Jackie's Groove

Jerry Cortez joined Tower of Power in January of 2010.His funky rhythm style and blazing leads are a perfect fit for TOP, and the fans are hitting the message board with many compliments. A seasoned professional, Jerry has toured and recorded with artists including Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, Jessie Colin Young, Buddy Miles, Alex Ligertwood, and many others.Here is more from Jerry:"As a kid I was exposed to a variety of music from Swing and R&B to the music of the British Invasion. When I saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan I knew I wanted to be a guitar player that played in a band, and my dream never wavered from that day forward. In 1965 my uncle introduced me to the record "Papa's Gotta Brand New Bag" by James Brown. I'm pretty sure I wore out the 45 that day. That experience kick started my love of funk and soul music.I have had many influences, but my first musical influences were my father, Victor, as well as his younger brothers, and my brother Robin. Robin is three years older than me and plays th