TOMMY CASTRO
"Painkiller" (Blind Pig
Records; 2007)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Tommy Castro is a blues guitar player who is poised to be the next big thing. He is signed to Blind Pig Records and has released six discs so far, and he’s taken his music around the world. He’s got a
Steve Ray Vaughn-style guitar, and he also slows down his blues rock style and adds horns to give it a personal touch.
His voice is raspy (as many blues players usually are) and it’s a natural thing that never sounds forced. He also has a lot of guests involved with this project, which makes it an all-star affair. He covers a B.B. King song titled “If You Believe (In What You Do)” and an Albert Collins tune to make sure his roots keep his boots to the ground.
Tommy Castro’s style of blues has his "smoltry gitfiddle" playing alongside
horns and he also has an incredible piano player tickling the ivories on a few songs.
It’s a more lively blues record than any other I have in my possession, which causes me to spin it a few times a year.
If you’re new to Tommy Castro, then this release is a great place to start enjoying his music. Feel free to back step
to his other discs; he’s been at this since the late 80s.
For more information, check out http://www.tommycastro.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 15:20:26 -0400.
