T.P.O. Funk Orchestra

October 8, 2002 Live at B Flat

Members (too many to list!)

The T.P.O. Funk Orchestra had all the right elements--a pounding rhythm section, tight horn sections, excellent charts, loads of attitude and an adoring audience. When they kick into high gear, they pump out some of the most intense music in the city. But, during their most recent show at B Flat, on off numbers, maybe every third one, they lost energy and didn’t live up to their own high expectations.

Coming squarely out of the Tower of Power 70s funk mindset, the TPO (is that “time, place occasion” or “pot” misspelled, or “tower  power of” or all of those…?) have all the right moves. They know how to pump up the volume and keep the tempo rocking. They know how to dig into a song and make it glow like a live coal. The horn section members took solos that glistened. The rhythm section worked hard, starting to sweat from song one. But, then, on the occasional song, they stumbled. Several songs lost the deep groove set up on the previous song, and a couple more sounded way too smooth. The 70s horn-driven funk ideal of groups like Tower of Power and the Brecker Brothers, among others, was never, ever to sink into an easy groove or comfy solo. Those groups always pushed the limits of speed, volume, and funk on every tune, even when slowing down a little. That’s not easy to do! T.P.O. does that, but inconsistently. They are definitely one of the tightest, fastest and funkiest big groups in Tokyo, but on occasion their deep potential felt lost, maybe to please the out-for-a-good-time-only crowd. Of course, there’s good nights and off nights for any band, but the songs which featured their excellent soloing skills and incredible chops worked magically. Those songs also received the best response from the crowd. The rather long talk in between songs also slowed momentum. But, those slight points aside, the T.P.O. Funk Orchestra has set their sights high, and hits it more times than not. They promised new songs and new arrangements for their next show, which will be worth checking out. The talent in the band is incredible, with a great, tight rhythm section and some of the youngest, freshest horn players in the city, so let’s hope they get on to those new charts and get down to the funk on EVERY tune.