TOMMY CASTRO, JIMMY HALL
AND LLOYD JONES
Triple Trouble (Telarc)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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While I've shouted about this record a few times in my blues columns for both Cosmik Debris and my other blues home, Midwest Beat, I just noticed that I've yet to give Triple Trouble, a recent Telarc release featuring Tommy Castro, Jimmy Hall and Lloyd Jones, a full-length review. Well, it's about time that I high-fived these three bluesmen, backed by Double Trouble, on the music that resulted from a Telarc party at the Unity Center for the Performing Arts in Unity, Maine (the same venue producer Randy Labbe used to capture Tab Benoit and Jimmy Thackery's Whiskey Store as well as an acoustic set from Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb and Rory Block for the Sisters and Brothers CD). The premise for the Triple Trouble party was simple: Tommy, Jimmy and Lloyd were asked to bring some of their favorite songs, and Lloyd Jones' opening song "Sometimes" is a full-tilt rocker that puts Tommy Castro's Stratocaster front and center, while Castro's own "Whole Lotta Soul" stretches out for a seven minute soul and funk workout. Tommy, Jimmy and Lloyd play off each other nicely, with Tommy Shannon on bass, Chris Layton on drums and Reese Wynans working their magic just like they did behind Stevie Ray Vaughan. Triple Trouble features the triple blues threat of three blues contemporaries, and I wish they'd take their show on the road.

Track List:

Sometimes * If That Ain't Love * Be Careful With a Fool * Love Will * Help * Whole Lotta Soul * Good Good Lovin' * Raised in the Country * Mammer Jammer * Midnight to Daylight * Cold Funk

© 2004 - Eric Steiner