Closer To The Bone (2025)

""Closer To The Bone" is Tommy Castro's first album in four years. It includes some of the finest originals in Castro's long career, including the gospel-blues "Child Don't Go," the title track, and "I Want To Go Back Home." It may initially seem odd that after four years, the guitar slinger and band return with a set that includes only three originals; the remainder are covers written by Castro's friends and heroes. It contains the raw, unpolished blues (not blues rock) songs his last album's protagonist would play in roadhouses. The Painkillers remain keyboardist Mike Emerson, bassist/backing vocalist Randy McDonald, and drummer Bowen Brown. The album was produced by Christoffer "Kid" Andersen, who plays numerous instruments. Further, Castro invited a large cast of guests including saxophonist Deanna Bogart, Chris Cain, Rick Estrin, a full horn section, and more." (AllMusic; 4 uit 5 sterren)