TOMMY CASTRO PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE -- LIVE ! NOW AVAILABLE.

TOMMY CASTRO PRESENTS

THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE -- LIVE!

RELEASED JUNE 7, 2011

NOW AVAILABLE

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Alligator Records continues its 40th anniversary celebration with the June 7 release of TOMMY CASTRO PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE -- LIVE!. Award-winning soul/blues/R&B vocalist and guitar dynamo Tommy Castro is the honorary Captain of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruises, where internationally famous blues stars perform together on the open seas of the Pacific and the Caribbean. Inspired by the thrilling, no-holds-barred jam sessions on the ship, Castro decided to bring the excitement and musical spontaneity of these gigs on the road. Leading the Revue, he brings the spirit and energy of the onboard jamming to audiences all across the country.

TOMMY CASTRO PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE -- LIVE! is a white-hot collection of the highest highlights from the Revue's recent live performances. In addition to Castro's stellar fretwork and blue-eyed soul vocals, the album features harmonica master Rick Estrin, charismatic vocalist Janiva Magness, guitar giant Michael "Iron Man" Burks, award-winning string-bender Debbie Davies, soul man Theodis Ealey, R&B belter Sista Monica Parker, acclaimed singer/guitarist Joe Louis Walker and the 2008 International Blues Challenge Award winners, rising stars Trampled Under Foot.

Since the start of his career, Tommy Castro has been on a non-stop mission to bring his blistering brand of blues and his stellar band to as many people as possible. Between his fiery, no-holds-barred shows -- supported by his two-time Blues Music Award-winning Band Of The Year -- and his leading role in The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, Castro is succeeding beyond all expectations. In May 2010, he won four 2010 Blues Music Awards -- more than any other artist that year -- including, for the second time in his career, the coveted B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year Award (the very highest award a blues performer can receive) as well as the award for Contemporary Blues Male Artist Of The Year and Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year (for his latest Alligator studio CD, HARD BELIEVER). The Tommy Castro Band won the award for Band Of The Year. Blues Revue, who put Tommy on the cover of the magazine, says, "Tommy Castro can do no wrong...soulful, heartfelt vocals, and exquisite, stellar guitar work. A seamless blend of blues, gospel-flavored R&B, soul and roadhouse rock.

The Revue gives Castro the opportunity to present a joyous, all-star R&B party. With guest stars changing with each performance, no two Revue shows are alike, but all are full of boisterous energy and stunning musicianship. With TOMMY CASTRO PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE -- LIVE!, fans have an invitation to climb on board and embark on the never-ending blues and R&B party hosted by the amazing Tommy Castro.

 

On the record:

Janiva Magness won the coveted 2009 Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year and for Contemporary Blues Female Artist Of The Year, an honor she also received in 2006 and 2007. USA Today declared, "Magness is a blues star."

Rick Estrin ranks among the very best harp players, singers and songwriters in the blues world. After years on the road with guitarist Little Charlie Baty, Estrin now fronts the jumping, swinging California-based band Rick Estrin & The Nightcats.

Michael "Iron Man" Burks' powerful presence, riveting guitar work and soul-shaking vocals make him one of the blues' fastest-rising stars. Burks' first Alligator release, MAKE IT RAIN, was named as one of the Top 200 greatest guitar recordings by GuitarOne magazine.

Debbie Davies, former second guitarist for Albert Collins, has released eleven albums and become one of the finest blues players on today's scene. People magazine says, "Davies' playing is extraordinary, full of propulsion, energy and melodic invention." She won the Blues Music Award for Contemporary Blues Female Artist Of The Year in 1997 and the 2010 award for Traditional Blues Female Artist Of The Year.

Sista Monica Parker's gospel-drenched R&B singing has won her international acclaim. Blues Revue declared, "She's star material all the way." She's shared stages with Koko Taylor, Etta James, The Neville Brothers and many others, while releasing nine CDs.

Kansas City-based Trampled Under Foot, made up of two brothers and a sister, has become one of the blues circuit's hottest bands since winning first place at the 2008 International Blues Challenge.

Atlanta-based Theodis Ealey's old-school soul vocals and guitar have made him a star on the "chitlin' circuit." He's released a series of critically acclaimed CDs and scored a major soul hit with Stand Up In It in 2004.

Joe Louis Walker's blues career began when he was still a teenager and has covered 40 years and over 20 albums. With his gospel-inflected vocals and high energy guitar work, he's won such awards as 2010's Living Blues Critics' Poll for Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar) and four Blues Music Awards.

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