Real Music Reviews: ‘A Stone’s Throw’ by Albert Castiglia

Posted by Daniel East May 15, 2006 at 11:10pm

In the world of Blues music, there are so many genres, schools and styles to consider that it takes that one spark to ignite the flame of the listener wherein they will discover that what reaches them. Once it does, it can be incendiary. In this case, a young Blues rocker from south Florida is an energetic performer who both respects what precedes him and offers a blend of styles that offer Blues beyond his years.

A protégé of the legendary Junior Wells, who recognized Albert Castiglia (pronounced “kuh-STEEL-ya”) and took him on the road, A Stone’s Throw successfully blends flavors from Chicago, Austin, New York, New Orleans and Memphis with a style that shows the emotion and understanding of the lyrics so lacking in many of today’s Blues “wannabe’s.” Produced by Jack Kreisberg (Lionel Hampton, Elvin Jones, Gene Ludwig, Ben E. King, Nina Simone, and others) and engineered by Grammy-winner, Ben Elliott, this release captures a sound that feels as if it could come from any decade of the past, present and/or future. Cameo performances by Sandy Mack on harmonica and Ned Berndt on drums help fuel this recording as well.

Appearing on the record is Castiglia’s mentor and collaborator, Graham Wood Drout (front man of the band, Iko-Iko), who wrote several songs on this release. Drout’s The Ghosts of Mississippi is a critic’s choice from several Blues magazines, Blues radio, and is also covered by IBC Award winner, Joey Gilmore, as the title track to his current release. Drout was instrumental in Castiglia’s rise as he allowed a once 17-year-old ambitious guitar player to sit in with his band and learn the lessons of reaching that deep place in your heart that this music has to touch for both performer and listener. Castiglia learned his lessons well and, with a great deal more life experience behind him to draw from, the power of his voice and playing is that of a seasoned Blues performer that defies the lines normally in place by today’s standards in the genre. Castiglia and Drout released a live acoustic CD in December of 2005 on Little Silver Records called The Bittersweet Sessions recorded at a performance in Florida.

In terms of the audio quality, A Stone’s Throw has a sort of random assortment of mixes and the sound quality may seem a little disjointed at times; however, and being true to the style of this music, it can be effective with a sense of capturing the moment. Mastering is slightly dark with regard to the AAC encryption used in the iTMS, but the sound is made up for in the sparkle from the performances that will catapult Castiglia, legacy and all, into your most frequently played song list with up-beat, foot stompin’ and rockin’ Blues collection that is A Stone’s Throw.

Stand out songs are “Big Toe,” “The Ghosts of Mississippi,” “Hoodoo Man Blues,” and a southern-rock feeling “Hurricane Blues.”

On a personal note, I have watched Albert Castiglia develop his own style, grow as a performer, and stretch beyond the ceiling of his live shows with pride and interest. Am I slightly biased? Yes, but I believe that this is a performer that most listeners will also take pride in when they tell their friends about their discovery of this album—and it IS an album. Blues radio is embracing A Stone’s Throw and clearly recognizes that there is something real here. It goes well beyond one person’s opinion and the energy, sincerity and power of this outstanding performer.

Performance: 9 out of 10 stars

Sound: 6 out of 10 stars

Album: 9 out of 10 stars

Overall: 8 out of 10 stars

The iTunes Music Store price for A Stone’s Throw is US$9.99.

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