Customer Reviews

Exception to the Rule

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was first introduced to Tommy Castro when he played our local blues series here in Kalamazoo a few years ago. Since then I have seen him several times and he always puts on a great show. He has built quite a loyal following here and every time he plays our local 1500 seat theater (which is just about every year) he sells it out. Castro is a very good guitarist and he has a great blues voice. His music tends to incorporate a lot of R & B and soul into his traditional blues sound that provides a fun good time vibe to much of his material. His main foil in his band is saxophonist Keith Crossan who wails on his instrument and often shares lead duties with Tommy's Guitar. This album is a bit less soul oriented than some of his later releases and there is some really tasty stuff to be found on the record. Tommy writes all of the material with the exception of two excellent covers, Leon Russell's "Me And My Guitar", and Buddy Guy's all instrumental "Can't Quit The Blues". Of the Castro originals "Had Enough", "Nasty Habits", "Sho Enough", and especially "How Long Must I Cry" are solid blues workouts. If you are a fan of guitar blues with a bit of R & B and Soul mixed in, check out Tommy Castro.

THIS IS TOMMY CASTRO SECOND BEST CD,CAN`T GET A GOOD MAN DOWN BEING THE FIRST.I LIKE THIS CD VERY MUCH.THIS IS GOOD BLUES ROCK WITH A LOT OF GOOD SOLO`S.I DISAGREE WITH ANYONE THAT SAYS THAT TOMMY CASTRO IS NOT A GREAT GUITAR PLAYER.AND WHEN HE PLAYS THE BLUES AND STAYS AWAY FROM TRYING TO PLAY SOULMUSIC LIKE THE LIVE CD,HE`S A GREAT LISTEN.I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS CD.

EXCEPTION TO THE RULE by TOMMY CASTRO just rocks. It has a good blend of blues, soul and rock that is totally lacking from most of the music that is popular today. (Can u say N'SYNC or BRITTNEY SPEARS). Tommy has a great soulful voice, and on this album his backing band is top notch. Being from the San Francisco area, I have heard of Tommy for awhile and I can say that I dig his music. HOW LONG MUST I CRY is a slow blues song that Tommy really delivers the goods on. HAD ENOUGH, EXCEPTION TO THE RULE, NASTY HABITS, SHO' ENOUGH are rockin songs that showcase the bands talents as a whole. If you are a fan of the blues and of good music, then I highly recommend this album for you.

"Exception to the Rule" is one of my favorite blues/rock CD's that I've purchased in awhile. Tommy has a great, soulful voice that meshes perfectly with each song. I also find his guitar playing to be exceptional. His tone is clean, and his licks are tasty and well-placed. He also knows how to burn up the fretboard when called for, such as on the great original blues tune "How Long Must I Cry". Other favorites with excellent solos are "Nasty Habits" and the cover of "Me and My Guitar". Add to this mix a tight backing band that really knows how to jam and you have all you could want in a blues/rock cd. I'm seeing Tommy with B.B. King and Buddy Guy this weekend. Can't wait to see him live!

Castro can play and sing with the best of 'em. The addition of the saxaphone really takes it to a different, more R nad B level. That element gives his blues and wider range and gives his sound a trademark that seperates him from others. I like my blues a little more on the energetic side rather than the slow-burning side, and he delivers it here.

This is some hot blues, played by one REALLY hot guitarist...the singin' is pretty tough,too!

Tommy Castro is a GUITAR PLAYER. 'nuff said. If you like GUITAR PLAYERS then you will like this album. I'm listening to the album as I'm typing this and I have to say that Tommy is one of the most underated GUITAR PLAYERS most people have never heard. Buy this album - You will not be disappointed. Somebody out there must be offering a money back guarantee 'cause it's a safe bet. BUY IT!

I walked into a store in San Franciso and heard this album back in 1995 and had to have it. Blues/rock with losts of energy. 'This soul of mine' highlights Castro's guitar and voice. 'How long must I cry' shows his mastery of the slow blues intensive style as well.

A fantastic listen. Tommy's second release is just as good as the first, (if not better). All the songs on this CD are a real upbeat, straight forward, turn up the volume, collection of great tunes. "Nasty Habits" is my favorite. "How Long Must I Cry" is the ultimate blues tune. And "Can't Quit The Blues" will make you wan't to listen to the entire CD all over again! If you get a chance to see him live in concert, do it. Tommy Castro is an incredible showman. This is a fantastic collection of power blues.

Tommy Castro has the energy and polish of a true master. This, his first Blind Pig effort, exemplifies his guitar mastery and vocal talents. Keith Crossan's smooth sax adds to the groove of this "get up and shake your booty" music. Check out Track 3, "Nasty Habits" it was voted one of the top songs of the year by Dan Akroyd and the House of Blues! This band has it all, baby!