It's hard when the rockers call him a blues guy and the blues guys
call him a rocker but we know it's just good damn music and in our
melting pot society putting labels on some things might not be that
easy...keeping that in mind here's a new album review just published
by Blues Bytes that y'all might want to take a peek at:

       ---     ---      ---     ---     ---     ---     ---

"During the second half of the '90s, Tommy Castro helped to develop
the contemporary blues sound of today. He grew up in San Jose, and
became enthralled with the blues after realizing who influenced Eric
Clapton and Mike Bloomfield. In 1991, Castro formed his own group. He
sings charismatically, plays wailing guitar, and writes forceful rock
and soul numbers. Soul Shaker is his first CD for Blind Pig in four
years. Since leaving the swine label, he has appeared on a series of
independent labels and one other major label. Ironically, Castro
matured the most during his years away from Blind Pig. Now, he
returns and presents his best CD as a peace-offering. The CD's 12
songs were all written by Castro, who was assisted on each by other
writers and band members. Throughout, he seems to be self-reflecting
and soul-searching. ("This road's like another wife") states Castro
on "Take Me Off The Road." Time and time again, the ghost of Otis
Redding can be heard in Castro's vocals that moan, shout, scream, and
hum. Shivers will run down your spine when hearing lyrics like: "I
know that a time will come I don't have to worry / I can see a time
when the future looked so bright / I can see a time when nobody got a
reason to fight / I'm only dreaming, but I hope and I pray that I'll
live to see that day" on "Anytime Soon." You hear thoughts of hope,
but detect age has brought on deep cynicism that cuts into the
enthusiasm. Although you want to feel differently, deep down you
agree with what Castro says on the song. The emotion-drenched tune is
somewhat modeled on Redding's "Dock Of The Bay." It gets my vote for
song of the year, and it should be burning up the Billboard charts.
If Castro doesn't have a hit with it, look for it to be performed as
a duet with a diva and a pop star. If "Anytime Soon" is the dream
crusher, then "What You Gonna' Do Now" is the reality we are left
facing. This thought-provoking song expresses questions that many of
us cannot or do not want to address. How often have you
considered: "Now that the party's over / now that you're getting
older / don't you wonder what its all about / forget all about what
you should have done / the best just might be yet to come." "Wake Up
Call" features a rhythm that is repetitious, but delicious. The
song's funky groove hook motivates you while the bewildering horns of
Keith Crossan and Tom Poole complement the guitar. "The Crossanova"
sounds like a flashback to the Booker T & The MG's era. However,
Crossan's flute seems out of place. "The Next Right Thing" is sleek
and chic, and loaded with funk thanks to The New Directions robust
backing vocals. The maestro slide of Roy Rogers is a standout on the
title track. "Big Love" contains an urban dance club mix that reaches
out to the computerized generation. This is a group effort with no
one hogging the spotlight. If anything, it's Castro's electrifying
vocals which will draw your attention the most. You won't find much
blues here, and at times, Jim Pugh's bossy keyboards need to be more
audible. Castro's focus has shifted to rock "Just Like Me" and
soul "Anytime Soon," and he excels at both. In a different age,
Castro would have been the king of FM radio."

For a look at the whole issue of Blues Bytes and an opportunity to
subscribe to their monthly mailings:

http://www.bluenight.com/BlursBytes/index.html

      ---      ---    ---    ---    ---    ---    ---    ---

That Booker T reference is timely since I got to see Booker T Jones
yesterday in San Francisco's Union Square at a free rainy day concert
that was the ending to a fun run sponcered by the SF Police to
benefet Special Olympics...Because of the weather, the event was not
crowded but Booker T and his local MG's put on a great show and he
was in great voice as well...what a treat...you should have been
there!

Who's been at the last string of TCB shows?...let's here what you
think. I'm really looking forward to seeing the boys do their thang
at Slim's on the 18th and have scheduled a little mini vacation that
week so I'll be there from start to finish and hope to see a bunch of
you then.

Jack

I screwed up the link to Blues Bytes so here's it is corrected (there's
a Charlie Musselwhite review and some other things you might want to
check out):

http://www.bluenight.com/BluesBytes/index.html

Jack

Brenda

Dallas,TX

"Jack C.`" <JCBluz@...> wrote:

It's hard when the rockers call him a blues guy and the blues guys
call him a rocker but we know it's just good damn music and in our
melting pot society putting labels on some things might not be that
easy...keeping that in mind here's a new album review just published
by Blues Bytes that y'all might want to take a peek at:

      ---     ---      ---     ---     ---     ---     ---

"During the second half of the '90s, Tommy Castro helped to develop
the contemporary blues sound of today. He grew up in San Jose, and
became enthralled with the blues after realizing who influenced Eric
Clapton and Mike Bloomfield. In 1991, Castro formed his own group. He
sings charismatically, plays wailing guitar, and writes forceful rock
and soul numbers. Soul Shaker is his first CD for Blind Pig in four
years. Since leaving the swine label, he has appeared on a series of
independent labels and one other major label. Ironically, Castro
matured the most during his years away from Blind Pig. Now, he
returns and presents his best CD as a peace-offering. The CD's 12
songs were all written by Castro, who was assisted on each by other
writers and band members. Throughout, he seems to be self-reflecting
and soul-searching. ("This road's like another wife") states Castro
on "Take Me Off The Road." Time and time again, the ghost of Otis
Redding can be heard in Castro's vocals that moan, shout, scream, and
hum. Shivers will run down your spine when hearing lyrics like: "I
know that a time will come I don't have to worry / I can see a time
when the future looked so bright / I can see a time when nobody got a
reason to fight / I'm only dreaming, but I hope and I pray that I'll
live to see that day" on "Anytime Soon." You hear thoughts of hope,
but detect age has brought on deep cynicism that cuts into the
enthusiasm. Although you want to feel differently, deep down you
agree with what Castro says on the song. The emotion-drenched tune is
somewhat modeled on Redding's "Dock Of The Bay." It gets my vote for
song of the year, and it should be burning up the Billboard charts.
If Castro doesn't have a hit with it, look for it to be performed as
a duet with a diva and a pop star. If "Anytime Soon" is the dream
crusher, then "What You Gonna' Do Now" is the reality we are left
facing. This thought-provoking song expresses questions that many of
us cannot or do not want to address. How often have you
considered: "Now that the party's over / now that you're getting
older / don't you wonder what its all about / forget all about what
you should have done / the best just might be yet to come." "Wake Up
Call" features a rhythm that is repetitious, but delicious. The
song's funky groove hook motivates you while the bewildering horns of
Keith Crossan and Tom Poole complement the guitar. "The Crossanova"
sounds like a flashback to the Booker T & The MG's era. However,
Crossan's flute seems out of place. "The Next Right Thing" is sleek
and chic, and loaded with funk thanks to The New Directions robust
backing vocals. The maestro slide of Roy Rogers is a standout on the
title track. "Big Love" contains an urban dance club mix that reaches
out to the computerized generation. This is a group effort with no
one hogging the spotlight. If anything, it's Castro's electrifying
vocals which will draw your attention the most. You won't find much
blues here, and at times, Jim Pugh's bossy keyboards need to be more
audible. Castro's focus has shifted to rock "Just Like Me" and
soul "Anytime Soon," and he excels at both. In a different age,
Castro would have been the king of FM radio."

For a look at the whole issue of Blues Bytes and an opportunity to
subscribe to their monthly mailings:

http://www.bluenight.com/BlursBytes/index.html

     ---      ---    ---    ---    ---    ---    ---    ---

That Booker T reference is timely since I got to see Booker T Jones
yesterday in San Francisco's Union Square at a free rainy day concert
that was the ending to a fun run sponcered by the SF Police to
benefet Special Olympics...Because of the weather, the event was not
crowded but Booker T and his local MG's put on a great show and he
was in great voice as well...what a treat...you should have been
there!

Who's been at the last string of TCB shows?...let's here what you
think. I'm really looking forward to seeing the boys do their thang
at Slim's on the 18th and have scheduled a little mini vacation that
week so I'll be there from start to finish and hope to see a bunch of
you then.

Jack

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

This just in:  TCB will be in Italy the week of July 4-8 ... details to
be announced.

oh, please, oh please, let it be the Pistoia Blues Festival!! Last
year, my  husband and some friends and I decided to treat ourselves to
a European vacation built around a blues festival. When we saw TCB at
the Mohegan Sun Casino, we asked Randy and Keith if they had any
favorites. They recommended the Pistoia, Italy, Blues Festival because
it is held in a beautiful ancient town piazza. So, we booked our
flights!  Among others, the line up includes Popa Chubby, James
Cotton, Chuck Berry, Eric Sardinas, Robert Cray, BB King, Jefferson
Starship, Lonnie Brooks, Country Joe MacDonald, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Now, if TCB joined that line up, I'd be in heaven! I have my fingers
crossed so hard, they might break!

New TCB dates:
7/04/2005   The Beach, Roseto    ITALY
7/06/2005   Tavisio Park, Tavisio    ITALY
7/07/2005   Main Square, Francavilla d'Ete    ITALY
7/17/2005   Kansas City Blue Sunday Concerts, Kansas City  MO  USA
7/22/2005   Caspar Inn, Caspar  CA  USA
7/23/2005   Little Fox, Redwood City  CA  USA
8/25/2005   Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland  OH  USA
8/28/2005   Rowayton Summer Arts Festival, Rowayton  CT  USA
8/29/2005   Chan's, Woonsocket  RI  USA
9/04/2005   Court Avenue Blues Festival, Des Moines  IA  USA

This just in:

The boyz are back, and they're playing tighter and more pumped than
ever!   The fun will happen on this coming 'no-work-the-next-day'
Saturday night at Slim's in San Francisco.

To further add to the night's specialness, opening will be the Chris
Cobb Band featuring Leah Tysee!

Tickets are only $16

For more info:

http://www.slims-sf.com/slims-bin/showcal?Date=2005-06-18
http://www.chriscobb-band.com
http://www.leahtysse.com
http://www.kfog.com/

  -------------------------------------------------------------

Folks, seeing THE TCB is exciting enough but I promise you that if
you come early to see the warm up band you'll be lathered up waaay
before Tommy and company hit the stage....Chris Cobb, who is an owner
of one of the band's favorite music shops, Real Guitars, is an
amazing player and behind him Ronnie Smith and Artis Joyce aka AJ who
are also Ron Hacker's Hacksaws (with whom Leah did a guest spot on
a "I'm all dressed up in a long black formal dress now where do I go
mission" from The Black and White Ball and stopped by to check out
what her rhythm section was up to), add to that Leah Tysee (rhymes
with hot and spicey) and you've got a lot of bases covered in Gospel
influenced Soul on top of Rock and Blues...sound familiar?...Leah has
choir practice on Wednesdays at Glide Memorial where she sings on
Sundays (Tommy's been in that choir when the road hasn't made it
impossible) and when the TCB plays at Biscuits & Blues just up the
road I've had her stop by to hang out and maybe get asked up to join
the band (The Biscuits gigs are always very informal and his buddies
in attendance often get some stage time)...that's happened a couple
times and with some real good results...I'd told her a few weeks back
that she'd be welcome on the guest list for the Slim's gig but she
was holding out for a last minute addition to her own schedule
and when I was about to ask her what she was up to she surprised me
by offering to put me on her list since she'd just been added to the
bill as part of The Chris Cobb Band!.  Anyway, the gal can "sang"
and AJ is one of the best bass players you can hear with a smile you
won't forget...it's gonna be a good one so don't miss the opener and
don't miss the show.

I'll be celebrating quiting my job of close to 14 year but which had
halved my income (after severe downsizing)and put me close to the
brink of disaster recently...I start a new job in a week that should
get my bills paid on time once again and a whole lot more.

See ya on Friday!

Jack

Chris Cobb's day job:
http://www.realguitars.com

I managed to type Friday on the header of the last message (which my
brain thought was the logical 'no-work-the-next-day' deal) but, on a
run into the City to hear a bunch of different blues acts, realized
my error and am just now back to set things straight...so--it's next
Satuday and it'll be a good day to drink triples til you're seeing
double and acting single and gettin in trouble--at least that what
Johnny Nitro says and I can't ignore his wisdom so that'll be my plan
for next weekend (of course, you can drink water as an option)....and
as Randy always writes to me--see u there!

Jack

--- In thetommycastroband@yahoogroups.com, "Jack C.`" <JCBluz@a...>
wrote:
> This just in:
>
> The boyz are back, and they're playing tighter and more pumped than
> ever!   The fun will happen on this coming 'no-work-the-next-day'
> Saturday night at Slim's in San Francisco.
>
> To further add to the night's specialness, opening will be the
Chris
> Cobb Band featuring Leah Tysee!
>
> Tickets are only $16
>
> For more info:
>
> http://www.slims-sf.com/slims-bin/showcal?Date=2005-06-18
> http://www.chriscobb-band.com
> http://www.leahtysse.com
> http://www.kfog.com/
>
>  -------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Folks, seeing THE TCB is exciting enough but I promise you that if
> you come early to see the warm up band you'll be lathered up waaay
> before Tommy and company hit the stage....Chris Cobb, who is an
owner
> of one of the band's favorite music shops, Real Guitars, is an
> amazing player and behind him Ronnie Smith and Artis Joyce aka AJ
who
> are also Ron Hacker's Hacksaws (with whom Leah did a guest spot on
> a "I'm all dressed up in a long black formal dress now where do I
go
> mission" from The Black and White Ball and stopped by to check out
> what her rhythm section was up to), add to that Leah Tysee (rhymes
> with hot and spicey) and you've got a lot of bases covered in
Gospel
> influenced Soul on top of Rock and Blues...sound familiar?...Leah
has
> choir practice on Wednesdays at Glide Memorial where she sings on
> Sundays (Tommy's been in that choir when the road hasn't made it
> impossible) and when the TCB plays at Biscuits & Blues just up the
> road I've had her stop by to hang out and maybe get asked up to
join
> the band (The Biscuits gigs are always very informal and his
buddies
> in attendance often get some stage time)...that's happened a couple
> times and with some real good results...I'd told her a few weeks
back
> that she'd be welcome on the guest list for the Slim's gig but she
> was holding out for a last minute addition to her own schedule
> and when I was about to ask her what she was up to she surprised me
> by offering to put me on her list since she'd just been added to
the
> bill as part of The Chris Cobb Band!.  Anyway, the gal can "sang"
> and AJ is one of the best bass players you can hear with a smile
you
> won't forget...it's gonna be a good one so don't miss the opener
and
> don't miss the show.
>
> I'll be celebrating quiting my job of close to 14 year but which
had
> halved my income (after severe downsizing)and put me close to the
> brink of disaster recently...I start a new job in a week that
should
> get my bills paid on time once again and a whole lot more.
>
> See ya on Saturday!
>
> Jack
>
> Chris Cobb's day job:
> http://www.realguitars.com

Tommy's been considering a site re-design for a while now, so I want
to do a little survey to see what people think about current items on
the website, potential ideas that Tommy has, and give you guys the
opportunity to throw out some ideas as well.

So... on the following list, please rank 1-5 (1 being least, 5 being
best) your feelings about each of the items... Is it something you
think is vitally important to the site, could you care less, or
somewhere inbetween :)  Also... feel free to comment on your
responses... reasons why you feel the way you do, etc.  The more info
the better!

Thanks!
Dani

1)  The Intro Splash Page (the pic of the CD cover that comes up when
you go to tommycastro.com and then have to click past to get to the
content)

2)  Being able to purchase TCB CDs via the TCB website

3)  Being able to purchase other TCB merchandise (shirts, etc) via the
TCB website

4)  Reading letters from other fans (Tell Tommy messages, etc)

5)  Ability to sign up for an email list that will update you via
email of Tommy's tour schedule and new news (periodically)

6)  Photos of the band on stage performing

7)  Photos of the band off stage (in the bus, on tour, backstage, etc)

8)  Downloadable MP3 files (live cuts)

9)  Streaming MP3 files (live cuts)

10)  Lyric database

11)  Guitar Tabs

12)  A page on the various different equipment the band uses

13)  Movie files of the band performing on stage

14)  Movie files of the band off stage (like a video tour diary)

15)  A written tour diary

16)  News about the band

OTHER IDEAS YOU HAVE:

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

OK Lynda, you've set yourself up for another quip from TC mentor
Johnny T for Trouble Nitro (his "One More Night" is featuring int the
Ashley Judd movie "Twister") who finishes his gigs saying, "Make sure
you're not drinking and driving....and if you are...make sure you
have a car!"  and I say (actually I'm making this one up as I type)
I'm a sensable drinker--I just keep drinking til it makes no more
sense!

...and here's a late bulletin:  There'll be a different than usual
rhythm section backing the warm up band since Ronnie and AJ were
already committed to playing with Ron Hacker in Vasalia
California....So, I'm betting Chris Cobb will add keyboardist Tony
Stead and surprise us with a world class bass player and have the
Sandman (Chris Sandoval) back in that band for a double payday
opportunity and reunion with his buds Chris Cobb and Leah Tysse.
I'm just guessing but I've seen Sandman in the Cobb Band before when
the TCB was off the road and don't know why he wouldn't want to do it
again....he's gonna have fun and so are we.

Cheers,

Jack

--- In thetommycastroband@yahoogroups.com, Lynda Bartnick
<lsbartnick@y...> wrote:
> I'm sooooo jealous, Jack...make sure you're not driving.....we love
your reports and you want to go to many more shows!!!!!! My next fix
is August, can't wait!!!!!!!!!
>
> "Jack C.`" <JCBluz@a...> wrote:I managed to type Friday on the
header of the last message (which my
> brain thought was the logical 'no-work-the-next-day' deal) but, on
a
> run into the City to hear a bunch of different blues acts, realized
> my error and am just now back to set things straight...so--it's
next
> Satuday and it'll be a good day to drink triples til you're seeing
> double and acting single and gettin in trouble--at least that what
> Johnny Nitro says and I can't ignore his wisdom so that'll be my
plan
> for next weekend (of course, you can drink water as an
option)....and
> as Randy always writes to me--see u there!
>
> Jack
>
> --- In thetommycastroband@yahoogroups.com, "Jack C.`" <JCBluz@a...>
> wrote:
> > This just in:
> >
> > The boyz are back, and they're playing tighter and more pumped
than
> > ever!   The fun will happen on this coming 'no-work-the-next-day'
> > Saturday night at Slim's in San Francisco.
> >
> > To further add to the night's specialness, opening will be the
> Chris
> > Cobb Band featuring Leah Tysee!
> >
> > Tickets are only $16
> >
> > For more info:
> >
> > http://www.slims-sf.com/slims-bin/showcal?Date=2005-06-18
> > http://www.chriscobb-band.com
> > http://www.leahtysse.com
> > http://www.kfog.com/
> >
> >  -------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Folks, seeing THE TCB is exciting enough but I promise you that
if
> > you come early to see the warm up band you'll be lathered up
waaay
> > before Tommy and company hit the stage....Chris Cobb, who is an
> owner
> > of one of the band's favorite music shops, Real Guitars, is an
> > amazing player and behind him Ronnie Smith and Artis Joyce aka AJ
> who
> > are also Ron Hacker's Hacksaws (with whom Leah did a guest spot
on
> > a "I'm all dressed up in a long black formal dress now where do I
> go
> > mission" from The Black and White Ball and stopped by to check
out
> > what her rhythm section was up to), add to that Leah Tysee
(rhymes
> > with hot and spicey) and you've got a lot of bases covered in
> Gospel
> > influenced Soul on top of Rock and Blues...sound familiar?...Leah
> has
> > choir practice on Wednesdays at Glide Memorial where she sings on
> > Sundays (Tommy's been in that choir when the road hasn't made it
> > impossible) and when the TCB plays at Biscuits & Blues just up
the
> > road I've had her stop by to hang out and maybe get asked up to
> join
> > the band (The Biscuits gigs are always very informal and his
> buddies
> > in attendance often get some stage time)...that's happened a
couple
> > times and with some real good results...I'd told her a few weeks
> back
> > that she'd be welcome on the guest list for the Slim's gig but
she
> > was holding out for a last minute addition to her own schedule
> > and when I was about to ask her what she was up to she surprised
me
> > by offering to put me on her list since she'd just been added to
> the
> > bill as part of The Chris Cobb Band!.  Anyway, the gal
can "sang"
> > and AJ is one of the best bass players you can hear with a smile
> you
> > won't forget...it's gonna be a good one so don't miss the opener
> and
> > don't miss the show.
> >
> > I'll be celebrating quiting my job of close to 14 year but which
> had
> > halved my income (after severe downsizing)and put me close to the
> > brink of disaster recently...I start a new job in a week that
> should
> > get my bills paid on time once again and a whole lot more.
> >
> > See ya on Saturday!
> >
> > Jack
> >
> > Chris Cobb's day job:
> > http://www.realguitars.com
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>    To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thetommycastroband/
>
>    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> thetommycastroband-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com

Hi Dani,

Here's my opinion.  I went to see Tommy in Ft Collins and Vail.  Vail
is an absolutely beautiful venue for the boys.
>
> 1)  The Intro Splash Page (the pic of the CD cover that comes up
when
> you go to tommycastro.com and then have to click past to get to the
> content) - 1
>
> 2)  Being able to purchase TCB CDs via the TCB website - 5
>
> 3)  Being able to purchase other TCB merchandise (shirts, etc) via
the
> TCB website - 5
>
> 4)  Reading letters from other fans (Tell Tommy messages, etc)- 4
>
> 5)  Ability to sign up for an email list that will update you via
> email of Tommy's tour schedule and new news (periodically)- 5
>
> 6)  Photos of the band on stage performing - 5
>
> 7)  Photos of the band off stage (in the bus, on tour, backstage,
etc)- 5
>
> 8)  Downloadable MP3 files (live cuts) - 4
>
> 9)  Streaming MP3 files (live cuts) - 4
>
> 10)  Lyric database - 4
>
> 11)  Guitar Tabs - 3
>
> 12)  A page on the various different equipment the band uses - 2
>
> 13)  Movie files of the band performing on stage - 3
>
> 14)  Movie files of the band off stage (like a video tour diary) -3
>
> 15)  A written tour diary - 4
>
> 16)  News about the band - 5
>
> OTHER IDEAS YOU HAVE:

Tomorrow on KRSH-FM Tommy and the band will play a song or two, and be
interviewed by Bill Bowker at 5:01 PM PST.  I don't know if they have
streaming capability, but check it out if they do, and you can!

Here's my opinion...Linda


1) The Intro Splash Page (the pic of the CD cover that comes up when
you go to tommycastro.com and then have to click past to get to the
content) (3) Like it both ways.  Dosen't matter to me.

2) Being able to purchase TCB CDs via the TCB website. (5) I'd rather
purchase my CD's from the artist than give my money to the record
store.

3) Being able to purchase other TCB merchandise (shirts, etc) via the
TCB website (5) I think this is important for those unfortunate ones
that don't live near a Tommy venue and get to see him on a regular
basis.  He's got some cool merch out now.

4) Reading letters from other fans (Tell Tommy messages, etc)(4)

5) Ability to sign up for an email list that will update you via
email of Tommy's tour schedule and new news (periodically)(5)

6) Photos of the band on stage performing(5!!!) Photos are what I
always look for on a bands website

7) Photos of the band off stage (in the bus, on tour, backstage, etc)
(5!!!)I'm nosey!  I like to see them as just regular people!

8) Downloadable MP3 files (live cuts)(4)

9) Streaming MP3 files (live cuts)(4)

10) Lyric database(5)It's always nice to be able to check out that
one phrase you can't quite catch in the song.

11) Guitar Tabs(3)But I don't play guitar

12) A page on the various different equipment the band uses(5) seems
like musicians always want to know

13) Movie files of the band performing on stage(3) Takes up allot of
space. Send 'em to the DVD section (my opinion only)

14) Movie files of the band off stage (like a video tour diary)(5)
This would be cool!

15) A written tour diary(5) I love reading them

16) News about the band(5)Always need this

OTHER IDEAS YOU HAVE:

  What I really, really appreciate in the "Where" section is the
ability to click on the link for the venue.  Allot of bands don't
have that and it's a real pain in the butt to have to try and find
it.

I love the "Fan Photo" section

I want to take a second to tell everyone thanks for all the speedy and
wonderful responses to the surveys!  Keep the comments coming!  I'm
compiling a data sheet that will break down people's 1-5 responses to
each question and then I'm making a list of all your comments and
suggestions to share with Tommy.  Since I'm going to be taking over
this monster, I want to make sure that the website is not only what
Tommy envisions, but what the fans want...

So if you haven't had time to respond to the survey yet, please do!
And keep the comments coming!

I'll share the results with everybody once I compile some more responses!

Thanks!
Dani

Sandy

If any of you are in the North Bay near Santa Rosa you might want to
click on you radio to either 95.9 or 99.5 FM for Bill Bowker's radio
show on KRSH-FM at 5 this afternoon.  Tommy and the band be on the
air live and Bill's gonna interview them and coax them out of a song
or two.
To my knowledge they don't stream their broadcasts so I think you've
gotta be in their broadcast area to hear the boys promote the new
disc and their show on Saturday at Slim's in SF.  I hope someone can
record it for those who are too far away!  Here's a link to the
Krush's website just in case I missed a link to catch an internet
version of the broadcast:

http://www.krsh.com

The TCB will be on the air at 5:01 PST.  I might take a drive up
north a bit so I can have a listen!

Jack

Here's my spin on the website update--actually I think, like a few
others I've talked to recently, that Rich Fay designed on of the best
music websites on the internet and there's little I'd change if I was
making the decision...It's got something for everyone and, almost
like DVD Easter Eggs, has enough sub-menues hidden behind links to
keep you interactive with the site for hours.  But, if there's not
enough space to go forward that this must be necessary...anyway even
tho it's gonna be mostly 5's outta me here's

1)  The Intro Splash Page
     -- Unless there's active music or graphics to slow down folks
using dial-ups like me on the home page there's no need to make this
pit stop--I'm giving it a 1.

2)  Being able to purchase TCB CDs via the TCB website
     -- In sales urgency is the key and for those hearing THE TCB on
radio, etc. that aren't near any venues where they play need an easy
way to make a quick buying decision...this is good for them and good
for the band-- Give it a 5

3)  Being able to purchase other TCB merchandise (shirts, etc) via the
TCB website
     --  This is another income generating option that wouldn't be
availble to those far from thier appearances --I give it a 5

4)  Reading letters from other fans
     --  The fan club could be another option for this kind of
activity but it's still a nice feature -- Rate this one a 3

5)  Ability to sign up for an email list that will update you via
email of Tommy's tour schedule and new news
     -- I love to get notified of late additions and other band
news...the radio show this afternoon was a good example of how useful
this feature is. -- It rates a 5
6)  Photos of the band on stage performing
     -- The performance photos seem to all blur together after awhile
so other than a few that show current personnel, special guests or
really special captures (like the one of Randy bending backwards at
last years Blues Cruise) this is not as big a thing as it used to be
with me -- I'll call it a 3

7)  Photos of the band off stage (in the bus, on tour, backstage, etc)
     -- Seeing them relaxing is fun but some of the old photos taken
of crowds, countrysides, etc. lose their meaning after a year or
so...I guess it's a 3.5

8)  Downloadable MP3 files (live cuts)
     -- I've never spent much time downloading sound files but it is a
way of sharing some very special moments not available elsewhere and
I know from selling the players that it's a big thing to many so I'm
rating this one a 4

9)  Streaming MP3 files (live cuts)
     -- If you've got enough bandwidth this is a more interesting and
faster way of listening (usually at the expense of great audio) so
give it another 4

10)  Lyric database
     --  This is such a unique thing and so much fun to read or sing
to when on the site while listening to TCB tunes that I'd hate to see
this one go -- I'm going with a 5

11)  Guitar Tabs
      -- Along with the lyrics this unique feature helps the Johnny
Graphics of the world get their Tommy licks down...I'm gonna get my
guitars out of storage one of these days and am looking forward to
using these myself so let me know if this is going away so I can do
some major cut and pasting!...a big 5 on this one

12)  A page on the various different equipment the band uses
      -- The group has so many musican fans who have learned how
simple the basic setup is that I hope this sticks around and gets a
little bit of a needed update...I'm rating it a 5

13)  Movie files of the band performing on stage
      -- It'd be nice to keep these archived however they are also in
the fan club links --  I give this a 4
14)  Movie files of the band off stage (like a video tour diary)
      --  This one smack of poporazzi but authorized video taken while
on the road would be a blast to see....another 4
15)  A written tour diary
      --  This is one of the best features that this site has offered
and lets us know what the road is like to others who have no
clue...Getting any of the boys to contribute is a major event but
when it happens it's amazing stuff to read -- a big big 5 on this one.

16)  News about the band
      -- I think this is covered in the fifth item above but letting
us little people know what's going on with our heroes should be a
major function of the website (as it has been) -- another huge 5

> OTHER IDEAS YOU HAVE:
So, it wasn't all fives after all.

Anyway, let me congratulate you Dani for taking on this big chunk of
responsibilty.  Although I know I was in the running I'm such a
computer novice compared to you and have enough on my internet plate
as it is that I'm mighty happy you got "stuck" with the task.

All my best wishes for a success on this project,

Jack

I drove North of my home til I caught a good signal from The Krush FM
95.9 (the north end of Novato) and parked in an employee lot at some
business complex just in time for the start of Bill Bowker's time
with Tommy.  It turns out it wasn't a band appearance and was just TC
and his guitar.  Like the group secretary I sort or am anyway I took
notes:

The Bowker introduction to Tommy started about a minute before 5 PM
with an announcement for the Russian River Blues Festival...Tommy
told us that he's been in the line-up there three times previously
and was always glad the band was under a canopy since it gets really
hot up there but since they let you swim in the river right off to
the side that there were some good options other than sunstroke...He
said it might not be so bad if it's a little misty this time
concidering the heat he's experienced there before (and since rain is
in the forcast here might be the only option anyway).

Bill congratulated Tommy on being cover boy again on Blues Revue and
Tommy said he might have been a cover boy ten years ago when he was
first featured on the cover but this time around he's a cover old man.
Bowker said how good the picture looked and Tommy replied that it
looks exactly like it's been ten years since the last photo.

The conversation drifted to the disc opening new territories for the
band like the last tour thru Colorado and Idaho...he said that
previously they couldn't get booking but possibly thru folks seeing
them on one of the blues cruises they've found a lot of new places to
play that have kept them as busy as they need to be....Tommy said
that this is the first June he can remember where they're just doing
weekend Festivals and able to stay home inbetween (those Festivals
pay pretty good).

Then he whipped out his guitar and sang "No One Left to Lie To" which
ended with him laughing and commenting that he should be crying but
is in too good a mood.

Next they started talking about the Russian River Blues Festival and
that The TCB would hit the stage at noon right after Bettye LaVette
who's shared some recent festival gigs with the boys.  After The TCB
is Shemekia Copeland and Tommy talked about having her guitar player,
Arthur sit in with the band on the last cruise...Shemekia's dad,
Johnny Copeland wrote songs for O V Wright and Tommy said one of the
cruise highlights was at one of the 2 or 3 o'clock jams when Shemekia
teamed up with Mike Finnegan from The Phantom Band and Curtis Salgado
and nailed some O V diddies in perfect harmony that was on the spur
of the moment and unrehearse although many thought that they must
have practiced for a long time to get it so right.

Then Bill asked Tommy what he'd like to play and TC answered "I don't
want to do nothin' now!" which was really a segue to a solo version
of "What You Gonna' Do Now?".

Bill started to thank Tommy for stopping by the studio but Tommy let
him know that the band will have a movie coming out pretty soon and
that got Bill's attention.   He was talking about the "Live at the
Sierra Brewery" show that was recorded in High Definition video by
the same guy who did the production work for the late night Comedy
Showcase that they were house band on (where the comediand did seven
minutes and they'd follow with eight seconds of TCB and that they
kept that job because they were great on camera laughers) and how for
this project there were eight cameras and more equipment vans and
trucks than you could imagine and that after it airs as part of the
Sierra Center Stage series on the tube it's be release as a DVD in
September or October.

Then Tommy asked if he could talk a bit about the show on Saturday at
Slims and that they'd probably be going from that gig right up to
Guerneville to beat the next days traffic and suggested that some of
the fans should do both and may they'd want to jump on the bus and
make the trek up there together (which is not going to happen but
sure sounded sweet over the airwaves).

At the twenty minute mark Bill thanked Tommy and ended this segment
by playing "Take Me Off The Road" from the CD which was a nice
contrast to the solo and intimate Tommy just heard.

That's you Cliff Notes version of today's radio interview and now I
take you back to your normal programming already in progress.

Jack




--- In thetommycastroband@yahoogroups.com, "Jack C.`" <JCBluz@a...>
wrote:
> If any of you are in the North Bay near Santa Rosa you might want
to
> click on you radio to either 95.9 or 99.5 FM for Bill Bowker's
radio
> show on KRSH-FM at 5 this afternoon.  Tommy and the band be on the
> air live and Bill's gonna interview them and coax them out of a
song
> or two.
> To my knowledge they don't stream their broadcasts so I think
you've
> gotta be in their broadcast area to hear the boys promote the new
> disc and their show on Saturday at Slim's in SF.  I hope someone
can
> record it for those who are too far away!  Here's a link to the
> Krush's website just in case I missed a link to catch an internet
> version of the broadcast:
>
> http://www.krsh.com
>
> The TCB will be on the air at 5:01 PST.  I might take a drive up
> north a bit so I can have a listen!
>
> Jack

Hi members
  Just a quick hello to you all , and thanks to all
of you for attending the venues..  It is always a pleasure to see the
Bands fans and supporters around the country..And I appreciate the kind
words I hear from you at the merchandise table...what a treat it is to
work with this band and get to meet ya..
Tommy has asked me to get some road trip pics sent here to the group.
So I will be sending a few from each gig when time permits.. Also we
have a video cam now for videos..Tommy will be adding NEW video clips
soon the official web site . I have some video now but still trying to
master edditing them..yeah right  anyway Its a slow process for me but
hope to have these available soon..
Brother Ray

Hi members
Just a quick hello to you all , and thanks to all
of you for attending the venues..  It is always a pleasure to see the
Bands fans and supporters around the country..And I appreciate the kind
words I hear from you at the merchandise table...what a treat it is to
work with this band and get to meet ya..
Tommy has asked me to get some road trip pics sent here to the group.
So I will be sending a few from each gig when time permits.. Also we
have a video cam now for videos..Tommy will be adding NEW video clips
soon the official web site . I have some video now but still trying to
master edditing them..yeah right  anyway Its a slow process for me but
hope to have these available soon..
Brother Ray

Hi members
Just a quick hello to you all , and thanks to all
of you for attending the venues..  It is always a pleasure to see the
Bands fans and supporters around the country..And I appreciate the kind
words I hear from you at the merchandise table...what a treat it is to
work with this band and get to meet ya..
Tommy has asked me to get some road trip pics sent here to the group.
So I will be sending a few from each gig when time permits.. Also we
have a video cam now for videos..Tommy will be adding NEW video clips
soon the official web site . I have some video now but still trying to
master edditing them..yeah right  anyway Its a slow process for me but
hope to have these available soon..
Brother Ray

Hi members
Just a quick hello to you all , and thanks to all
of you for attending the venues..  It is always a pleasure to see the
Bands fans and supporters around the country..And I appreciate the kind
words I hear from you at the merchandise table...what a treat it is to
work with this band and get to meet ya..
Tommy has asked me to get some road trip pics sent here to the group.
So I will be sending a few from each gig when time permits.. Also we
have a video cam now for videos..Tommy will be adding NEW video clips
soon the official web site . I have some video now but still trying to
master edditing them..yeah right  anyway Its a slow process for me but
hope to have these available soon..
Brother Ray

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Ave na buono tempo in Italia!!!!!

Be safe!!!

Very nice review in BlueWax.  Enjoy...

http://www.visnat.com/entertainment/music/blueswax/mp3/album.cfm?&reviewnumber=1470

 

Castro and Crew Concentrate on Song Craft, (07/06/05)

There is no single song on Soul Shaker that defines the album on its own. You really need to listen and absorb the entire disc, maybe even a few times, to fully appreciate the work that went into this well-crafted album. Definitely a collaborative effort, this album is about the songs and certainly not about Tommy Castro's considerable guitar skills. In fact, there are probably less guitar fireworks here than on any previous Castro album and less straight Blues, not that the Rock and Soul leaning Castro has ever stuck to just Blues. But if these thoughts disappoint Blues-loving fans of Tommy's fretwork, hopefully you will give this album an honest chance and you will find that this is the work of a mature artist, collaborating with some extremely talented songwriters and musicians, making for a solid listening experience.

The disc starts out with some Stones-like rhythm guitar, a raspy yell, and then some Clarence Clemons-style saxophone wailing. This is a radio-ready rocker, which is not a bad thing. I would love to hear "Just Like Me" while out riding in my car on a summer's day with the windows down, or on the way to a club that night with my girlfriend next to me, both of us with big grins on our faces.

"Let's Give Love A Try" gets started with some thick-sounding guitar riffing, which sets the tone for the southern-style rockin' Soul that follows. I could see Tommy's buddy Delbert McClinton, or maybe Mark Selby, pounding out this tune. Speaking of Delbert, he co-wrote track number four, "What You Gonna' Do Now?" with Castro and Gary Nicholson. It's some more churning southern Soul somewhat in the vein of The Cate Brothers. Reneé Austin makes an appearance here on background vocals.

Before that track, the album simmers down with "Anytime Soon," featuring the strumming of an acoustic guitar and some cool horn lines, all of which has a feel and vibe that is very reminiscent of Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic."

Some deep, Gospel-inflected Soul/Funk is up next with "The Next Right Thing." The tune is written by Castro, Jim Pugh, and Kevin Bowe. The multiple skills of both Pugh and Bowe are huge reasons for the successful sound of Soul Shaker. Bowe not only co-writes four of the songs, he co-produced the album with Castro. Pugh not only lays down some great keyboard work, but also handles the background vocal arrangements, which includes the work of the Gospel ensemble of Roy Tyler & the New Directions on this track and "Big Love."

The title track gets a Lowell George-era Little Feat treatment, courtesy of some hip slide guitar from guest Roy Rogers and some N'awlins-style piano and beat.

Possibly my favorite cut on this disc is "No One Left To Lie To," and not just because it's a minor key Soul/Blues, which I love. Everything comes together on the track, from the organ and horns to Castro's strong vocals and steamy guitar work throughout. The best part, though, are the heartfelt lyrics that Tommy sings with complete conviction. It's about the melancholy of the end of a serious love relationship and he is reflecting on how he contributed to its demise and now it's down to himself. Lines like "I hear voices but there's no one there/Just me and the mirror trading stares" may remind you of how you felt when you were in those same shoes at one time or another. "I've got no one left to lie to, even if I tried to/I've got no one left to lie to but myself." Powerful stuff...

"Wake Up Call" features a cool descending guitar lick that co-writer Jeff Silbar came up with. The tune ends up having a bit of a Latin feel, even down to Castro's guitar solo which shows the influence of his good friend Carlos Santana to good effect.

"The Holdin' On," like the first track on the disc, is another Castro/Bowe tune that reminds me of the E Street Band, or maybe a little like Gary "U.S" Bonds; in other words, true American rockin' Soul. It features some stingin' guitar licks from Tommy and some more impressive sax work from Keith Crossan.

"Take Me Off The Road" starts off with a slow boil, teasing us and building tension, with some nice Fender Rhodes type piano from Pugh and some more slinky guitar. The great lyric hook is in the line, "You can take me off the road, but you can't take the road off of me." Later in the song, the rhythm section of bassist Randy McDonald and drummer Chris Sandoval kick it up a few notches and the promise of a full out John Lee Hooker boogie comes to fruition.

You might be able to guess that "The Crossanova" features Keith Crossan, but this time, surprisingly on the flute. It's a very cool instrumental, with some very funky guitar that brings yet another flavor to the overall mix on the album.

This excellent disc winds things up with "Big Love," the funkiest track on the album. Tommy's vocal begins with a smoother, deeper timbre than usual and then alternates that with his normal soulful rasp. The New Directions lend their vocal support and the band sounds like they must have had a blast, with McDonald's percolating bass line leading the way. Castro whips out some wah-wah guitar and Armando Morales adds some conga drumming.

As the track is fading out, you realize that Castro, his band, and fellow collaborators took their time together to try to make the best collection of songs they could and I feel they were successful in producing a release that will hold up over time and repeated listens.

As good as this disc sounds, where these songs really work is live on stage. I recently saw the band in a club setting and they played almost the entire album in their first set. The songs came off great and the fans seemed to really take to the new material. So if you get the chance, catch the Tommy Castro Band when they come near your town and pick up a copy of Soul Shaker from Tommy himself. The big smile you'll get comes free with every copy.

Don "T-Bone" Erickson is a founding editor of BluesWax

 

Joan

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

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