Just two years ago Tommy Castro released "Soul Shaker", that album received a Blues award nomination last year. Once again Tommy Castro has a new album deserving recognition. Tommy Castro has the charisma, talent and soul to bring blues to a wider audience and these twelve new songs, nine written or co-written by Tommy, are proof positive. Tommy's co-writers once again include Gary Nicholson, Jeff Silbar and Kevin Bowe among others.

Opening with "Love Don't Care", co-written with Kevin Bowe, Chris Sandoval's drumming churns while bassist Randy McDonald burns, together they set the pace for Tommy as he sings "it's got you by the heart and it just don't care". Tommy continues with "I'm Not Broken" co-written with Jimmy Hall.

The title song "Painkiller", co-written with Gary Nicholson, was inspired by a convalescing fan who told Tommy his music made her feel better; Tommy's guitar solos nicely. "Big Sister's Radio" is about family and the music we grew up listening to. Written by Mike Schermer, it is sentimental without being weepy. The song closes with Tommy paying tribute to some of his musical influences. Keith Crossan's saxophone shines.

Coco Montoya is the first of several guests and he opens Albert Collins' "A Good Fool is Hard To Find" with a blistering guitar solo. The vocal pairing of Tommy and Coco makes this the albums best performance. "Err on The Side of Love" is the first of two songs co-written with Jeff Silbar, whose credits include "The Wind Beneath My Wings". Bonnie Hayes co-wrote and sings harmony on "I Roll When I Rock". "If You Believe In What You Do" written by Freddie King is a duet with Angela Strehli and another of the album's outstanding tracks.

"It's That Time Again", features two great solos, first Tommy's guitar and then Keith's saxophone. "Goin Down South" changes into a New Orleans styled romp. "Lonesome and Then Some" is the second tune co-written with Jeff Silbar. David Maxwell's extraordinary barrelhouse piano playing is featured on Tommy's autobiographical "It Ain't Easy Bein' Me".

The horn arrangements by Keith and Tom Poole are outstanding. The production is meticulously done by John Porter. The Tommy Castro Band is one of the best bands on tour today. Tommy is a credit to the "Blues", as he connects the past with the future. This may be Tommy's Castro's finest vintage. Check out Tommy Castro's website for his tour dates at www.tommycastro.com

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com