Rocco Prestia
(the bass player in Tower of Power)


 

Much like James Jamerson, who spent the better part of the '60s nestled in Motown's basement studio in Detroit, Francis Rocco Prestia has established himself as an all-time bass stylist and funk institution from his obscured spot behind the five-horn front line of Tower Of Power. Among bassists worldwide, the 46-year-old is best known for his innovative, fleet-fingered, 16th-note-based grooves. TOP drummer Herman Matthews comments, "Not only is Rocco a living legend and the epitome of a funk/soul bassist, he is Tower Of Power. Without his motion on the bass, we would be just another horn band."

 
 

A Selected Discography
With Tower Of Power: Rhythm and Business, Epic; Souled Out, Epic; T.O.P., Epic; Monster on a Leash, Epic; Power, Cypress/A&M; Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now, Columbia; Live in Living Colour, Warner Bros.; In the Slot, Warner Bros.; Urban Renewal, Warner Bros.; Back to Oakland, Warner Bros.; Tower Of Power, Warner Bros.; Bump City, Warner Bros.; East Bay Grease, San Francisco/ Atlantic. Instructional Material: Fingerstyle Funk with Francis Rocco Prestia, Video Progressions; Standing in the Shadows of Motown (one track), Hal Leonard.