How does an artist move up to the next level? How about writing and recording twelve new songs, and then having a cd release party at BB King's Blues Club and Grill in NYC. How about having 500 people there to witness the energetic performance many of them leaving with the new cd. Well that's how it happened and I'm still enjoying Tommy Castro's newest cd "Soul Shaker" which was just released on Blind Pig Records.

Tommy Castro is a singer/guitarist who describes his music as blues, rock and soul. In the old days he was the opening act for BB King. He leads his band which includes Keith Crossan, Saxophones & Flute; Randy McDonald, Bass; and Chris Sandoval, Drums.

Starting with, "(ain't it) Just Like Me, (dancin' round the truth)", Keith Crossan's saxophone gives the band a Springsteen like sound as, Tommy sets the pace on this the Soul Shaker's best album yet. On "Let's Give Love a Try", Tommy continues to talk to the listener. "Anytime soon" is a soul drenched anthem. What separates Tommy Castro from the rest of the pack is his ability to write a really great song and to passionately deliver it. "What You Gonna' Do Now?" was co-written with Gary Nicholson and Delbert McClinton, and they aren't bad songwriters either. (All I want to do is) "The Next Right Thing", and she's a "Soul Shaker" continues to talk to the women. "No One Left To Lie To" is described by Tommy as a "new" blues and it is my favorite song on the album, the horn arrangement by Keith Crossan is outstanding. Randy McDonald's bass sets the band rocking on "Wake up Call" and "The Holdin' On". "Take Me Off The Road" turns into a Canned Heat type boogie. On "The Crossanova", Keith switches to the flute as the band crosses over to a jazzier sound. The band closes with "Big Love".

Tommy Castro is one of the most exciting performers on the scene today. He establishes a rapport with his audience which is rarely seen. This is the break through album that will take him to the next level and it is the first album of 2005 that is deserving of a Handy nomination. Get this album and see Tommy Castro whenever he's around, he is the real deal.

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

(c)2005 Richard Ludmerer