Tribute To Rocco Prestia and Bruce Conte

This is a Funk composition I composed two to three years ago. Originally it was an instrumental. I sent it to my friend, Drummer, Steve Stephens in the beginning stages to record drums on it. He brought Bassist/Vocalist Tim Scott aboard and Tim played bass and composed lyrics which turned out to be a tribute to his very good friend, legendary Bassist of (TOP) Tower Of Power, Rocco Prestia, who had just passed. “Keep Your Dream Alive“ (Kyda) was what Rocco would write when signing his autograph for fans and that became the title of the song. As the three of us traded ideas for this project, we agreed to ask Bruce Conte, former Guitarist with TOP as well, to record his very special signature guitar style on the song. This was during the early Covid period in 2020. Bruce lived in the Philippines and at the time, all recording studios had shut down and subsequently was unable to record. I had worked with Bruce and Tim on a gig many years before. Steve had worked with Rocco and Bruce. As Steve, Tim and myself got more into arranging ideas for the song, we learned Brucehad passed. Shocked by the news we decided to continue and include Bruce into this tribute. Through Tim’s association with Emilio Castillo, leader of TOP, and with Emilio’s blessing, we sought out current TOP members to record. We also had mutual musician friends who were TOP alumni that Tim invited to participate in the recording endeavor. Due mainly to the challenges of Covid, this project took about two years and spanned from California to Washington State, involving not only my studio but those of Steve Stephens, Carmen Grillo and Bill Churchville in Los Angeles, as well as Ben Smith and Robin Crane in Seattle. After this long process, we are very proud of the final result—truly a Labor of Love. Steve has created this video to circulate amongst all friends and fans of Rocco, Bruce and TOP. My thank you to Steve Stephens and Tim Scott. Special thanks to: TOP members Doc Kupka, Tom Politzer, TOP alumni Carmen Grillo and Bill Churchville. Musicians and vocalists who also graciously offered their services for this project, Shea Chambers, Gia Ciambotti, Danny Romo and Dave Weaver. Bob Luna Composer/Arranger/Keyboardist