Tommy Castro

When Tommy Castro burst onto the scene in 1993 with No Foolin’, his demo CD, he put into motion an irresistible force that has captivated audiences world wide. Since that auspicious beginning, Castro has expanded his scope beyond the blues and broadened his appeal by incorporating soul-blues into his repertoire. On Gratitude he pays tribute to those whose music has influenced him, in the process putting his own rhythmic spin on the songs. Fronting his core band, Castro works out songs by Sam and Dave (with Curtis Salgado guesting), Howlin’ Wolf (“.44 Blues”), Ray Charles (an impassioned “Come Back, Baby”), James Brown (“I Feel That Old Feeling Coming On,” which really jumps!), Albert King (“Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven”) plus ripping versions of B.B. King’s “Bad Case of Love” and Chuck Berry’s “Tulane.” Other bouquets are laid at the feet of Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. Another solid entry in Castro’s discography! Look for him to play the Feather Falls Casino on Apr. 9.