Long time fan of TOP but first concert ever. They played at Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA. Rocco's first show in eight weeks -- he had heart surgery. Bruce Conte is back on guitar. So much of the old lineup it was like traveling back in time. I figure most of these guys are close to sixty -- Castillo said he had been playing with TOP and Kupka for 39 years. Wow!. They sound great. This is a band that performs regularly, so no sloppiness. The sound, particularly the trumpets, trombone, saxes is so focused, so right on it's amazing. Garibaldi is an amazing drummer and Rocco's playing is so musical and supportive it would be tough to find anyone who can do what he does. Other players would fill the air with unnecessary notes: Rocco plays only what sounds good. The repertoire stretched back to Bump City up to the present, I Still Be Diggin' on James Brown. Being a huge fan of Lennie Williams I didn't think I would ever say this, but their current singer, Larry Braggs is fantastic. Not only a great voice and attitude but great with the audience and a great leader of the group. Castillo always has been the leader and spoke on the groups' behalf. Great show. Great venue. Go see 'em if you get the chance. You won't be sorry.
