2020 – Gulf Coast Records
By Phillip Smith; May 16, 2020
Albert Castiglia’s prowess as a guitarist never ceases to amaze me. He is one of my go-to artists when I really want to hear my blues sizzle. His latest album Wild and Free definitely cooks. Produced by Mike Zito and recorded live on January 3rd and 4th, 2020 at the Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, Florida, this recording features guests John Ginty, and Lewis Stephens with Zito himself making an appearance. Castiglia’s rhythm section is comprised of bassist Justine Tompkins, and drummer Ephraim Lowell. They sound great, and they’re tight as hell.
Castiglia kickstarts the album with a furious, intense rush by leading off with “Let the Big Dog Eat”. Stephens adds a delightful taste of soul on B3, while the others keep it funky. The momentum continues to build with “Hoodoo on Me”. Castiglia’s fearless, blues-soaked vocals are perfectly fit for his attention-grabbing guitar licks. Then “Heavy” gently rolls in on this big mellow wave. This beautifully written and executed song about life itself is one of my absolute favorites. I also adore their eight and half minute colossal jam on Paul Butterfield’s “Lovin’ Cup” with Ginty on B3. I can’t help but smile when Castiglia and the guys dive in to Johnny Winter’s “Too Much Seconal” with both Ginty and Zito stepping in for some old school blues. This is what it’s all about. “Boogie Funk”, another bodacious eight and half minute jam, brings things to a lively close with a riveting performance and plenty of searing guitar action.
To fill the void in these times in which live music is not available, Albert Castiglia’s Wild and Free is exactly what I need to hear.
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For more information about the artist, visit this website.. www.albertcastiglia.net
