Hard Believer was produced by John Porter (B.B. King, Elvis Costello, Buddy Guy, Keb Mo, The Smiths, Otis Rush, Billy Bragg, Roxy Music) and recorded in Castro's hometown of San Rafael, California. The album is anchored by Castro's soul-baring songs, filled with profound emotion and fueled by Castro's powerful vocals and propulsive rhythms. "If there's no groove there," Castro told Guitar Player, "I can't sink my teeth into it." On Hard Believer, there are plenty of satisfying grooves to bite down on. But what really drives the songs home is Castro's telepathic interaction with his band. The group operates as a single engine, firing on all cylinders, sometimes pushing the pedal to the floor, other times slowing things down for a simmering ballad.

Award-winning blues and R&B guitarist/singer/songwriter Tommy Castro has become the honorary Captain of The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruises, where famous blues stars perform together on the open seas of the Pacific and the Caribbean. Inspired by the thrilling, no-holds-barred jam sessions on the ship, Castro decided to bring the excitement and musical spontaneity of these gigs on the road. Leading the Revue, he brings the spirit and energy of the onboard jamming to audiences all across the country.

This album is a white-hot collection of the highest highlights from the Revue's recent live performances. In addition to Castro's stellar fretwork and blue-eyed soul vocals, the album features harmonica master Rick Estrin, charismatic vocalist Janiva Magness, guitar giant Michael "Iron Man" Burks, award-winning string-bender Debbie Davies, soul man Theodis Ealey, R&B belter Sista Monica Parker, acclaimed singer/guitarist Joe Louis Walker and the 2008 International Blues Challenge Award winners, rising stars Trampled Under Foot.

Tommy Castro is on a non-stop mission to bring his blistering blues, soulful vocals and stellar band to as many people as possible. Between his fiery shows--supported by his Blues Music Award-winning band --and his leading role in The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, Castro is succeeding beyond all expectations. In May 2010, he won four 2010 Blues Music Awards--including his second B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year Award (the highest award a blues performer can receive) plus Contemporary Blues Male Artist Of The Year and Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year (for his latest Alligator studio CD, Hard Believer). Blues Revue says, "Tommy Castro can do no wrong...soulful, heartfelt vocals, and exquisite, stellar guitar work. A seamless blend of blues, gospel-flavored R&B, soul and roadhouse rock."

Reuniting with Blind Pig Records, Tommy Castro and his road-hardened band have produced their best release to date. SOUL SHAKER is the first album of original Castro music in four years, from one of the most compelling artists on the roots music scene. SOUL SHAKER is hard hitting, rock-and-soul music, featuring Castro's stinging guitar, exciting vocals and the hottest band on the touring circuit today - including long-standing bandmembers Randy McDonald on bass and Keith Crossan on saxaphone. Special guests include slide guitar master Roy Rogers on the title track.