In the 2014 BBC documentary “The Story of Funk: One Nation Under a Groove,” one of the bands mentioned to have shot to fame following the massive popularity of black music in the 1970s was Tower of Power (TOP).

Unlike most soul artists who performed with an all-black band, TOP was a multiracial American group led by two white boys, Emilio Castillo (tenor sax) and Stephen “Doc” Kupka (baritone sax). TOP, with the Scottish group Average White Band, caught the attention of the likes of James Brown for sounding black and funky.

If funk is about rhythm that made you groove and dance, TOP played like a real hot party band, even as its early hits, “Sparkling in the Sand” and “You’re Still a Young Man,” were ballads.

Highlighting its most famous song, the mid-tempo “So Very Hard To Go,” was the band’s signature horn section. Another song well-known to the band’s Filipino fans is “Clever Girl,” which enjoyed airplay in the old DZRJ.

A lot has happened since Castillo and Kupka formed TOP in 1968. There have been several changes in vocalists and other members, but one thing is constant—the band never stopped playing.

It has a new album this year, “Soul Side of Town,” featuring its new lead singer, Marcus Scott. Its original bassist, Francis “Rocco” Prestia, and drummer, David Garibaldi, are also playing.

Bring the gang to enjoy the show when Tower of Power performs Sept. 7 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This is actually a triple-act concert that includes Dennis Lambert and Kalapana.

Perhaps producer Renen de Guia of Ovation got a good deal that made it possible to book these classic pop artists.

Smart Araneta Coliseum, Araneta Center, QC; ticketnet.com.ph, tel. 9115555

Stoney Burke Project

Speaking of classic, there’s an interesting gig on Sept. 2 at 19 East that will feature The Stoney Burke Project (SBP)—a band composed of professional musicians put together by Mike Llamas, better known to 1970s-’80s radio fans as DJ Stoney Burke.

Llamas, who headed DZRJ on its peak in the ’70s, has come home to the Philippines after working for a long time in the US and is now back doing what he loves: promoting music.

SBP is composed of Paolo Blaquera (guitar, vocals), Dennis Glenn Fabunan (bass), Ian Trinidad (drums), Deo Arellano (flute, percussion, vocals), Lito Crisostomo (rhythm guitar, vocals), Marc Santos (keyboards, vocals) and Janice Robosa (vocals).

Expect rarely heard rock classics in its repertoire.

19 East, Km. 19 East Service Road, Muntinlupa; tel. 8376903