Albert Castiglia [pronounced ka - steel - ya] was born in New York and raised in Miami since he was 5. He started taking guitar lessons at the age of 12. He found a passion for playing the guitar and has been perfecting his craft ever since.
Castiglia got his first big break when legendary harmonica player Junior Wells heard him play and sing. Castiglia was able to travel with Wells on several world tours.
Castiglia has shared the stage over the years with artist such as Larry McCray, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Billy Boy Arnold and many more.
With his latest album Big Dog set to release May 20, 2016 takes you on a blues ride that keeps you wanting more. Big Dog was recorded at Darkside Studio in Maurice, LA. Castiglia and his band Mike Zito (Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Vocals, Percussion), Scot Sutherland (Bass Guitar), Rob Lee (Drums), Lewis Stephens (Piano, Wurlitzer, Organ), Johnny Sansone (Harmonica Tracks 8 & 9) have put together a dynamic 11 track album.
The album opens up with ‘Let The Big Dog Eat’ and Castiglia does not hold back and shows you his amazing guitar skills. This track is upbeat and before you know it your moving to the music. He keeps it going with ‘What The Hell Was I Thinking’ he sings about having a little to much to drink and making promises he can’t keep. Castiglia slows it down on a few tracks to give you that smooth blues feeling, ‘Drowning At The Bottom’ and ‘Where Did I Go Wrong’.
The album ends with ‘Somehow’ which touches on issues that happen in every day life. When he sings lines like “What is this world coming to? When kindness has become a crime.” and “What is this world coming to? When you don’t see the children smile.” You can feel the emotion in this song through his voice. This song digs deep into your soul and like he says “I know we’re going to make it somehow.”
Castiglia has put together an album that has something for everyone. When I was listening to his album I never found myself wanting to skip to the next song. Some of my favorite songs are ‘Easy Distance’ and ‘Drowning At The Bottom’. This album Big Dog is defiantly one to have in your rotation.
Check out his website http://albertcastiglia.net for tour dates.
