Albert Castiglia “Keepin’ On”

Reviews La hora del Blues


    Artista / Grupo: Albert Castiglia

    Álbum: Keepin’ On

    Discográfica: Blues Leaf

    Año publicación: 2010

    Fecha crítica: 1/2011

    Valoración: -

On the whole, “Keepin On’ showcases just how dynamic and versatile this young performer is.  Albert, not only is an excellent master of both the electric and acoustic guitar, but slide as well.  Pair his outstanding guitar playing with a voice both soulful and gritty, and you end up with a searing, high-energy performance journey transcending most musical tastes. Talk about versatility! . The CD is a mix of five original tunes as well as covers from Mack Rice, Bob Dylan, T-Bone Walker, Jack Fickel, Peter Green, Robert Nighthawk and John Lee Hooker.  It features seasoned session players Bill “Mighty” Quinn on B-3 & Piano and Toby Walker on the Dobro, percussionist Emedin Rivera, and stable-mate Nicole Hart on Background Vocals. A “second to none” rhythm section is comprised of A.J. Kelly on bass, and Bobby Amsel on drums. These guys are tighter than tight. The two complement Albert’s unique style, and seem to effortlessly get into that most-perfect “groove”, song after song.  Albert opens up with a high-powered “Cadillac Assembly Line”, penned by Sir Mack Rice (the guy who wrote “Mustang Sally”, the bane of jam hosts everywhere), which only serves to make the listener ask for more, more, more.  Mr. Castiglia picks up his acoustic guitar to do his original tune, “Sweet Southern Angel” with it’s “Ridin’ the blinds” feel and Robert Nighthawk’s soulful delta composition, “Murderin’ Blues”. On these two tunes he enlists the help of Toby Walker’s awesome dobro playing.  Original tunes, “Keep On, Keepin’ On”, (the title cut) has a driving vibrato and imbues a very topical message, and the very apropos closer, “Closing Time” has Albert’s masterful guitar playing, start out mournfully slow, and then rams it into overdrive.  Whether you like “sittin’ on the back porch” acoustic Blues, or more urban, seething electrically charged Blues, you’ll find both on this CD, and more!  Both hardcore Blues addicts and younger Blues-rockers, will enjoy this CD. (review by Bob “Bluesbobby” Weinberg).



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