Tommy Castro, the Bay Area’s soulful blues legend, has been a driving force in the music world for decades. He is known for his gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals. As a beacon of the blues, Castro has maintained a dynamic career showcasing his deep love for traditional and contemporary blues, a genre he respects and continues to evolve. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Tommy to discuss his influences, career milestones, and upcoming show at the Hop Monk Tavern in Novato, California.
Castro’s journey into the blues world began in his early days in San Jose, California, where he found inspiration through national and local acts. “Elvin Bishop was a huge influence for me,” Castro recalled. “When I was a teenager, I’d catch Elvin every chance I got. He’d play shows around the Bay Area. He was a national act who played Woodstock and had hit records on AM radio back in the day.”
Blues legends weren’t the only artists to capture Castro’s attention. The unique Bay Area sound that fused rock, soul, and blues also significantly shaped his style. “I started listening to FM radio—KSAN, KOME, KSJO,” he said. “It was the beginning of rock radio, and back then, DJs had more control over their shows. You could hear Tower of Power, Sly Stone, Santana, Cold Blood, and more. They had a big influence on me.”
While Castro’s influences rooted him in tradition, his career skyrocketed after a few pivotal moments. One such moment came when he was invited to open for the legendary B.B. King and Buddy Guy, an opportunity that launched his band into the national blues scene. “We did 90 shows opening for B.B. King and Buddy Guy. That put us on the map in a big way,” Castro shared. “Later, we got signed to Blind Pig Records and Alligator Records, allowing us to leave town and tour nationally.”
Another unique moment in Castro’s career was his appearance on an NBC television show, Comedy Showcase, where his band played bump music between stand-up comics. “That gave us some national exposure,” he said. “We were on right after Saturday Night Live.”
Over the years, Castro has stayed connected with his roots, particularly in the Bay Area’s blues scene. When asked about the state of the blues in the region, he spoke with optimism. “We still play a lot of shows in the Bay Area, but we have to space things out so we don’t oversaturate the market,” he explained. “For the most part, though, we’re on the road, either on our bus touring the country or flying to Europe. But every time we come home, we’ve got fans and friends waiting for us.”
The cyclical nature of the blues scene is something Castro has witnessed firsthand. “Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, there was a blues explosion with artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robert Cray on the radio,” he said. “Now, it’s coming back around again. There’s a strong blues audience in the Bay Area, and it’s great to see.”
Castro’s latest project, A Bluesman Came to Town, is a testament to his dedication to the genre. The concept album, described by Castro as a “blues opera,” tells the story of a young man’s journey into the blues world. The record, a first-of-its-kind endeavor for Castro, was inspired by the classic hero’s journey narrative. “I had just read The Alchemist, and that gave me the idea to create a blues story,” he said. “It’s about a kid from a small town who wants more out of life, and one day, a bluesman comes to town and exposes him to the blues. That’s where his journey begins.”
Creating a narrative-driven album presented its own set of challenges for Castro. “It was the first time I tried anything like that,” he said. “It was a little scary. You not only have to write a batch of good songs, but they also need to tell a story and go in sequence. Plus, you need variation—different tempos, grooves, and styles—to keep the album flowing.”
But Castro wasn’t working alone. His longtime collaborator, Tom Hambridge, who has produced albums for Buddy Guy and ZZ Top, helped bring the project to life. “Tom is the best blues producer in the country right now,” Castro said. “He co-wrote the album with me, and we had the luxury of time during the COVID lockdowns to really craft the songs and make them what they are.”
While A Bluesman Came to Town marks a creative departure for Castro, his next album promises a return to his roots. “I’ve always wanted to make a straight-up traditional blues album,” he said, excitement evident in his voice. “Everything we’ve done has been a mix of blues, soul, rock, and R&B, but this next record, Closer to the Bone, is pure blues. It’s half covers, half originals, and it’s the real deal—just lowdown blues.”
This upcoming album also holds personal significance for Castro. “I recorded a piece for Johnny Nitro, a great friend and Bay Area blues artist who’s no longer with us,” he shared. “Another track is a nod to Ron Thompson, another Bay Area bluesman who deserves more recognition.”
As Castro looks ahead to his show at the Hop Monk Tavern in Novato, he’s eager to reconnect with his hometown fans. “We always have a great time at hometown gigs,” he said. “Some people have been coming to our shows for 30 years, and they’ve brought their kids, and now their kids are bringing their kids. It’s a full-circle moment.”
For Castro, playing in the Bay Area is more than just another gig—it reflects his life and career. “When I look out at the audience, I see the story of my life over the last 30 years,” he said. “It’s really wonderful to have that connection with people.”
As the interview concluded, it was clear that Castro’s journey is far from over. Whether crafting concept albums or paying tribute to the blues legends who came before him, Tommy Castro remains a vital and evolving force in the blues world. And for Bay Area fans, his upcoming shows promise to be another chapter in his rich musical legacy.
Catch Tommy Castro and the Painkillers at Hop Monk Tavern in Novato on September 22nd. Tickets are available at kcturnerpresents.com. For more information on Tommy’s music and tour dates, visit tommycastro.com.
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