VARIOUS ARTISTS

TOMMY CASTRO presents THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE

With Michael “Iron Man” Burks, Janiva Magness, Debbie Davies, Sista Monica Parker, Rick Estrin, Joe Louis Walker, Theodis Ealey and Trampled Under Foot

Alligator Records

By Dawn O’Keefe Williams

Tommy Castro’s new CD takes you along on a journey as he features an award-winning group of performers that shared the stage with him on the actual Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, October 2010.  With each performer comes their own distinct style that covers traditional blues, funk, R&B, and a little something in between.  What’s great about these live recordings on this CD is that it catches the musicians in their real skin as opposed to studio recordings that are pretty much structured.

The CD starts out with Castro’s rockin’ blues on “Wake Up Call”.  It’s tinged with a hint of jazz as it incorporates a strong horn section that compliments Castro’s sizzling solo and striking, clear vocals.  Then the band goes into short and tasteful solos featuring almost every instrument.  You can just feel the energy as Castro and his ace quintet are “in the zone” performing beyond their best.

On the second song “Gotta Serve Somebody,” written by Bob Dylan, Castro and his band deliver a great rhythm section that pulls you in.  The backup vocals are clean and tight, as well as a nice surprise.

Castro covers Percy Mayfield’s “Serves Me Right To Suffer” for the final track. He kicks off with a mid-tempo groove then shakes it up, going full speed ahead, as the bandleader demonstrates his incredible prowess on guitar. The tune, and the CD, ends with the sound of Castro’s soulful voice.

Except for Michael Burks and Trampled Under Foot, Castro and his band played behind each performer.  Their professionalism is stellar as the guest performers are always upfront and present in each recording and are not drowned out by any of the instruments.

Although each featured performer on the CD was part of the Cruise, some of the recordings are from other venues such as Knuckleheads in Kansas City, MO where Michael “Iron Man” Burks and Trampled Under Foot were recorded. Also Joe Louis Walker was recorded at State Theater in Kalamazoo, MI and Janiva Magness at Warren Fairgrounds in Santa Barbara, CA just to name a few performers and locations.  Kudos to the Chicago team that recorded, mixed and mastered this venture, which was produced by both Tommy Castro and Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records.  There is no difference in sound quality as you listen to each song.  This is not an easy undertaking when you are recording in different rooms and outdoor venues.  Each song has striking clarity both vocally and with the instruments as well.

Every performer on this recording delivers something different such as Janiva Magness singing a funky “Think” and Sista Monica Parker’s “Never Say Never,” a slow blues that features her smooth vocals.

Guitar slinger Debbie Davies demonstrates why in 2010 she won the Blues Music Awards “Best Traditional Female Artist” as she performs “All I Found,” a slow blues that presents not only great vocals, but clear riffs and solos.

Theodis Ealey’s original “This Time I Know” brings back the R&B feel reminiscent of Al Green. Rick Estrin (Little Charlie & The Nightcats) shows his brand of jump blues with “My Next Ex-Wife”.  Then there’s a blend of R&B and funk with Joe Louis Walker as he covers “It’s A Shame”.   Michael Burks puts his Mojo on you with “Voodoo Spell” a lusty slow blues that smacks of the Delta and then kicks into a higher groove.

Castro, a four time award winner from the Blues Music Awards in 2010, is sure to be accepting awards again for this fine endeavor.  Tommy Castro Presents The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue is a sure hit and is highly recommended. 

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