Tower Of Power’s eponymous third album, released May 1973, produced by the band, peaking at #15 on the Billboard Top Albums Chart, and certified gold.

The third time was the charm for this Oakland-based band. presenting new lead vocalist Lenny Williams, and scoring additional chart success with the single “What Is Hip?” and their most successful single, “So Very Hard To Go.” This was smooth soul with teeth, nothing lightweight here…just endlessly swinging soul / jazz / funk music that represented the sounds of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Band member Lenny Pickett (clarinet, flute, first tenor saxophone, backing vocals) would go on to become Saturday Night Live’s bandleader. The album also featured the debuts of organist / keyboardist Chester Thompson and guitarist Bruce Conte.