© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2009

Tommy Castro
Hard Believer
Alligator Records ALCD4931

Some blues musicians set about their music with reserve: quietly and slowly almost sneaking up in it. Tommy Castro approaches his blues, well (and this is an understatement), a little differently – with a full frontal assault – rocking and rolling them into submission. Passionate live performances are the trademark of this West Coast guitarist and vocalist, and he unleashes that unmistakable mania on his first CD for Alligator Records Hard Believer.

No newbie, this release is the 12th for the veteran musician. Castro wraps his gritty, roadhouse voice tightly around the six originals and six covers offered here. The covers include perfectly chosen tunes by Floyd, Cropper & Pickett (“Ninety-Nine and One Half”), Dylan (“Gotta Serve Somebody”) and Fort Worth native Stephen Bruton (who co-wrote the song “It Is What It Is” with John Fleming), and to whom the CD is dedicated. Backed with Castro’s authoritative guitar playing and the musical collaboration of his hard working touring band, the songs grab you and spin you repeatedly across the dance floor, taking your breath and capturing your heart.

Because this is music from the heart and soul of a man who has lived the road warrior life – Tommy Castro walks the walk. This devotion marks – no seers - every song with the Castro stamp. Even the ballads have a fervent power to them that make them impossible to resist. Not a traditionalist, Hard Believer is not a retro CD by any stretch of the imagination. Castro keeps his blues firmly grounded in the present. But by simply being true to himself and bringing all of his musical experience and soul baring emotion unaltered to the audience, Tommy accomplishes a great deal. This album has the power to bring rock fans over to the blues.

It’s obvious Tommy Castro is not a casual fan of the blues, but truly a Hard Believer. Listen rock fans and blues lovers alike and be converted.

- Blue Lisa -


Southwest Blues CD Review - August 2009

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