I first met Lenny Williams in the summer of 1973, attending my first Tower of Power concert at JB’s nightclub in Las Vegas. So Very Hard To Go was on the radio, and the Back To Oakland album was about to be released.

At the time Lenny was the third lead singer in three albums, and asked him how long fans could expect him stay. He spoke about the release of Back To Oakland and then staying with Tower for one more album (turned out to be Urban Renewal). At that time, Lenny expected to pursue a solo career.

That’s precisely what he did. Ironically, it was the mentor in my disc jockey career, Carl Griffin, who signed Lenny to the Jobete division of Motown Records. In just three albums with Tower of Power, in less than three years, Lenny Williams would become the signature voice during Tower of Power’s most prolific period.

Lenny went on to have an outstanding solo singing career, charting many hit singles and albums.

In 1976, I met Greg Adams and Mic Gillette in a Marin County recording studio as they assisted my good friends in the band Poppeye, as they worked to produce an album. Greg arranged the 4-piece brass horn section, and stamped them with his unique sound.

Greg would stay with Tower of Power, on trumpet and flugelhorn for more than a quarter of a century. As much as any single factor, a Greg Adams horn arrangement is the definitive difference between Tower of Power and any other band playing horn-driven, soul, funk, jazz.

When I became webmaster for Tower of Power in 1998, Greg had recently exited the band. Lenny, of course, had been gone since the mid-70’s. I was fortunate to reconnect with both of them.

Fast forward to April 2006. My friends in Seattle, DoctorfunK, has managed to book a gig at Jazz Alley, featuring Greg Adams. Jessica and I flew up for the show, and it was worth everything. DoctorfunK opened the show with a set of their music. Then, the backed Greg Adams for a set of his original smooth jazz and instrumental R & B. Finally, Greg joined the DoctorfunK horn section for a spirited set of Tower of Power music. The whole event was magical night for DoctorfunK, and particularly their horn arranger, Jack Halsey. How often does one get to work with your idol.

After the show, Greg shared with me that it was the first time he had played any Tower of Power music since he left the band, a decade before. Enough time had passed that he could enjoy playing his own legacy sound, in a different setting. It struck me that, under the right circumstances, Greg might enjoy doing something like this again, and again, along with the context of his solo achievements.

Today, it comes as no surprise to me that Lenny Williams and Greg Adams have chosen to collaborate and build their own touring band, East Bay Soul. Read on, for the official press release announcing the concept, the band members, and the plan.

Andy Ebon, CEO of Soul

–

When East Bay Soul hits the stage - be ready to funk your world!
Great Friends and Great Music: EAST BAY SOUL
Greg Adams • Lenny Williams

When great musicians who have shared several significant music accomplishments together, reunite on a performance stage again… you never know what will happen next! Add the benefit of vision, musical “know how”, and the insight that comes through genuine affection, respect and friendship – and you have a recipe for making memories and some primetime music history.

Grammy and Emmy nominated trumpeter, Greg Adams, and BMI songwriter award winner vocalist, Lenny Williams, constitute such a pairing, and their reunion has been nothing short of musically miraculous. Their tight horn filled rhythms are caressed by vocals that convey the dawning of an R&B renaissance in this generation. This new band East Bay Soul has something new to say, and you will be glad you got the message!

Adams is a founding member of the super horn band Tower of Power, and Williams is the voice most associated with the trademark vocals of Tower of Power. Such hits as “Don’t Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream)”, “What Is Hip?” “So Very Hard To Go” are just a few of the signature pieces that were arranged and sung by this musically dynamic duo. These guys just keep getting better.

Now on top of this renowned duo, add the incredibly dynamic sax man Tom Scott or the amazingly soulful and funky sax guru Eric Marienthal (which featured artist you will see depends on scheduling) and the equation goes world class. Looking to push the limits; Lee Thornburg, recently of the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” joins Greg Adams on trumpet and backing vocals. Lee Thornburg also spent over a decade as a Tower of Power member.

Completing the ensemble is a band that has toured together for six years, and played with numerous luminary artists. With Johnnie Bamont on alto, tenor, baritone saxophones and flute, Joey Navarro on keyboards, Evan Stone on drums, Brian Allen on bass, James Wirrick on guitar, and Johnny Sandoval on percussion. Nine soulful members and a music extravaganza that will remind you of what you loved most about music.

The sound has it’s roots in the uniquely soul based genre associated with the San Francisco East Bay Area. It is however, R&B for our time. Watch and hear this band and you will find yourself in front of the stage, and people will be moving with the music. The timeless quality of the East Bay Soul sound knows no age limits.

This band loves to play for the joy of playing. You can hear them near you in 2008 - but in the tradition of the “Travelling Wilbury’s”, East Bay Soul will only schedule appearances predicated on the artists solo schedules and availability. Get your tickets early.

The great news is… Greg Adams and Lenny Williams friendship and musicianship has paid another rich dividend with East Bay Soul, and we are the lucky recipients.

 

Related posts:

1. For Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, it’s destination Reno 10/31/08 Over the past six months, Greg Adams steadily launched his...
2. East Bay Soul: A Super Group Takes Flight Too cool to the touch, smooth jazz, funk master -horn...
3. Jazz Review article focuses on ‘East Bay Soul’ Fans of Tower of Power alumni, Greg Adams and Lenny...
4. Greg Adams update Greg Adams continues to ride the wave of his smooth...
5. East Bay Soul Sets Las Vegas Music Festival Ablaze Greg Adams played trumpet and flugelhorn with Tower of Power,...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.