Closer To The Bone is the 8th album that Tommy Castro has recorded on the Alligator label. Reading the liner notes that accompanied the album, Castro says he wanted to make a 1005 Blues album. Well, I’m here to tell you, that he has done exactly that. Surrounding himself with a hoard of top-class musicians, Tommy Castro has also delved into the Blues archives to treat us to some forgotten Blues tunes, along with a few new numbers. Songs by, Eddie Taylor, Majic Slim, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and Winonie Harris grace this album, reminding us that there are some hidden gems around.
I Can’t Catch A Break opens the album with Castro on lead vocals making sure that we all know that this is a true Blues album. Castro has been heavily influenced by the likes of, Elvin Bishop, Mike Bloomfield, and Taj Mahal, and you can hear that in his approach to the vocals, and also his guitar work. Crazy Woman Blues, co-written by Castro, is simply divine. If ever you want to feel what Blues is, just listen to this track, it oozes with tales of woe, desperation, and longing, a man pouring out his heart.
The whole album is brilliant, this particular track is the icing on the cake. A Fool For You has long been a favourite song of mine since I first heard it being performed by the legendary, Ray Charles. I’m not saying that this version is better, but I will say that it runs in a very close second. A truly remarkable rendition, Charle would, I’ve no doubt, approve. Randy McDonald wrote and sang on the track, Everywhere I Go, Tommy Castro insisted that he should take over the vocal duties allowing us to hear what a great vocal he has.
The album will be released early next year, as far as I’m concerned, it’s already a contender for album of the year, 2025.
STEPHEN HARRISON
