Rock Music Gift Guide: Neil Young, Oasis, Record Plant Studios, Photographer Dennis Morris

In this column I highlight a notable deluxe reissue from Neil Young, as well as three outstanding coffee table hardcover books of interest to music fans.

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Tonight's The Night: 50th Anniversary Edition (Warner/Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: Fans of Neil Young, classic rock and modern-day Americana will all have a myriad of reasons to appreciate receiving a copy of the new remastered 50th Anniversary Edition of Young's 1975 album Tonight's The Night (the album was originally recorded on analog tape in 1973, and released two years later). To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the masterwork, six bonus tracks have been added to the title. The diverse range of material on the first half of the collection includes the haunting title track, bluesy "Speakin' Out," the deeply affecting piano- and harmonica-adorned "Borrowed Time," the gentle "Mellow My Mind," and countrified "Roll Another Number (For The Road)." The magic of the expanded set continues via stellar tracks including the dream-swept Americana folk rocker "Albuquerque," emotive "Tired Eyes," previously-unreleased original version of "Walk On," tender Gram Parsons-flavored "Wonderin'," and melodic Southern rock mining "Raised on Robbery (featuring Joni Mitchell) — the latter three cuts among the bonus tracks included on the collection. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe limited edition of Tonight's The Night is now available on vinyl, audio CD and digitally. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.

Rock 'n' Roll Reads

Title: Oasis: Trying To Find A Way Out Of Nowhere (1994-2009/2025)

Authors: Jill Furmanovsky and Noel Gallagher

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 304 pages
Tell me more: Oasis: Trying To Find A Way Out Of Nowhere chronicles the band Oasis through the skillful lens of photographer Jill Furmanovsky from the 1994 "Definitely Maybe" tour to the tumultuous 2009 "Dig Out Your Soul" tour and the band's triumphant 2025 return. The wonderful hardcover features more than 500 photographs, many of which appear in the volume for the very first time. In addition to Furmanovsky's signature images, Oasis singer-songwriter/guitarist Noel Gallagher penned the book foreword while Furmanovsky wrote an introduction; there are also three informative pieces by author Simon Spence, publicist and writer Johnny Hopkins, and music columnist Laura Barton that revisit Oasis' early, mid and late eras. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Title: Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios

Authors: Martin Porter and David Goggin

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 352 pages
Tell me more: Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios offers a deep dive into the most notable and important recording studios of the 1970s. Authors Martin Porter and David Goggin — both veteran music journalists — used the memoirs and archives of studio cofounder Chris Stone, as well as interviews with more than 100 studio employees, music producers and recording artists to chronicle one of rock music's most seminal decades. From the Record Plant Studios' inception with the groundbreaking Jimi Hendrix recordings in the late 1960s to memorable '70s sessions with the celebrated likes of John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, the insightful writing and archival images brings album rock's golden era to life. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Title: Dennis Morris Music + Life
Authors: Photographer Dennis Morris; text contributions by Stuart Hall, Sean O'Hagan, and Simon Baker & Shear Mavlian

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 272 pages

Tell me more: A retrospective of the amazing career of celebrated British photographer Dennis Morris, Music + Life is the first ever volume that combines Morris' incredible portraits of countless music legends (Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols, Grace Jones, Oasis, the Stone Roses and many more) as well as documentary-styled images examining race, culture and identity in 1970s Great Britain. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Robert Kinsler

Neil Young's 1975 album 'Tonight's The Night' coming as 50th Anniversary Edition

Check out the official media release with details about a 50th Anniversary edition of Neil Young's "Tonight's The Night" album release coming next month...Robert Kinsler

NEIL YOUNG REVISTS 1975 CLASSIC ALBUM TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT WITH 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION FEATURING SIX BONUS TRACKS AND REIMAGINED COVER ART RECORDED IN 1973, DEFINITIVE VERSION NOW CONTAINS 18 SONGS TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 28 VIA WARNER/REPRISE RECORDS

There are certain albums meant to make a difference. Even before they're released into the world, the way they are inspired and then brought to life feel meant to be. And, in 1975, when Neil Young released TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT it was definitely foretold. Young had been recording with new-edge musicians and had written songs that become lifelong inspirations. Recorded in 1973 on analog tape, it was released two years later and has since been regarded as one of Neil's masterpieces. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the album, six bonus tracks have been added to this limited edition release of one of Young's truly inspirational releases.  Many unique additions have been gathered to create the definitive edition of what many have called the third and final installment of the “The Ditch Trilogy." 1975 was a historical time, and the album reflects that. These were turbulent times which saw the end of the Vietnam War, a new president in the White House but nothing would affect Young more than the untimely and tragic passing of two close friends, original Crazy Horse guitarist/vocalist Danny Whitten and devoted road crew member Bruce Berry. In so many ways, Neil Young's music fifty years later is still growing from all that was inspired from the time of TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT. It's a feeling and knowledge was opened up from the songs of the album. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe limited edition will be released on vinyl, CD and digitally. A clear vinyl format is available at Greedy Hand Store and indie retailers. The original artwork has been creatively reimagined for this limited edition release. Included on the new anniversary release are unreleased original versions of "Lookout Joe" and "Walk On," both recorded during the original 1973 album sessions at S.I.R. in Los Angeles. "Lookout Joe" replaces the original released album version that was recorded at Young's Broken Arrow Studio and subsequently included in Tonight’s the Night original release. Both "Lookout Joe" and "Walk On" fit like a glove with the original TTN releases, recorded in the same sessions and have the same vibe. There are also five bonus tracks on the 50TH ANNIVERSARY edition: These versions of "Lookout Joe", "Walk On," and "Tonight's The Night" (Take 3) have never been released. "Everybody's Alone," "Raised on Robbery" (featuring Joni Mitchell,) and "Speakin' Out" Jam appeared in NEIL YOUNG ARCHIVES VOL II, while the unreleased TTN version of “Wonderin'’ from the same sessions has only ever been available to stream on NYA. This is the first time all six bonus tracks from the original sessions have been available on vinyl, making this the most cohesive and true version of Tonight's The Night. In Young's unique career path, all these recordings from such an exciting period of his career and rock & roll itself were opening up new abilities to expand the music, looking towards the future as well as celebrating the past. It was a period for change, even in its earliest adventures.  TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT 50th Anniversary Edition Tracklisting: Tonight’s The Night  Speakin’ Out World On A String Borrowed Tune Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown Mellow My Mind Roll Another Number (For The Road) Albuquerque New Mama Lookout Joe [New 1973 version] Tired Eyes Tonight’s The Night (part II) Bonus Tracks - all from original TTN sessions at S.I.R. Walk On Wonderin’ Everybody’s Alone Raised On Robbery [feat. Joni Mitchell] Speakin’ Out Jam Tonight’s The Night (take 3) All formats will be available at the Greedy Hand Store at Neil Young Archives (NYA) and music retailers everywhere. Hi-res digital audio will be available at Neil Young Archives and most DSPs. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with free hi-res digital audio downloads from the NYA Download Store at NYA. # # # Visit: Neil Young Archives (NYA)

New Music: Joni Mitchell, Blur, Greta Van Fleet, Arthur Alexander

Discerning music fans are in luck! Legendary songstress Joni Mitchell, Britpop pioneers Blur, rising hard rock greats Greta Van Fleet and celebrated singer-songwriter Arthur Alexander have returned with highly-anticipated new albums.

Artist: Joni Mitchell
Title: Joni Mitchell At Newport — Featuring the Joni Jam (Rhino Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Dawes
Tell me more: On July 24, 2022, Joni Mitchell surprised the Newport Folk Festival audience when she gave a surprise performance, her first in 20 years; that appearance also marked the singer-songwriter's return to the Newport stage for the first time since 1969! Now that already-legendary appearance will be released by Rhino Records as a live album on Friday, July 28, 2023 (Joni Mitchell At Newport — Featuring the Joni Jam). Supported by an illustrious group of guest musicians, Mitchell — who had suffered a brain aneurysm rupture in March 2015 and had been undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation leading up to her 2022 performance — participated in a set of her own material and covers. The audio recording captured as part of a set billed as "Brandi Carlile and Friends" a year ago is poignant and historic. From Brandi Carlile's heartfelt introduction and the rousing opener "Big Yellow Taxi" to the joyful close (the inviting sing-along "The Circle Game"), the magic on the recording is genuinely palpable. A melancholic take on "Both Sides Now," stunning piano-anchored "A Case of You," the electric guitar-anchored instrumental "Just Like This Train" featuring Mitchell's distinctive fret work and literate "Amelia" (the latter featuring vocal interplay with Dawes singer Taylor Goldsmith) are early highlights on the title. Other standouts including the buoyant "Carey," luxurious "Come In From The Cold" and moving "Shine."  Among the guests who appear on the live recording with Mitchell include guitarist Tim Hanseroth (guitar, dulcimer), Celisse (guitar, vocals), Ben Lusher (piano), Marcus Mumford (percussion, vocals) and Rick Whitfield (guitar). Co-produced by Carlile and Mitchell, Joni Mitchell At Newport will be released on audio CD, 2-LP black vinyl, on digital and streaming services as well as Dolby Atmos on July 28. Information: JoniMitchell.com.

Artist: Blur
Title: The Ballad of Darren (Warner Records/Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Beck, David Bowie
Tell me more: The Ballad of Darren is the ninth studio album from Blur, and marks the Britpop favorite's first new studio album since 2015's The Magic Whip. The new album finds the English outfit (singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree) using stellar songcraft as they explore midlife with incredible depth and confessional candor. The diverse track listing is filled with originals that entice with a single listen; the inclusion of experimental touches layered atop melodic rock works its wonders magically on the disc. The reflective opener "The Ballad," infectious "The Narcissist" with its explosive finale, edgy "St. Charles Square," wistful "Russian Strings," Baroque pop sortie "The Everglades (For Leonard)" and melancholy-draped "The Heights" are among the amazing songs on this eagerly-awaited return. The Ballad of Darren is available on streaming services, as well as via audio CD and vinyl. Blur will also perform The Ballad of Darren in its entirety via a global livestream event on Tuesday, July 25. Information: blur.co.uk.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Title: Starcatcher (Lave Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Heart
Tell me more: Listening to Greta Van Fleet's third album Starcatcher is to hear how a talented young quartet from Frankenmuth, Michigan have rekindled and captured the magic of '70s rock with an otherworldly and masterful touch. The new 10-track album Starcatcher provides a joyful listen while the outfit explores the duality of fantasy versus reality and the dramatic divide between light and darkness. "We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world," notes band drummer Danny Wagner in press notes related to the album's release on July 21. Singer Josh Kiszka has a distinctive tenor able to reach incredible heights while also bringing an ardent vocal artistry only enhanced by the collective virtuoso chops of guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka and Wagner. The acoustic power ballad "Farewell For Now," the fiery rocker "The Falling Sky," soaring "Sacred The Thread," riff rocker "Frozen Light" and ambitious "Meeting The Master" are among the great cuts on the album. Recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville, Greta Van Fleet utilized a large recording room to capture the pure energy of their concert performances. Information: gretavanfleet.com.

Artist: Arthur Alexander
Title: One Life (Is All You Got) (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Knack, Cheap Trick, Sorrows
Tell me more: Steppin' Out! marks the glorious return of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arthur Alexander, a true musical great who got his start as a "rebel rocker in Soviet-era Poland" before helping elevate power pop in New York City as a member of Sorrows and the Poppees. Steppin' Out! is a joyful listen across its 13 tracks, somehow capturing elements of pop and rock greats from the '60s, '70s and '80s and using those elements to forge Alexander's own signature sound. The album opens with the hard charging single "Woman," a 2 and a half minute blast that blends the best of '60s garage rock and Cheap Trick-styled power pop. The album's strengths continue via a decidedly far-flung mix of great songs; the lovely "It's Not Love Anymore #2" mines '60s rock while showcasing Alexander's original voice as a singer and songwriter — that track is bolstered by Brian Connie's sharp harmonica work and how that plays out amidst the dazzling guitar work of Kevin Keller and Alexander. The modern rocker "(She's A) Red Hot Lover," bewitching "Ashes," crunchy "Why Can't You Come," synth pop gem "A Little Too Much," shimmering "Silver Cloud" and melodic folk rocker "Fly Away" are among the many other fantastic songs on the 13-track album. The album is available on vinyl (in separate black and red versions), as well as via audio CD and on all streaming services. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss their favorite reissues of 2022

Watch the new episode where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss some of their favorite reissues of 2022. Titles from the celebrated likes of Joni Mitchell, The Beach Boys, Neil Young, Rush, Elton John and more are featured! View the episode HERE.

You can also check out Robert's full list of his favorite 22 new reissues and special editions of 2022 HERE.

'TheNews' episode: The Smithereens, Joni Mitchell, Susanna Hoffs, Orianthi, Olivia Newton-John, more!

Watch the latest episode of "TheNews" where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the latest music news headlines to grab their attention. Notable music greats featured on the episode include The Smithereens, Joni Mitchell, Susanna Hoffs, Orianthi, Olivia Newton-John and more!

Watch the episode HERE.

Sights and Sounds: The Killers, Tommy Castro, 2022 MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute

Some pretty exciting news for fans of The Killers, Tommy Castro and a high-profile benefit honoring Joni Mitchell...Robert Kinsler

The Killers Release Deluxe Edition of Their Acclaimed Seventh Album 'Pressure Machine'

Pressure Machine Deluxe Edition Features Reworked, Newly-Realized Versions of Select Album Tracks

 

“Notes From A Quiet Town” Live Film Debuts March 21st on Facebook; 

Click HERE to Watch the Trailer

The Killers will release an expanded, deluxe edition of their critically-lauded seventh studio album, Pressure Machine, on Island Records on March 25, 2022. The deluxe edition of Pressure Machine will feature newly-realized, reimagined versions of select songs from the album, framing the stories they tell in different sonic colors. 

 

Songs like album opener “The West Hills” get both a stripped back, acoustic version, as well as a ghostly, choral rendition. Pressure Machine’s stirring duet “Runaway Horses” with Phoebe Bridgers is re-imagined with a full band. Album closer “The Getting By” is revamped in four different styles, each one highlighting what The Killers do best - perfect choruses, stadium-ready melodies, and the soaring instrumentation that has made them one of the most beloved bands of the last two decades. 

 

The new tracks on Pressure Machine, like the original album, were co-produced by the band, Shawn Everett, and Jonathan Rado (of Foxygen), all of whom worked together on The Killers’ critically-acclaimed album Imploding The Mirage, released in 2020.  

 

On March 21st, in celebration of the deluxe edition’s release, The Killers will also debut a live film entitled “Notes From A Quiet Town” exclusively on Facebook. Featuring three stripped back performances from the band, the film, which is set in frontman Brandon Flowers’ hometown of Nephi, Utah, also includes stories from Nephi locals, much like the album. Click HERE to watch the trailer for the film. 

 

A quieter, character-study-driven album, Pressure Machine made major waves upon its release last summer. The album lives squarely in Nephi, Utah, a close-knit community of 5300 people with no traffic lights, a rubber plant, wheat fields, and the West Hills. Nephi is the place Flowers spent his formative years (10-16), saying “had it not been for advancements in the automotive industry, Nephi in the 90s could have been the 1950s.” The album’s songs are based on the memories and stories of people that impacted him growing up, interspersed with commentary from current Nephi locals about their town. 

 

The resulting record is an aural document of growing up - and living - in the American Southwest, told from a myriad of perspectives. For the first time in his life, Flowers had complete lyrics before a note of music was put to tape. No stranger to inhabiting different characters in songs, on Pressure Machine he steps into the shoes of some of the people whose lives he watched unfold as a teen. The album weaves the threads of Flowers’ signature lyricism throughout his career into a perfect whole culminating in the most elegant album The Killers have ever made. Indeed, Pressure Machine’s stories detail the real life personal battles, overwhelming regrets, local tragedies, and the opioid epidemic that hit Flowers’ hometown, as well as every hometown in America. Flowers sings about the choices people make, for better and for worse, and the consequences of those choices; the ones who were left behind, and the ones that can’t be forgotten.

 

The Killers will be touring throughout North America to celebrate both Pressure Machine and Imploding The Mirage, along with their much-loved catalog of global hits. Tickets for these shows are on sale now. 

 

Pressure Machine Deluxe Edition Tracklist:

1. West Hills
2. Quiet Town
3. Terrible Thing
4. Cody
5. Sleepwalker
6. Runaway Horses
7. In The Car Outside
8. In Another Life
9. Desperate Things
10. Pressure Machine
11. The Getting By
12. "The Getting By II"
13. "The Getting By III"
14. "The Getting By IV"
15. "The Getting By V"
16. "Runaway Horses II"
17. "West Hills II"
18. "West Hills III"

 

 

Tour dates:

Date                                     City                            Venue

Fri April 15, 2022                   Las Vegas NV            The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan (SOLD OUT)

Sat April 16, 2022                  Las Vegas NV            The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan (SOLD OUT)

Tue April 26, 2022                 Monterrey MX            Arena Monterrey

Wed April 27, 2022                Monterrey MX            Arena Monterrey

Fri April 29, 2022                   Mexico City MX          Foro Sol (SOLD OUT)

Sun May 1, 2022                   Guadalajara MX         Estadio 3 de Marzo (SOLD OUT)

Fri August 19, 2022              Vancouver BC          Rogers Arena

Sat August 20, 2022             Seattle WA               Climate Pledge Arena

Sun August 21, 2022            Portland OR              Moda Center

Tue August 23, 2022            San Francisco CA    Chase Center

Wed August 24, 2022           San Diego CA           Pechanga Arena

Fri August 26, 2022              Las Vegas NV          T-Mobile Arena

Sat August 27, 2022             Los Angeles CA        Banc of California Stadium

Tue August 30, 2022            Salt Lake City UT     Vivint Arena

Wed August 31, 2022           Denver CO               Ball Arena

Thu September 8, 2022        Houston TX              Toyota Center

Fri September 9, 2022         Austin TX                  Moody Center

Sat September 10, 2022      Fort Worth TX           Dickies Arena

Tue September 13, 2022     Miami FL                   FTX Arena

Wed September 14, 2022    Orlando FL                Amway Center

Fri September 16, 2022       Atlanta GA State       Farm Arena

Sat September 17, 2022      Nashville TN             Bridgestone Arena

Sun September 18, 2022     St. Louis MO             Chaifetz Arena

Tue September 20, 2022     St. Paul MN              Xcel Energy Center

Wed September 21, 2022    Chicago IL                United Center

Fri September 23, 2022       Toronto ON               Scotiabank Arena

Sat September 24, 2022      Montréal QC             Bell Centre

Sun September 25, 2022     Verona NY                Turning Stone Event Center

Thu September 29, 2022       Washington DC        Capital One Arena

Fri September 30, 2022       New York NY            Madison Square Garden

Sat October 1, 2022              New York NY            Madison Square Garden

Mon October 3, 2022           Boston MA                TD Garden

Tue October 4, 2022            University Park PA   Bryce Jordan Center

Thu October 6, 2022            Pittsburgh PA           Petersen Events Center

Fri October 7, 2022              Cleveland OH           Wolstein Center

Sat October 8, 2022             Detroit MI                  Little Caesars Arena

  

 

 

KEEP UP WITH THE KILLERS:

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Tommy Castro Marks 30 Years On The Road With 

A Bluesman Came To Town' and a Live Performance In San Juan Capistrano

 

“Castro is one of the brightest stars in the blues-soul genre. Voracious blues energy and ultimate soul power...impassioned vocals and pure inventiveness in his stellar guitar solos.” 

--Blues Music Magazine

 

“With a sterling reputation, guitarist and vocalist Tommy Castro is one of the foremost practitioners of electric blues. Searing delivery…rousing and teeming with emotion…funk-fueled, wailing and rocking. Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town is a revelatory experience, one that stands as not only Tommy Castro’s most essential album to date, but a sheer, soaring tour-de-force as well.” 

--Living Blues

 

“Soul-baring roadhouse blues….top-notch Memphis soul.”

--Washington Post 

 

Internationally beloved guitarist, singer and songwriter Tommy Castro will celebrate the release of his trailblazing new album, Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town, with a live performance featuring Castro and his band, The Painkillers, at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Multi-instrumentalist Deanna Bogart will join the group as a special guest for this performance.

 

2022 marks Castro’s 30th year as a bandleader as well as his 30-year association with bassist Randy McDonald. Castro is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the formation of his current band, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, with McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown and keyboardist Michael Emerson. Live, the band will perform material from A Bluesman Came To Town, along with fan favorites from throughout Castro’s long career. 

 

On Thursday, February 10, 2022, the Blues Foundation announced the nominees for the 43rd Annual Blues Music Awards. Tommy Castro received six nominations. His nominations include the coveted B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year, Album Of The Year (for Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town) and Song Of The Year (for Somewhere). Additionally, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers were nominated for Blues Band Of The Year. The awards ceremony will be held in Memphis, Tennessee on Thursday, May 5, 2022.

 

Concert information is as follows:

 

Date: Saturday, April 23, 2022

Venue: The Coach House

Address: 33157 Camino Capistrano

City: San Juan Capistrano, CA

Phone: 949-496-8930

Showtime: 8:00pm

Ticket price: $25

Website: www.thecoachhouse.com

*See website for complete performance information

 

Music video for “A Bluesman Came To Town”:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=scFKfvofYJU</ >

 

A Bluesman Came To Town is a roots music odyssey. Through its 13 songs, Castro tells the tale of a young man, working on his family farm, who gets bitten by the blues bug. He masters the guitar and heads out on the road seeking fame and fortune, only to find what he’s left behind is the treasure he’s been looking for. “A Bluesman Came To Town isn’t a story about me,” says Castro. “It’s pulled from some of my friends’ and my experiences, though. I’ve seen first-hand for a lot of years what it’s like out there on the road.”

 

The road is where Castro has made his mark over the past three decades. Talking about his 30 years as a bandleader, Castro says, “When Randy and I started out playing blues joints and bars in San Francisco in the early 90s, we had no idea what kind of a ride we were in for. I’ve always been inspired by all the old blues guys and now I’m one of them. I look forward to the next 30 years!” McDonald adds, “We’ve lasted longer than all our marriages combined, and we’re still rockin' somewhere nearly every night.”

The two have performed over 6000 shows together, including three seasons as the house band for NBC's Comedy Showcase, two summer-long tours with B.B. King and Buddy Guy, 40 music cruises (including 33 consecutive sold-out Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruises), and many of the world’s largest music festivals. They have shared stages with legends including John Lee Hooker, Carlos Santana, Bob Weir, Greg Allman, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Magic Dick of The J. Geils Band, Taj Mahal and Los Lobos.

Throughout his long, constantly evolving career, Castro has always remained true to himself while exploring, growing and creating new music, and he has taken his thousands of devoted fans right along with him. Ranging from horn-fueled R&B to piping hot blues to fiery, stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll, each of his 16 albums is solidly built on Castro’s unshakable musical foundation—a dynamic mix of 1960s-influenced guitar-fueled blues, testifying Memphis-soaked blue-eyed soul and Latin-tinged East San Jose funk, all driven by Castro’s grab-you-by-the-collar vocals and passionate guitar work. Blues Revue declared, “Tommy Castro can do no wrong.”

Castro joined Warner Brothers’ artists The Dynatones in the late 1980s, performing all over the country. While in the band, he met and befriended McDonald. With McDonald on bass, Castro formed the first Tommy Castro Band in 1992 and has not stopped touring since. In 1995, soon after releasing his first album on Blind Pig Records, The Tommy Castro Band was selected as the house band for three seasons on NBC Television’s Comedy Showcase (airing right after Saturday Night Live). The show brought him in front of millions of viewers every week and cemented his reputation as a not-to-be-missed, nationally touring live performer. 
 
After a series of successful releases on the Blind Pig, Telarc and 33^rd  Street labels, Tommy Castro joined Alligator Records in 2009. His label debut, Hard Believer, was released to massive popular and critical acclaim. With the album, Castro won four of his six career Blues Music Awards, including the coveted B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year Award (the very highest award a blues performer can receive).

In 2012, Castro formed The Painkillers and released The Devil You Know. The album was embraced by his legion of fans and discovered by hordes of new ones. He released Method To My Madness in 2015, Stompin’ Ground in 2017, and the irresistible Killin’ It–Live  in 2019, with critics shouting praise and admirers cheering the group’s every move. The band has coalesced into one of the telepathically tightest units Castro has ever assembled, delivering soul-shaking, muscular music that makes them one of the most in-demand live roots music acts performing today.

Castro’s relentless road-dog approach—gig after gig, night after night—has won him loyal, lifelong fans everywhere he plays. The Washington Post says Castro is “phenomenal and funky” with “soulful vocals and inspired blues guitar.” The San Francisco Chronicle describes Castro’s music as, “funky Southern soul, big city blues and classic rock...silvery guitar licks that simultaneously sound familiar and fresh.” No Depression says “Castro plays gritty, string-bending blues like a runaway train...a glorious blend that rocks the soul and lifts the spirits.”

SARA BAREILLES, JON BATISTE, BECK, BLACK PUMAS, LEON BRIDGES, BRANDI CARLILE, LAUREN DAIGLE, MICKEY GUYTON, HERBIE HANCOCK, CHAKA KHAN, ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO, CYNDI LAUPER, GRAHAM NASH, PENTATONIX, BILLY PORTER, ALLISON RUSSELL, STEPHEN STILLS, AND ST. VINCENT ANNOUNCED AS PERFORMERS AT 2022 MUSICARES® PERSON OF THE YEAR TRIBUTE HONORING JONI MITCHELL  ANNUAL TRIBUTE BENEFITING MUSICARES PROGRAMS TO BE HELD IN LAS VEGAS ON FRI, APRIL 1, 2022

GRAMMY® Award-winning artists Sara Bareilles, Beck, Leon Bridges, Brandi Carlile, Lauren Daigle, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Angélique Kidjo, Cyndi Lauper, Pentatonix, Billy Porter, Stephen Stills, and St. Vincent and GRAMMY Award nominees Jon Batiste, Black Pumas, Mickey Guyton, and Allison Russell are set to perform at the 31st annual MusiCares® Person of the Year benefit gala honoring Joni Mitchell on Fri, April 1, 2022. The evening will also feature a remote performance from GRAMMY Award-winning artist Graham Nash. Jon Batiste and Brandi Carlile, each nominated for multiple GRAMMY Awards this year, will also serve as Artistic Directors for the night, a first for Person of the Year.   As previously announced, this year's tribute will be held at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas on April 1, 2022. The evening will include a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and tribute concert honoring Joni Mitchell’s impact on the music industry and the inspiration she has provided to artists over the years.   "We're excited to honor Joni together, in person, as a music community and can't wait to bring this great event to Las Vegas," said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. "We will be celebrating with a purpose, toasting one of music's greatest songwriters and musicians, while raising vital funds to address the critical health and social service needs of the music community."   Sponsors for the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute include Live Nation, MGM Resorts International, Vivid Seats, ELS Studio Premium Audio, Gibson Gives, Meta, United Airlines, Wasserman Foundation, GREY GOOSE Vodka, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and FIJI Water.   "MusiCares' amazing work providing aid to music professionals is crucial to the well-being of our community," said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy®. "Their ongoing support for music people is truly inspiring and we're looking forward to celebrating the return of Person of the Year this April."   The event will be produced by live event broadcast company Lewis & Clark. GRAMMY Award-winning producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Mike Elizondo will serve as Music Director for the 2022 Person of the Year gala. Tickets are available to purchase at https://Joni.givesmart.com. For more information about MusiCares Person of the Year, please visit www.musicares.org/person-year.   Music fans can also look forward to MusiCares®: Music on a Mission Presented by Gibson, a virtual concert celebrating both the power of music and Joni Mitchell as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree. Scheduled for Wed, March 30 at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, music fans everywhere will have the chance to sample a taste of GRAMMY® Week with never-before-seen virtual performances. Tickets are on sale now for $25 and every dollar from tickets purchased will be distributed to those in the music community in need. Visit https://bit.ly/MusiconaMission for more info and for tickets.

ABOUT MUSICARES MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. For more information please visit: www.musicares.org