Watch Tower Of Power - What Is Hip: Live At Iowa State University

Tower of Power is an American soul and funk band that has been performing for over five decades. Their 2005 concert film "What Is Hip: Live At Iowa State University" features their live performance at the Stephens Auditorium in Ames, Iowa. The concert is a masterclass in funk music and showcases the band's diverse range of musical abilities.

The film begins with an introduction by the band's founder and tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo. He describes the band's history and their passion for making music that makes people dance. The stage is then set for the band to perform and they kick off with their hit song "Soul With a Capital 'S'". The song's upbeat tempo and catchy horns get the audience immediately into the groove.

Throughout the concert, the band performs a mix of classic Tower of Power hits and newer songs. The audience is treated to performances of "It's Not the Crime", "I Like Your Style", "Squib Cakes", and "You're Still a Young Man", among others. Each song is performed with exceptional musicianship and the band's tight arrangements showcase their incredible precision.

One of the highlights of the concert is the band's extended jam on the classic soul song "Me and Mrs. Jones". The band gives a masterful performance of the song that showcases each individual musician's skills. Saxophonist Castillo takes center stage with an impressive solo that mesmerizes the audience.

The band's frontman at the time, Larry Braggs, is also a standout in the concert. His soulful singing perfectly complements the band's tight grooves. His performance of "Diggin' on James Brown" is particularly impressive as he delivers an energetic tribute to the Godfather of Soul.

Another standout moment in the concert is the band's performance of their hit song "What is Hip?". The song's iconic horn riff gets the audience on their feet and the band delivers a high-energy performance that perfectly captures the essence of their funk sound.

The concert film is expertly shot, with multiple cameras capturing the band's dynamic performance from every angle. The editing seamlessly cuts between the different camera angles, giving the audience a front-row seat to the action. However, the true star of the film is the band's music. The concert is a testament to Tower of Power's incredible musicianship and their passion for making people move.

The concert comes to a rousing finale with a performance of "Credit". The song's upbeat tempo and catchy horn riff is the perfect way to end the concert on a high note. The band takes their final bows and the audience gives them a well-deserved standing ovation.

Tower of Power's "What is Hip: Live At Iowa State University" is a must-watch for any fan of funk and soul music. The band's incredible musicianship, tight arrangements, and high-energy performance make for an unforgettable concert experience. The film perfectly captures the essence of the band's sound and is a testament to their enduring legacy as one of the greatest funk bands of all time.