What Is Hip? Dave Richards Talks Tower of Power, L.A., and Life on the Road

Steve Wiest welcomes Dave Richards of Tower of Power to You Dig? for a joyful deep dive into life inside one of the most iconic horn bands in modern music.Dave discusses his North Texas roots, touring internationally with Tower of Power, working with Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupka, surviving the Maynard Ferguson “Front of the Bus” game, composing for large ensembles, memorizing the legendary T.O.P. book, and navigating today’s evolving music business.Additional stories include Birdland with Slide Hampton, Jay Saunders memories, multi-instrumentalist adventures, and an especially philosophical edition of The Dig You Inquisition.Featuring music talk, road stories, jazz education wisdom, and a healthy dose of galactic nonsense from the Bridge.A good time is had by all. You dig?____________________Links from this episode:Tower of Power Tour Dates https://www.towerofpower.com/tour/ Tower of Power 2026 Band Members https://www.towerofpower.com/the-band/ Tower of Power Website https://www.towerofpower.com/ "Newport" Composed by Slide Hampton Adapted by Dave Richards Performed live by the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band at Birdland • One O'clock Lab Band - "Newport" - Live f... "Dark Matters" Composed by Dave Richards Performed by the One O'Clock Lab Band Live at Birdland Trumpet solo by Clynt Yerkes Tenor solo: Brian Clancy Drum solo: Michael D'Angelo • "Dark Matters" UNT One O'Clock Lab Band Li... Marianne's Ice Cream: Santa Cruz, CA https://mariannesicecream.com/