“Well in my case the blues has taken me to many place around the world. So have experienced many other cultures. As humans we are all the same!”

Tommy Castro: Close To The (Blues) Bone

On Friday, February 7, 2025, Alligator Records will release Closer To The Bone, the new album from award-winning, California-based blues and rock sensation Tommy Castro. Castro is the guitar slinging, soul-singing leader of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers. Closer To The Bone is the most unvarnished, straight-ahead blues release of Castro’s career, one that bristles with every ounce of his dynamic energy and raw emotion. On Closer To The Bone (Castro’s 8th Alligator release), Castro and his Painkillers – bassist Randy McDonald, keyboardist Mike Emerson and drummer Bowen Brown – mix new Castro originals (Ain’t Worth The Heartache, Can’t Catch A Break, Crazy Woman Blues) with songs originally performed by many of Castro’s friends and heroes.                  (Tommy Castro / Photo by Dragan Tasic)

Castro has released 17 previous albums over the course of his four-decade career as a professional touring musician. Each record has its own individual sound and style, ranging from horn-fueled R&B to piping hot blues and soul to fiery, stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll. Closer To The Bone was produced by master guitarist and studio wizard Christoffer “Kid” Andersen (producer of over 100 albums), at his now-famous Greaseland Studio in San Jose, California. On song after song, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers deliver one raw, inspired performance after another.

Interview by Michael Limnios                   Photos by Dragan Tasic

Special Thanks: Tommy Castro & Marc Lipkin (Alligator Records)

How has the Blues influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Well in my case the blues has taken me to many place around the world. So have experienced many other cultures. As humans we are all the same! 

How do you think that you have grown as an artist and what has remained the same about your music-making process? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I have grown a lot. When I started my career a had a lot to learn but I had a record deal and a bunch of gigs. I feel like I have over time grown into my art. I am more authentic these days. For me it will always be more soul than technique.  

Why do you think that Alligator Records continues to generate such a devoted following?

Quality artists and product! No one has more experience than Alligator when it comes to blues and roots music.

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album Closer To The Bone?

Working mostly at Greaseland with Kid Andersen, every step of the way is interesting. We also have a lot of laughs ! It’s hard to get any work done because we’re having such a good time!

”I write songs from the heart. I write about life. My latest release is more of a tribute to the traditional blues of the past. So a little different for me.” (Tommy Castro / Photo by Dragan Tasic)

What characterise “Closer To The Bone” philosophy and songbook? Why do you choose “Woke Up And Smelled The Coffee” (a song written by Chris Cain) as a first single?

A record I've always wanted to make. A real blues record, the way they would have made them back in the day. Here, I’m not the contemporary guy, not the rock guy, not the soul guy. This is the deeper blues side of me. I know, with these songs, I am at my most authentic. These are not the obvious artists people generally cover, and that was most definitely on purpose. I always liked the song. Since it's been almost 40 years since he recorded it, I thought I would do my own version. People cover B.B. King and Buddy Guy, why not Chris Cain? He’s as relevant an artist as anyone who ever played the blues.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past?

Space between the notes!

What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I hope that young people find this music like they did in the 60’s.  

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

There is no easy way to do this. No-one owes me a career. I have to forge it for myself and the people who work with me. BTW Randy Mc Donald, Is still with me and is a big help to me running the business.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? 

It’s the best music in my opinion. It must be preserved for future generations !

What is the role of music in today’s society?

Hard to say, but I wouldn’t want to live in a world without music

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I write songs from the heart. I write about life. My latest release is more of a tribute to the traditional blues of the past. So a little different for me.

Tommy Castro - Home

(Tommy Castro / Photo by Dragan Tasic)