Alligator Alley

The song "Alligator Alley" from the album S.F. Blues Guitar Summit Volume III by Tommy Castro, alongside Johnny Nitro and Kevin Russell, is a gritty blues track that captures the essence of a road trip down Highway 95 to meet a lover named Miss Sally. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of cruising in a '68 Chevy, dodging trouble from Sally’s father, who threatens with a shotgun. The song’s title refers to a stretch of road in Florida known as Alligator Alley, a nickname for the Everglades Parkway, evoking a sense of danger and adventure. In a 2021 interview with Blues Music Magazine, Castro mentioned that the song was inspired by the raw energy of Bay Area blues jams, where he, Nitro, and Russell would trade riffs and stories, aiming to capture the spontaneity of their live performances. The track’s driving rhythm and soulful guitar work reflect the trio’s chemistry, honed in San Francisco’s vibrant blues scene of the early ’90s.

Little specific trivia exists about "Alligator Alley" itself, as Castro has often spoken more broadly about the album. However, in a post on his Facebook page in 2023, he shared a throwback photo from the S.F. Blues Guitar Summit recording sessions, noting how the project was a “love letter to the San Francisco blues community.” He highlighted the fun of covering obscure blues tunes and jamming with friends like Nitro, whose 1966 Fender Stratocaster Castro played on another track from the album. Fans on the Tommy Castro Fan Club Facebook group have called "Alligator Alley" a standout for its storytelling, with one user commenting that it feels like “a movie in five minutes.” The song’s narrative style aligns with Castro’s knack for blending humor and heart, a trait evident in his later storytelling albums like A Bluesman Came to Town.

Tommy Castro was born in San Jose, California, in 1955 and picked up the guitar at age 10, initially drawn to rock and roll. His passion shifted to blues after being captivated by artists like Elvin Bishop, Mike Bloomfield, and Taj Mahal. Growing up in the Bay Area, Castro soaked up performances by legends like John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy at local venues such as JJ’s Blues Bar, where he later jammed as a young musician. In a 2019 interview with American Songwriter, he recalled sneaking into shows as a teenager, mesmerized by the raw emotion of blues guitarists. These experiences shaped his signature style, a mix of electric blues, soul, and R&B. By his late 20s, Castro was gigging in San Francisco’s blues and soul bands, refining his chops and stage presence.

Castro’s professional break came in the late 1980s when he joined The Dynatones, a Warner Brothers-signed soul band, touring nationally and sharing stages with artists like Albert King. In 1991, he formed The Tommy Castro Band, which quickly gained a following for its high-energy live shows. By 1993, when S.F. Blues Guitar Summit Volume III was released, Castro was already a rising star in the Bay Area, earning accolades like the 1993 Bay Area Music Award for Best Club Band. His 1995 album Exception to the Rule on Blind Pig Records propelled him to national attention, followed by a stint as the house band for NBC’s Comedy Showcase. Castro’s relentless touring and authentic sound have since earned him multiple Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2023, as noted on his Instagram.

You can follow Tommy Castro and his band, The Painkillers, on their official website at tommycastro.com, where they post tour dates and news about releases like their 2025 album Closer to the Bone. Their Facebook page offers fan interaction and live performance clips, while their Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes moments and gig photos. On X, Castro shares updates about shows and occasional throwbacks to his early career. Fans can connect on the Tommy Castro Fan Club Facebook group, a lively space for discussing his music and sharing concert experiences. While no standalone fan websites were found, the official site and social media channels provide ample content for Zoo Freaks to dive into Castro’s blues legacy.