Letters

March 31, 2008
I was first introduced to the Tommy Castro Band a couple of months ago here in Charlotte, NC. This is the greatest music I’ve heard in many years. I haven’t been this moved by music in many yeras. I was beginning to think they just weren’t making any real music any more. I just really wanted to thank you for opening my eyes and ears. The Painkiller CD is definitely the best CD I’ve ever owned. I just about can’t listen to anything else after hearing it. I guess you get the message. It moves me like no other. Thanks again, and thanks for four hours of fantastic music with the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue. I hope I can make the cruise in January 2009.
Your most appreciative fan,
Kim Chapman

July 20, 2007
From Reggio Catalbia – Italy
Hi Tommy, with my wife we have assisted to your concert to the B. B. King in New York in the month of June 2007. With your Band you have made us spend an unforgettable evening that we will ever forget. I hope to be able to see as soon as possible one concert of yours in Italy. A regard Paul.

July 14, 2007
Another outstanding, high energy show at The Palms in Winters last night! Tommy’s vocals were right on, and his lyrics deal with themes that everyone can relate to. As usual his guitar soared and the band was very tight. Love how the band interacts with the audience. They are very good at mixing up their sets so that each song sounds fresh, which can be a challenge for blues artists. These guys are in a great groove, and I’m looking forward to seeing them again soon.
JL

May 11, 2007
I was on the January 2007 LBC and it was a joy seeing you all once again Friday the 4th in Medina, MN. Brought your newest CD, “Painkiller,” home with me from Medina. WOW!!! Now i have a new favorite. The whole CD is awesome. Very up-beat and lively. I LUV to dance so if the music gets me movin and groovin, I’m in heaven. Painkiller killed any pains I had (with the exception of my poor feet). LUV the whole CD but “Goin’ Down South” is my absolute favorite.
There is really no way you could replae the taste and feel onboard ship, but you gave it a hell of a try and managed to convey the essence of what makes the LBC special: “Great music” and “Great performers”. Keep up the good work!!!
Hope to see you again when you’re “up-north.”
“If you keep making the music and spreading the world–they will come”

May 9, 2007
I fear to say I have a tad bit of blues inadequete after seeing the show last friday at the Medina Ballroom in Minnesota. I say that for the reason that there’s a lotta summer left, and thanks to yous guys…. I’ve already witnessed the “Gig of the Summer”…. NA ha… the “Gig of Ever!!!!!!” What a night…It just doesn’t get any better. Tommy, first off I thank you for bringing the players together to join the hottest band going. You truly are “The Chairman of the Board” to toss aside egos, and present a palethera of talent. Deanna was first so let’s start with her. Know of her but never witnessed her live before and….My oh My…..From the dazzlin ivories.. the voice… and then some killer sax…. Lady, you are now the Queen of my court, and I’m sure I’m not alone. As I’m only singling out your guests for now, Magic Dick was next, and not only did he blow the harp to the next degree, but his touch of humour added a nice spice to the show. And then along came Ronnie… the Baker Brooks… and talk about a butt whoppin…. there’s no other word to use but “absolutely incredible”. I really appreciated him talkin about poppa Lonnie and what it was like to grow up in that arena. Loved how his facial expressions, shared the thought of the music. The pace of the show, the song selection, just everything…. it was pure magic. Let me tell you something Mr. Tommy… your persona and the fact that you all came out and talked to the people during break. Well that just makes who you are a little bit better, as the people get to know what’s inside. I loved sharing the story with Magic Dick about an unknown band that fronted Johnny Winter, at First Ave. in Minneapolis a few years back. The front guys got FIVE encores, the crowd was going absolutely nuts. Upon Johnny’s approach to the Microphone, all he said was “How the F____ do you follow that?” Did I happen to mention the front band was the unheard of….J Geils Band! Wow. Life’s a wonderfull experience…. But the show Friday was one of those nights I’ll never forget. It doen’s get any better than the best of the best havin a little jam. Unbelieveable… I’ve witnessed some of the best in Chicago… but what you guys showed us on this night… All I can say is Thanks… thanks for the musical highlight of my life! And please please, before it’s all done and put aside… please please try to do the DVD. Promised brother Ray I’d lobby for that. Oh just one more thing. That 8:00 AM bus departure that Dick kept bitchin about. Zip it Magic… I was watching you out my motel window… and the bus didn’t pull away until 8:50 ha ha. It’s not any easy life you put up with to bring what you do for us… and we do appreciate it. All I could think of as you headed out Highway 55 was… Adios Amigos.. Much Love….. Muchos Gracias… Hasta Luego… Hasta Pronto
Jim Halloran
T/C Blues News

May 7, 2007
I saw you last night in Champaign, IL… LOVE THE SHOW!!!
The 4 of you were really smoking ALL NIGHT long… I stood in front of the stage throuth the whole show… Loving every min. of it. See you next time you are in C.ILL.
Caroline

May 7, 2007
We saw you guys in West Dundee Saturday night. The show was awesome!!! We cannot stop thinking about it. The energy that filled the room was incredible. Talk about a rush!!! We really enjoyed it. We had seen you before and Ronnie before, but what an experience watching you both play with each other. Not to mention Deanna. That girl was holding her own against all of you. And Magic Dick was incredible. Thanks for such a great time.
Art & Jen

May 3, 2007
I just want to say thank you to Tommy and all the players in the LRBR tour for allowing me to jam with the band Wednesday at the Cotillion in Wichita, KS. It is extremely cool for you to invite a local unknown player like myself to sit in. I had a blast! Everyone I met in your organization, for the players to the crew, were very cool and welcomed me. And what a show you put on!
All of the players in the LRBR are supremely talented, and to have all of you on stage at once is just incredible. And Tommy, Carlos Santana is absolutely right about you. you play with the right intentions. You are an inspiration to me and I’m sure many others as well. I’m looking forward to seeing you the next time you come through.
Marc Westerman
Wichita, KS

April 15, 2007
Hey Tommy.
Thanks for a great concert in Denmark. Nice to hear you play live. Thanks for the talk after the concern.
Joergen Dam

April 14, 2007
Thanks a lot for your fantastic and emotional concert in Paris at the New Morning. Come back quickly!!!
Your fans,
Patricia & Thierry

April 14, 2007
My name is Ilze. I was in your concert in Riga, Latvia. I am honoured that from you Europe tour you have choosed Latvia, Lithuania and France. And I am so happy I choosed to go to the concert. First reaction — please come back again. tommy was right by saying “there are blues lovers in the house.” We really are. The pity is we can not buy your CD in Riga (I looked for the new album), but I will find it somehow. I was excited about the evening, feeling, songs. So, come again and stay a little longer (for some jazz music event for example) just to see how big blues lovers we are.
Thank you,
Ilze

April 13, 2007
Really happy to see you one more time at the New Morning tonight. Your new record is one of the best you’ve made. you are for me and friends simply “the best.”
See you after the show
Sincerely,
Stephanie Maniette

February 22, 2007
Hey Tommy and gang… WOW!!! The Legendary Blues Revue was over the TOP! I’ve known Tommy personally for about eight years and he and his band and everyone he works with step up to the plate and give everything they have. The Legendary Blues Revue show on January 28 in Charlotte, NC at The Neighborhood Theatre was unbelievable. Deanna Bogart IS the hardest working lady in the Blues. She was on state from start to finish and Ronnie Baker Brooks and Magic Dick brought their “A” games and we didn’t sit down all night. Thanks for another great night of Blues. Congratulations on “Painkiller” and I’ll see you on the Legendary Blues Cruise in October.
Rick Ballew.

January 11, 2007
I just got the new CD in the mail, and it’s awesome. I’m impressed that you guys continue to put out good albums consistently. The production is clean and punchy without being overdone. I hurt one of my fingers at work today when the tip of it got caught under a 300 lb. crate. We’re not sure if it’s fractured, but it really hurts, and I had to laugh at the irony of getting a CD called Painkiller in the mail the same day. It hasn’t killed the pain, but it has eased it some. I can’t wait to see you guys live again. I read that you are going to be at the Beale St. Musicfest in Memphis this year, and I hope that’s true. Take care and good luck for 2007.
Mark Morris
Tennessee

February 8, 2007
Tommy and guys, My husband and I are huge fans and were on the Delbert cruise. We bought Painkiller on the ship and can’t get enough of it! Your best yet.
Marsha Dalla

February 8, 2007
Guys I just picked up your new “Painkiller” cd and it lives up to it’s name, it’s a “killer” album. Not to detract from all the other great TCB albums like “Right As Rain”, “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down”, “Gratitude” etc., but “Painkiller” is your best yet, full of that raw energy and great rockin’ rhythm, blues & funk. I particularly like the title track, plus “Big Sister’s Radio”, “A Good Fool is Hard to Find” and “It Ain’t Easy Being Me”. Having Coco Montoya, Angela Strehli & David Maxwell on the album is a nice added bonus. I’m absolutely thrilled we’re going to get to see you Tommy, along with Randy, Keith & Chris on stage at The Yale in Vancouver in late March (it’s been 3.5 years since you were last there), and then again on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise in October. Lookin’ forward to the great TCB “Live”.
R.B. Murray
Canada

February 8, 2007
I managed to listen to “Painkiller” in my car driving through the Warsaw traffic.
This is surely Tommy’s best album to date!!! Just great piece of good fun music so hard to find anywhere else these days. His voice never sounded better, his guitar licking on the highest level and Jon Porter’s production really outstanding. I hope is sells as well as it sounds! And I’m really excited to listening to John Nemeth and The Rounders tonight. I’m gonna play some of Tommy’s tracks on my radio show on Sunday, February 11th (Trojka FM, public, all nation).
Best regards
Jan
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