Tommy Castro
Right As Rain
(BPCD5051)
This new release from the San Jose born
Castro has mucho mojo going for it. It has some great splashes of blues thrown into the
pot with some simmering Stax inspired movement and a heaping ladle of good old fashion
John Fogerty style driving rock n roll. The resulting brew is party music with a blues
edge; something to spin when a group of friends are over and in need of good times. Tommy
is a gifted guitar player and has great vocal presence that he utilizes to the maximum
zing on this CD. Check out his approach on tracks like "Right As Rain" and
"Lucky In Love" and it is easy to see why Tommy Boy gets such high praise from
his contemporaries. There is power behind the presentation; Castro handles the chops with
skill and a determination that coruscates with resplendent tone. One of the most
distinctive qualities of Castro is his ability to craft a tune, as evidenced by
"Don't Turn Your Heater Down," the track he cut with Delbert McClinton and Dr.
John.
The songs are constructed to give his crew opportunities to razzle-dazzle and he
seems to know when to turn it up or down; an under esteemed, yet extremely important
musical proficiency. Check out the punch happy sax work by Keith Crossan on the track
"Callin' San Francisco." John Turk, band leader & choir director for the
Glide Ensemble contributed some ivory tickling and vocal arrangement on a few songs;
including a few members of the Ensemble adding their vocal aptitude to tracks like
"Kickin' In." Right As Rain is Castro's fourth CD, and a sign of more great
tunes to come. The sound is uniquely smooth, enjoyable and filled with infectious grooves.
If you like it when an artist blurs the lines on the genres and knocks the kick stands off
of ordinary frets, then Tommy Castro is definitely your cup of tea.
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - April 1999
Current Reviews - 1999 Reviews - available at our store
