Blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Tom Principato was a regional star in the Washington, D.C. area. He toured nationally around the U.S., Canada, and Europe, often in clubs. His particular blend of blues-rock was highly specific; jazz guitar master Pat Metheny said of Principato, "he has an enormous talent at telling stories in his solos; he doesn't play 'standard' licks." In addition to leading the band Powerhouse and working with the likes of Geoff Muldaur, Sunnyland Slim & the Assassins, and Big Mama Thornton, Principato recorded several solo albums, including Smokin'! (1986), I Know What You're Thinkin' (1988), and Raising the Roof (2008). ~ Richard Skelly