Rocco Prestia Archives - Page 2

On this day in 1951, Rocco Prestia was born, and we thought we’d celebrate with this old school clip of Tower of Power. Here’s the band performing “What Is Hip?” in Chicago in 1977.

It may seem hard to believe, but 2016 will mark 48 years since the formation of Tower of Power. The influential group has released 18 studio albums, seven live albums, six compilations, three DVDs, and have toured the world with thousands of shows. To celebrate the band’s longevity, they’ll be bringing their unique blend of soul, funk, jazz and rock...

Steve Bailey has sent out his annual audio Christmas greeting, and this year’s is the biggest yet. As head of the Berklee Bass Department, Bailey brings in featured artists during their visits to the college to make special bass arrangements of holiday carols. This year has Bailey, Sandro Scoccia, Leland Sklar, John Patitucci, Victor Wooten, David Ellefson, Gary Willis, and...

Here’s a great clip of Tower of Power performing “Soul With Capital S” – with some trademark funky bass by the one and only Rocco Prestia. And how about that honkin’ bari sax? This performance was recorded at the Java Jazz Festival in 2006.

Bass legend Francis “Rocco” Prestia shared this video on his Facebook page the other day, and I can only imagine that thousands of people around the world started moving in their seats. This clip of “Soul With a Capital S” is taken from the band’s 40th Anniversary at the Fillmore West. Most bass players dream of being able to play...

Rocco Prestia has been making the world dance since 1965 when he first joined Tower of Power. His infectious and distinctive 16th note groove became a foundation of fingerstyle funk bass playing that innumerable bassists have been trying to master for decades. Prestia was born and raised in California, where he got into music at an early age. He joined...

Few bassists have a style that is as instantly recognizable as Francis “Rocco” Prestia’s funky, bubbly ghost and 16th-note playing. His work with Tower of Power has shaped what is expected of a funk bassist in terms of playing in the pocket and has subsequently inspired countless bass players. Prestia himself is humble about his contributions, citing James Jamerson and...

We’ve been thinking about Rocco Prestia a lot lately, as he’s been struggling with health issues. This man has been showing us how to do it for a long time. Here’s just another reminder: Tower of Power’s live performance of “Knock Yourself Out” in 2005. This is the funk. If you’d like to join us in supporting Rocco, please consider...

Last year, we reported that Tower of Power bassist Rocco Prestia was once again battling serious health issues. The bassist has now issued an update about his condition on the band’s website. “First off I’d like to thank everyone who has either donated to my medical fund or given their time and energy,” he stated. “It is greatly appreciated to...

ESP has introduced the RB Series of basses to their LTD line. Designed over the course of a year with Tower of Power’s Rocco Prestia, the bass is built to offer tonal flexibility. The RB comes in 4-, 5-, and 6-string versions in either Natural or Honey Natural finishes. Each bass is fitted with Aguilar PJ pickups and an Aguilar...

Rocco Prestia is facing serious health issues again, according to reports shared on Tower of Power’s website and Facebook page. The bassist, who is famed for his unique 16th note finger-style funk playing, is in need of a kidney transplant. “As you know, our beloved Rocco Prestia has been a part of Tower of Power since the beginning,” the band...

Tower of Power rocked the 2013 NAMM Show with an incredible performance on Thursday, January 24th. It was so good to see Rocco Prestia moving and grooving with the band, which was tight, tight, tight.