Anthology

… But Kal David & Tommy Castro Made Them All Better

by: Casey Pukl

I feel the need to do some apologizing in this post. Why? Because I had all intentions of writing the most mind-blowing, geeked-out, musical review of all time. Two blues legends were playing back to back Friday and Saturday night. This was my moment. I created notes in my iPhone for all of the performers this weekend in preparation for reviews for today’s post. I finally arrived at the office this morning, sat down at my desk, and was ready to start writing. I opened my phone and clicked the “Kal David” note. What did it say? One word.

“WHOA.”

Seriously? I scrolled to the “Tommy Castro” note. There had to be something useful and genius in that one.

“HE PLAYED ‘SERVE SOMEBODY’!!! KILLER!!!”

What kind of music blogger/social media coordinator goes to a show and takes super terrible, non-descriptive notes? I’ll tell you what kind- one who was far too excited and caught up in the show to remember to take any notes. Just picture this: girl standing at the side of the stage, mouth wide open, eyes like a kid at Christmas, staring up at Kal David as he’s playing “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and the only thought in my supposedly musically educated mind is… whoa. Bring her back the next night and repeat. I promise to get better at this as time goes on.

On Friday night, Kal David took the stage with his trio (Tony Patler on organ/keyboards and Rena Beavers on drums) and special guest vocalist, Lauri Bono. Personally, I’m a big fan of the trio, and especially when they’re as seasoned as this one. In a trio, there’s nowhere to hide, and plenty of temptation to shoot for the moon and overplay, but that never happened. It was an effortlessly emotional, soulful, and sexy performance; it was the kind of performance that was years in the making. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was every bit as unique as the first time The Beatles recorded it. Kal David truly made it his own. Overall the show was incredible, and Kal’s Anthology debut was one for the books.

Photo: Vito Photography

The Tommy Castro Band also made their Anthology debut this weekend playing 2 shows on Saturday night, and both times, they brought the house down (or shall I say brought up on their feet?) with their wailing solos, pocket grooves, and soulful old-school charm. Opening the night with “A Good Fool Is Hard To Find” (thankfully the one thing I did remember to do was take a picture of their setlist!), the show started off with a bang that didn’t let up. At one point, Tommy came down off the stage, and soloed his way through the first floor, weaving through tables and dancing women (one of the perks of being a blues star). By the end of the show, the entire room was on their feet dancing, singing, and loving Tommy Castro. I have to admit, I may have forgotten to take notes due to dancing.

It was an amazing weekend here full of incredible talent. I hope you had fun if you joined us, and if you couldn’t make it, I know you’re jealous. Just make sure to come next time.