Francis 'ROCCO' PRESTIA

[Bart Funk Bass]

Any fans of this 16th notes master?

 

[Piers_Williamson]

The man was a genius. Actually the rhythm section were geniuses along with the baritone sax player.

I came to ToP relatively late but was really happy to see them play live in 2017 in London (I think the last time Rocco would have played over here).  How he didn't have arthritis in his fingers puzzles me, and I still can't master his muting technique! 

[Japhet]

Unique player. Rocco with David Garibaldi was a thing of rare beauty.

[Chezz55]

Oh yes !

Rocco Prestia (bass) and David Garibaldi (drums) - THE rhythm section and the groove behind Tower Of Power.

Their playing looked effortless but their contribution was immeasurable.

 

[Barking Spiders]

For me praps the best ever rhythm section I've heard. 

 

Edited December 17, 2020 by Barking Spiders

[TheGreek]

He was a brilliant bass player - shame that he wasn't more well known. He was a great role model - what many of us aspire to.

A real loss to the Bass community.

[Tjhooker]

  On 17/12/2020 at 15:23, Barking Spiders said:

For me praps the best ever rhythm section I've heard. 

 

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ooofff .. the tone there! What is his set up? Reverse P 🤔 is there 3 control knobs on there maybe not but I can't tell? 

[AndyTravis]

  On 17/12/2020 at 20:14, Tjhooker said:

ooofff .. the tone there! What is his set up? Reverse P 🤔 is there 3 control knobs on there maybe not but I can't tell? 

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In about 1998, there was a very limited fender

Edited December 17, 2020 by AndyTravis

[Tjhooker]

  On 17/12/2020 at 20:15, AndyTravis said:

In about 1998, there was a very limited fender

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Tell me more 😳

[AndyTravis]

  On 17/12/2020 at 20:16, Tjhooker said:

Tell me more 😳

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I can’t. The above image is roughly the entire of Google’sworth...

[Tjhooker]

Seems to be a jack at the bottom though.... So maybe a preamp in there?

[AndyTravis]

  On 17/12/2020 at 20:49, Tjhooker said:

Seems to be a jack at the bottom though.... So maybe a preamp in there?

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TBX or maybe a bass/treble circuit. It was announced at the same Namm as Geddy Jazz, Miller Jazz and Duck Dunn P.

[Bart Funk Bass]

I didn't have the opportunity to watch him live

[chris_b]

I saw ToP first in Boston in 1973 and several times since in London. Cracking band and a unique bass style. I seem to have picked up some of Rocco's preference for hand movement, rather than finger movement, in my fretting hand style, but I can't play 16ths anywhere near as fast as he could. What a great player.

[Bart Funk Bass]

  On 18/12/2020 at 01:52, chris_b said:

I saw ToP first in Boston in 1973 and several times since in London.

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OMG! Best period! Lucky You, Sir!

[P-Belly Evans]

Saw them at Phoenix 95 and they were still top drawer. Rocco has been a big influence on me over the years. Man that festival was legendary. Bootsy's Rubber Band (best live act I've ever seen along with Nomeansno) , P-Funk All stars, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Paul Weller, Public Enemy, Ice T, Bodycount, Galliano, Freakpower......... for starters 😳. 

Edited December 18, 2020 by P-Belly Evans

[Bart Funk Bass]

 

[Tjhooker]

  On 18/12/2020 at 15:58, Bart Funk Bass said:

 

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How many fags was he smoking a day?! Even his voice has "tone" .... 💨

[Tjhooker]

What bass is he playing in this vid?

 

[Bart Funk Bass]

  On 19/12/2020 at 00:11, Tjhooker said:

What bass is he playing in this vid?

 

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Fernandes

[Piers_Williamson]

I think its his signature bass

 

[yorks5stringer]

Just thought I'd add a gratuitous signed photo I have of the great man. It's signed KYDA, Rocco  (keep your dream alive.....)

Edited December 19, 2020 by yorks5stringer

[Bart Funk Bass]

 

[Bart Funk Bass]

 

[Bart Funk Bass]