Search - Albert Castiglia :: These Are The Days

Really good...

M. Bernocchi | Old Windsor, Berkshire United Kingdom | 05/04/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A couple of years after the excellent "A Stone's Throw" Albert is back with a new CD that, in my opinion, is even better than the previous one. The Florida based artist come back is once again a mix of originals and covers that confirms his undisputable talent as guitarist and blues singer. I would like to point out the fact that Albert's singing is not second to his ability as guitar player and this is not so common in the blues world. The songs mix is excellent alternating fast and slow numbers and an acoustic cut. Compared with Albert's previous work in this one there is more space for his guitar soloing that is always tasteful and inspired. A special mention is deserved by his guitar work on the Bob Dylan cover "Catfish" and on the fantastic reinterpretation of the all time classic "Loan me a dime". In conclusion a very enjoyable blues CD that surely deserves attention."

A powerful, rocking blues album

Richard Wallace | Miami FL | 06/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a joltingly strong album from a virtuoso bluesman whose career is gaining velocity. These Are the Days is Albert Castiglia's newest disc, and it's eclectic, electric and flat-out excellent.

There's nothing typical about these cuts.



High-gain, rockin' music mixes with some moody acoustic picking that can be downright eerie, particularly on an eccentric baseball-flavored number called Catfish written by an eccentric guy named Robert Dylan.



The disc also features some deeply personal (but seriously rhythmic) songs written by Castiglia, notably including Godfather of the Blues, which is a hot-shuffle tribute to Albert's former boss in Chicago, the late Junior Wells. Also powerful is Another Bloody Day, which blends some smoking Stratocaster tones with a sharp anti-war message aimed at the current D.C. military-industrial brain-trust. Another of my favorites is the wry Bad Year Blues.



All the covers here are worthwhile, but I think the most sizzling one is Night Time Is the Right Time, which is packed with sounds to love. Albert's gritty vocal is outstanding, the guitar work is excellent, and the sexy-ladies background singing is very, very nice.



The album's title derives from the lyrics of Celebration , a great song on the disc written by Castiglia's friend and musical collaborator Graham Wood Drout, leader of the Florida-famous swamp-boogie band Iko Iko. This song is one of the elements that make the album rise above the 12-bar blues routine. It has a mystic feel and sounds like it's already been a hit before, emerging as a folk-rock anthem from an alternate universe.



If all this sounds as though I'm a Castiglia aficionado, hey I'm guilty. But there's a reason: The man's music is better than good.

"

These are GOOD days.

dickydo | Warwick, RI USA | 04/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a terrific disc, one that really grows on you after repeated listens. A good mixture of contemporary and traditional blues. A ballsy cover of the Fenton Robinson song Loan Me a Dime, made famous by Boz Scaggs with Duane Allman's transcendent guitar solo is surprisingly good. As is the uptempo homage to mentor Junior Wells, Godfather of the Blues. One of the most interesting covers is Bob Dylan's slow burner Catfish. Weaving an interesting tale about Hall of Fame baseball pitcher "Catfish" Hunter. Castiglia turns a familiar groove into a very clever song. Another Bloody Day, a familiar lament on the current state of the world rocks, despite pedestrian lyrics. The perfect disc is in this guys grasp. More originals and less covers may just put this guy over the top."