What is hip? Still is and always will be Tower of Power, the horn section that blows smoke and puts you in the hip trip. The group’s brand-new CD does that and more. The vocals are hot, with almost everyone in the band taking his turn at singing. New lead singer Tom Bowes puts on a soulful performance; Steve The Funk Doctor and Emilio Castillio got enough funk to make you sweat in an ice cube factory. Tower of Power was one of the driving forces at the Old Fillmore in San Francisco, and they have the hottest funk horn section in the world today. The Oakland band has been on the scene for over 20 years, and this disc proves they are still going strong. Recommended cuts: “Funk The Dumb Stuff” (lead vocals Emilio Castillio), “Has That East Bay Grease Sound,” “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,” an instrumental with fanfare, and the title cut, “Monster On A Leash,” featuring Lee Thornberg (who has bought a house in New Orleans) on lead vocals.