Tom Principato - Really Blue (1997)

At his best, Tom Principato is a terror, a master of touch and tone, equal parts craftsman and creator. Principato is at his best throughout most of Really Blue, a versatile effort that showcases the guitarist's facility for blues, jazz, rock and more....there are more fresh, original ideas on Really Blue than one is likely to hear in an entire stack of new releases by most contemporary artists. Play on Mr. Principato!
Bryan Powell Blues Access Mag.

Upon an intial listen, D.C.-based guitarist and vocalist Tom Principato seems to fit nicely into the powerbooster blues-rock niche of fellow fingermen like onetime-bandmate Jimmy Thackery or Tinsley Ellis. But a closer inspection reveals a subtle melodicism, a half-heard fill note or understated trill that marks a craftsman. Principato's instrumental work remains mesmerizing, his control and taste meld effortlessly. The closer Here, In My Heart, an introspective solo electric foray, resonates into emptiness---a fitting end to a jewel of an album. Greg Land Atlanta Creative Loafing

Here's a smokin' blues/rock album that leaves you smiling all the way back home. Principato has been around for a while and shows a bunch of influences. The really nice thing about his playing, though, is he never lets thoses influences get in the way of his own style. His own identity always shines through. He's no one-trick pony, either. Whether shining on the latin-drenched "Stranger's Eyes" or pounding a blues shuffle like "In Orbit", he's versatile and interesting. John Heidt Vintage Guitar Magazine