Emilio Castillo on Tower of Power’s Timeless Christmas Groove

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Few bands like Tower of Power embody timeless grooves and unmistakable soul. For over 50 years, the East Bay legends have delivered their signature funk, horn-driven energy, and sheer musical joy. Now, founder Emilio Castillo and his bandmates are bringing that same magic to the holidays with their first-ever Christmas album, It's Christmas.

As Emilio shares on the Backstage Bay Area podcast, hosted by Steven Roby, this isn't just another seasonal record—it's a celebration of tradition, love, and the band's unmistakable Oakland sound. From reimagining soulful classics to reflecting on decades of memories, Castillo opens up about the album's creation, his enduring journey with Tower of Power, and what makes performing in Oakland so meaningful. It's Christmas feels like the holiday record you didn't know you needed—one packed with funk, soul, and heartfelt spirit. Emilio Castillo's voice lights up enthusiastically as he describes how the project came together.

"Christmas has this incredible way of bringing people together," Emilio shares with Steven Roby. Tower of Power wanted to honor the classics, but not without adding their own signature spin. "We put the Tower of Power stamp indelibly on it," Castillo proudly says.

Take their version of "This Christmas," a soulful gem made famous by Donny Hathaway. Emilio's reverence for the original shines through as he reflects on its roots: "When Donny Hathaway came out with 'This Christmas,' it was the most soulful Christmas song that ever happened at that time. Everybody in Oakland loved it." Yet, Castillo and the band found ways to make it their own, replacing the horn lick with something fresher and unmistakably theirs. The result? A track that's simultaneously familiar and electrifying—classic Tower of Power.

Creating It's Christmas wasn't just about making a festive album but crafting something timeless. Castillo credits producer Joe Vannelli for pushing him to explore new musical territory.

"Joe likes a lot of background singing and asks me to do things I wouldn't normally do. He'll suggest something jazzier, and I have to put my soulful spin on it," Emilio says. That creative tension results in arrangements that feel both polished and alive—like the band is right there in the room with you, playing for the pure love of it.

One of the standout moments on the album is their take on "Silver Bells," which Castillo admits took an unexpected turn. "Joe made a left turn with it. He turned the rhythm into something funky, but it became a waltz when we hit the middle section. It's those original chords—beautiful and timeless." That mix of creativity and reverence encapsulates the heart of It's Christmas.

For fans lucky enough to catch Tower of Power on their Holidays and Hits Tour, the experience will be just as dynamic. Emilio reveals how the band crafted their live setlist, carefully balancing their greatest hits with holiday cheer.

"We play three Tower of Power songs, then a Christmas song. We go back and forth, and by the end, we hit all the classics our fans want to hear," Emilio explains. "It's a well-crafted set, and the crowd loves it."

Beyond the music, Emilio Castillo's journey is one of resilience and faith. Now over 30 years sober, Emilio openly reflects on how recovery and spirituality transformed his life—and his band.

"I got clean and sober in 1988, and a year later, Doc [Kupka] did too. Next thing I knew, the whole band was praying together," he shares. To this day, Tower of Power huddles together for a prayer before every show. "It's made us stronger, and we won't mess with that."

Music and faith go hand in hand for Emilio, especially during the holidays. "I hope people hear this album as a classic," he says of It's Christmas. "It's not just for this year—it's for every year going forward. For your children and your grandchildren."

Whether you're decorating the tree, gathering with loved ones, or catching Tower of Power live this season, It's Christmas is the perfect soundtrack to your holidays. As Emilio Castillo says, "This isn't just music for this year—it's music for life."

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