Tommy Castro and The Painkillers

Multiple award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Tommy Castro is a California-based blues and rock powerhouse. For over four decades he’s captivated audiences with soul-drenched vocals, searing guitar work, and high-energy live shows. As frontman of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, he’s released 17 albums spanning horn-driven R&B, hot-blooded soul, gritty rock, and electric blues.

His latest, and his eighth Alligator Records release, is Closer To The Bone. Castro calls it "a real blues record, the way they would have made them back in the day." Produced by guitar master Christoffer "Kid" Andersen at San Jose’s Greaseland Studio, the album is Castro’s rawest and most direct blues effort to date.

Standout originals include:
- Ain't Worth The Heartache
- Can't Catch A Break
- Crazy Woman Blues

The album also includes deep-cut covers of songs by Johnny Nitro, Magic Slim, Ron Thompson, Chris Cain, and more. Guest appearances include:
- Rick Estrin
- Billy Branch
- Deanna Bogart
- Chris Cain
- Jim Pugh
- The Sons Of The Soul Revivers (gospel harmonies)

Born in San Jose in 1955, Castro picked up the guitar at age 10 and was inspired by Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, Mike Bloomfield, Ike & Tina Turner, John Lee Hooker, and Buddy Guy. He developed a uniquely uplifting and soulful style rooted in blues, R&B, and funk.

After early stints with Bay Area bands NiteCry and The Dynatones, he formed the first Tommy Castro Band in 1992. The band became the house band on NBC's Comedy Showcase, which aired after Saturday Night Live. Castro built a reputation as a must-see live act, touring relentlessly and releasing albums on Blind Pig, Telarc, 33rd Street, and Alligator Records. His 2009 Alligator debut Hard Believer marked a new chapter of critical and commercial success.

Notable releases include:
- The Devil You Know (2014)
- Stompin' Ground (2017)
- Killin' It – Live (2019)
- A Bluesman Came To Town (2021), which AllMusic called "a towering achievement."

Castro has won 10 Blues Music Awards, including four B. B. King Entertainer of the Year honors. His no-frills, 150-shows-a-year approach has earned him a fiercely loyal fanbase. As Joe Bonamassa says, "Tommy has always been top of the heap among blues guitar players. He always puts on a great show."

With Closer To The Bone, Tommy Castro strips it back to deliver an album brimming with grit, fire, and authenticity. "This is the deeper blues side of me," he says. "With these songs, I am at my most authentic."