This is the CD that started it all. Doc Kupka assembled an all-star band of former and current members of Tower of Power, along with other fine musicians and seven outstanding vocalists, including: Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis and the News); Bill Champlin (Sons of Champlin, Chicago); Mickey Thomas (Starship); Frank Biner; Glenn Walters; Emilio Castillo; and John Lee Sanders for this great project.
John Lee Sanders is also the featured vocalist on Doc Kupka's incredible album of classic songs, DOC GOES HOLLYWOOD.
The Strokeland Superband rhythm section created the reunion of Tower of Power's original drummer, David Garibaldi, with Tower's original (and present) bassist, Francis Rocco Prestia for the first time in 17 years. This reunion eventually led to David Garibaldi's return to Tower of Power.
Joining Garibaldi and Prestia are Jimmy Pugh on Hammond B-3 and Jeff Tamelier on lead guitar. Pugh performs regularly with Robert Cray's band. Tamelier is a veteran of Starship, Cold Blood and Pacific Brass and Electric and spent nine years from 1997 to 2006 as lead guitarist with Tower of Power.
Joining 'Doc' in the horn section are other fabulous players such as: Lenny Pickett, Mic Gillette, Marvin McFadden, David Stone, Johnny Bamont, Bill Churchville and David Woodford. Recorded at Nacnud Sound in Lodi, CA and mixed by Rick Duncan, this CD has a classic sound that Strokeland fans love.
Doc considers this one of his personal favorites. Check it out and kick it up a step!
An awesomely funky, soulful album that I love from start to finish! I have owned it for years, but it still gets regular air time in my home and car. For me, particularly strong tracks are the titular “Kick it up a step”, “Color me gone”, the super soulful “Bittersweet with a ray of hope” and the upbeat “Just as long as we have each other” (which could be out of the Marvin Gaye classic duets catalogue!!)
Like much of the Doc’s work it has a timeless, funky feel that feels fresh and familiar.
It gets a hearty recommendation from me!
Mic Gillette was and is a legend. There's no debating that among his many fans worldwide. Mic passed away on January 17, 2016
$15.00
The "Funky Doctor" has done it again! Together with musical director Jeff Tamelier, Doc Kupka has assembled a collection of songs
$15.00
Doc Kupka presents the third effort from The Strokeland Superband, this time featuring Fred Ross on lead vocals, and another
$15.00
