Just two years ago Tommy Castro released Soul Shaker, that album received a Blues Music Award nomination last year. Once again Tommy Castro has a new album deserving recognition. Castro has the charisma, talent, and soul to bring Blues to a wider audience and these twelve new songs, nine written or co-written by Castro, are proof positive. Castro's co-writers once again include Gary Nicholson, Jeff Silbar, and Kevin Bowe among others.

Opening with "Love Don't Care," co-written with Kevin Bowe, Chris Sandoval's drumming churns while bassist Randy McDonald burns, together they set the pace for Castro as he sings "It's got you by the heart and it just don't care." Castro continues with "I'm Not Broken," co-written with Jimmy Hall.

The title song, "Painkiller," co-written with Gary Nicholson, was inspired by a convalescing fan who told Castro his music made her feel better. "Big Sister's Radio" is about family and the music we grew up listening to. Written by Mike Schermer, it is sentimental without being weepy. The song closes with Castro paying tribute to some of his musical influences. Keith Crossan's saxophone shines on this track.

Coco Montoya is the first of several guests and he opens Albert Collins' "A Good Fool is Hard To Find" with a blistering guitar solo. The vocal pairing of Castro and Montoya makes this the album's best performance. "Err on The Side of Love" is the first of two songs co-written with Jeff Silbar, whose credits include "The Wind Beneath My Wings." Bonnie Hayes co-wrote and sings harmony on "I Roll When I Rock." Written by Freddie King,"If You Believe In What You Do" is a duet with Angela Strehli and another of the album's outstanding tracks.

"It's That Time Again" features two great solos, first Castro's guitar and then Crossan's saxophone. "Goin Down South" changes into a New Orleans-styled romp. "Lonesome and Then Some" is the second tune co-written with Jeff Silbar. David Maxwell's extraordinary barrelhouse piano playing is featured on Castro's autobiographical "It Ain't Easy Bein' Me."

The horn arrangements by Crossan and Tom Poole are outstanding and the production is meticulously done by John Porter. The Tommy Castro Band is one of the best bands on tour today. Castro is a credit to the Blues as he connects the past with the future. This may be Castro's finest vintage.

Richard Ludmerer is a contributing editor at BluesWax