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Tommy Castro: Live at the Fillmore
ByCastro is more than a pretty-boy charmer, though. He's also a soulful singer, a fleet-fingered Strato-blaster, and a talented songwriter who favors upbeat blues-rock and R&B tunes. Factor in his ultra-tight band, and this is a cat with tremendous crossover appeal. Live at the Fillmore
The first two cuts "Right as Rain" and "Like an Angel" are pleasant enough, but Castro and company kick it into a higher gear for the funky original "Nasty Habits." Guest keyboardist Jimmy Pugh gets everybody crazy with his burning organ solo, and the band doesn't let up after that. With his covers, Castro touches the three genres that most influence his original tunes: electric blues (with Buddy Guy's "My Time After Awhile" and Albert King's "Can't You See What You're Doing to Me"), rock 'n roll (he offers a danceable version of Little Richard's old song "The Girl Can't Help It)", and funky soul (with his crowd-pleasing take on James Brown's "Sex Machine.")
As Castro points out in the interview included on the enhanced CD, his group is more than a guitar band. Saxophonist Keith Crossan is a muscular blower, and the rhythm section of Randy McDonald (bass) and Billy Lee Lewis (drums) is plenty versatile. Trumpeter Tom Poole teams up with Crossan to contribute some Memphis Horns-style backing, and Jimmy Pugh is one of the West Coast's finest blues keyboardist. But it's Castro's infectious songs, his Stevie Ray-like guitar, and his affecting voice that lead the way.
Some of Castro's music seems a bit too bouncy and pop-oriented (hence its crossover appeal). Furthermore, Live at the Fillmore is far from the classic album many critics believe Castro has in him. But don't let my petty criticisms deter you. This is an enjoyable, upbeat album that should satisfy most fans of the blues, rootsy soul and classic rock.
Personnel
Tommy Castro
guitar, electricAlbum information
Title: Live at the Fillmore | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Blind Pig Records
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About Tommy Castro
Instrument: Guitar, electric
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