Tommy Castro and The Painkillers

Jeff Crosby 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 his 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 that span a wide stylistic range—from horn-driven R&B and hot-blooded soul to gritty, stripped-down rock and electric blues. With his latest and eighth Alligator Records release, Closer To The Bone, Castro returns to his roots, delivering what he calls “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. The album features standout originals like Ain’t Worth The Heartache, Can’t Catch A Break, and Crazy Woman Blues, alongside deep-cut covers of songs by Castro’s friends and influences—Johnny Nitro, Magic Slim, Ron Thompson, Chris Cain, and more. Guest appearances include Rick Estrin, Billy Branch, Deanna Bogart, Chris Cain, Jim Pugh, and gospel harmonies from The Sons Of The Soul Revivers. Born in San Jose in 1955, Castro picked up the guitar at age 10 and was inspired by icons like Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, and Mike Bloomfield. He absorbed everything from Ike & Tina Turner to John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy, developing a uniquely uplifting and soulful style rooted in blues, R&B, and funk. After early stints with Bay Area bands including NiteCry and The Dynatones, Castro formed the first Tommy Castro Band in 1992. Castro’s career took off when his band became the house band on NBC’s Comedy Showcase, airing after Saturday Night Live. He soon built a reputation as a must-see live act, touring relentlessly and releasing acclaimed albums with Blind Pig, Telarc, 33rd Street, and eventually Alligator Records, where his 2009 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), and A Bluesman Came To Town (2021), which AllMusic hailed as “a towering achievement.” Castro is one of the most decorated artists in contemporary blues, winning 10 Blues Music Awards, including four B.B. King Entertainer of the Year honors—the genre’s highest accolade. His no-frills, 150-shows-a-year approach has earned him a fiercely loyal fanbase and praise from legends like Joe Bonamassa, who 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 all back to deliver an album brimming with grit, fire, and authenticity. “This is the deeper blues side of me,” says Castro. “With these songs, I am at my most authentic.” Jeff Crosby ‘ANOTHER PETAL FALLS OFF THE ROSE,’ OUT NOW! “Superb guitar playing…incredibly stunning songs” - Americana UK “Jeff Crosby is an uncompromising American songwriting voice and a powerhouse guitarist.” - Dave Schools (Widespread Panic) Born and raised in a quiet mountain town in Northern Idaho, singer-songwriter Jeff Crosby has carved out a distinct voice in the Americana genre. His songs unfold like intimate diary entries, capturing the rugged beauty of love, loss, and the restless pursuit of life on the move. With his seventh studio album, ‘Another Petal Falls Off of the Rose’, Jeff Crosby embraces a new sonic direction, blending expansive arrangements with themes of redemption and forgiveness. Produced by Dave Schools of Widespread Panic, the album evokes the beauty of Idaho sunsets and showcases Crosby’s evolving sound. In addition to his solo work, Crosby has co-written songs with Reckless Kelly (“Only See You With My Eyes Closed”) and Micky & the Motorcars (“Hold This Town Together”). His Idaho anthem,“Where I’m From (Idaho),” features Willy & Cody Braun. Based in Austin, TX, Crosby and his band have toured extensively across the US and Europe, sharing the stage with artists like Robert Earl Keen, Reckless Kelly, Widespread Panic, and Jerry Joseph. Known for his distinctive voice and emotive songwriting, Crosby remains a key figure in Americana music.