Tommy Castro's rise has been stunning. While obviously a skilled, soulful guitarist and talented songwriter, Castro morphed in less than a decade from blues-bar obscurity to nationally known blues-rock guitarist and mainst... more »ay on B.B. King's yearly summer tour--all without garnering the dreaded "next Stevie Ray Vaughan" moniker. Not that Castro was aiming for that. His sound is more Memphis than Texas, with a West Coast bent. The Essential Tommy Castro is a summary of his first four albums, all for Bay Area blues label Blind Pig, and it works as an ideal introduction to Castro's style. There's something for the collectors, too: a previously unreleased live recording of "Nobody Loves Me Like My Baby." There's also a highly entertaining rendition of "The Girl Can't Help It," which is very nearly worth the price of admission. Accessible without being boring, inspired without being flashy, Castro's work is good fellowship given musical voice. --Genevieve Williams« less
Tommy Castro's rise has been stunning. While obviously a skilled, soulful guitarist and talented songwriter, Castro morphed in less than a decade from blues-bar obscurity to nationally known blues-rock guitarist and mainstay on B.B. King's yearly summer tour--all without garnering the dreaded "next Stevie Ray Vaughan" moniker. Not that Castro was aiming for that. His sound is more Memphis than Texas, with a West Coast bent. The Essential Tommy Castro is a summary of his first four albums, all for Bay Area blues label Blind Pig, and it works as an ideal introduction to Castro's style. There's something for the collectors, too: a previously unreleased live recording of "Nobody Loves Me Like My Baby." There's also a highly entertaining rendition of "The Girl Can't Help It," which is very nearly worth the price of admission. Accessible without being boring, inspired without being flashy, Castro's work is good fellowship given musical voice. --Genevieve Williams
CD Reviews
Excellent Compilation!
deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 08/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tommy Castro recently left Blind Pig and has signed with 33rd Street Records. His new CD "Guilty of Love" is scheduled for release on August 28, 2001. As a musician and out of respect for Tommy, I feel somewhat obligated to pass on the following: According to Tommy, Blind Pig released this compilation in an attempt by Blind Pig to undermine his new release. Tommy Castro also claims that this release is unauthorized by him and that he makes no money from its sales. All that being said, authorized or not, this is an excellent compilation of songs which Tommy recorded while under contract with Blind Pig and is an excellent primer for anyone that wants to experience this fine performer's version of the West Coast blues without having to spend a lot of cash. As an added bonus, Blind Pig has included "The Girl Can't Help It" and "Nobody Loves Me Like My Baby" two songs performed at times at live shows but previously unreleased on CD, bootlegs notwithstanding. The CD also includes a bonus video track of "Nobody Loves Me Like My Baby" which is taken from the video "Live at the Fillmore". You can't go wrong with this purchase. The song selection and Tommy's performance is outstanding throughout. It's also priced low enough that you can still buy Tommy's new release and, after listening to this, you will want to buy his new CD as well as a few of the older ones."
Good Introduction to TCB
Dani Barese | Santa Rosa, CA United States | 01/21/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I felt compelled to add a bit to the review from the guy who explained the "undermining" done by Blind Pig. That was true at the time the 2 CDs were released. Since then, there has been a reconciliation and Tommy promotes the sale of this CD to those who are new to the band (And he does get paid from its sales).
It's a wonderful compilation (not particularly my favorites, but considered to be his "hits").
If you're new to Tommy Castro, buy this CD. If you already like him, then buy ALL the rest of his CDs and have the entire library of TCB greatness instead of a select few songs!"
Put on your blue suede shoes for this CD is for you
Robert Wynkoop | Washington State | 12/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Need some party music? Put on your blue suede shoes for this CD is for you. There is not a bad cut on it. Sure, some blues purist (my brother, for instance) may see this as more rock than blues, but then there is no accounting for taste. This is simply a wonderful album.As I type this review, I am listening to I HAD ENOUGH OF THE BLUES. Who can listen to this cut and not identify with it? Life is tough and often the blues are a fact of life- but there comes a time to say, Enough is Enough. Great song! RIGHT AS RAIN is a great love song. What makes good blues is that the listener can identify with the emotions. In this Castro is a master. These songs connect because they deal with life as we live it. The instrumental HYCODAN is perhaps the purest blues cut on the album.This Thanksgiving, when our dinner is done and it is time to wash the dishes, I will pop this CD in the player, crank up the volume and my daughter and I will dance as we wash the dishes. This is the stuff memories are made of."
Truly Essential
David Monczynski | San Jose, CA | 11/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A fantastic compilation that stands the test of time. Certainly a good intro to Tommy Castro as well as a great addition to an established library."
GREAT BLUES / SOUL
HANS D HARMS | runaway bay, QLD Australia | 06/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A brilliant mix of blues and soul. Castro can sing with the best of them and his guitar playing is good if not great. For an infectious dose of good time dance musik, you can't go past this offering. Tight concise solos, great voice and a selection of great songs make this a must have CD for your next party."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1