allows the bright brass and animated vocals to shine.
Close to the end, “Mary Did You Know” recruits jazz and gospel nods for the dense and dynamic delivery, and “Christmas Medley (O Christmas Tree, Christmas Time Is Here, What Child Is This)” exits with melodic guitar, playful brass and crisp drumming that suits the diverse and flowing interaction.
Tower of Power have enjoyed a 55+ year existence, and all these years they still have what it takes to be leaders in the area of funk and soul sounds that take influence from cities like Oakland, Detroit, Philadelphia and Memphis.
Travels well with: Ohio Players- Observations In Time: The Johnny Brantley/Vidalia Productions; Blood, Sweat & Tears- What The Hell Happened To Blood, Sweat & Tears?- Original Soundtrack