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Award-Winning Blues Guitarist Albert Castiglia Was In Righteous Form at the City Winery in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Multi-Blues Music Award-Winner Albert Castiglia performed at the City Winery in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday. July 18, 2024. Albert took the stage fronting a power trio and proceeded to present a blistering career spanning set with a focus on his new record that was set to drop the next day on all platforms and streaming services.
The righteous and determined Albert Castiglia was impressive at the City Winery.
Albert Castiglia was raised in Miami, Florida. He was mentored by the legendary Junior Wells and would later work with other notable artists such as singer Sandra Hall. In the 2000s, Albert embarked on a solo career that has yielded many critically acclaimed albums along with accolades for his exceptional instrumental prowess, his expressive vocals and engaging live performances that were on full display in Music City.
Castiglia is on tour in support of his latest album Righteous Souls which features an impressive list of guests such as Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith, Danielle Nicole, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Popa Chubby, Ally Venable, Kevin Burt, Monster Mike Welch, Gary Hoey, Rick Estrin, Jimmy Carpenter and Alabama Mike.
The ACB was a powerful power trio in Nashville.
In Nashville, the talented trio (ACB) consisting of Albert (guitars/vocals), Cliff Moore (bass) and Ephraim Lowell (drums) kicked things off with a blend of steady blues rhythms punctuated by sizzling leads on the bold "Big Toe" which set the tone for much of the night. Castiglia greeted the crowd and throughout the concert he chatted about his life and music. His commentary was often comical yet believable as he shared the story of moving from warm Florida where he had a steady job to chilly Chicago to work for Junior Wells. Albert said that Righteous Souls has two Wells covers on it in tribute to the man who really believed in him and encouraged Castiglia to pursue music full time.
At the City Winery, they played "What My Mama Told Me" in honor of Junior followed by "The Dollar Done Fell" (Buddy Guy). Albert said that Buddy was one of his favorites and that particular song was very relatable as at one time he was almost broke when housing costs in the Sunshine State skyrocketed. Another personal revelation was that Castiglia had a daughter who he met later in life and how much she changed his artistry for the better with "Masterpiece" being a prime example. Whereas "Put Some Stank on It" written before was not as emotional but was still a prime piece of snappy blues especially in the live setting.
Albert Castiglia told many stories about life and life on the road for an engaged audience in Music City.
"Celebration" was another deep track about living life to the fullest. Albert dedicated it to his sister who is fighting cancer declaring that he will keep it in his sets until she kicks it. Another personal piece of prose could be the life of a musician as told in "Get Your Ass In the Van". A fan requested "A Thousand Heartaches" (Blood Brothers) that Albert performed solo. Since the new album and the Nashville show was about the people who have inspired him, it made sense that towards the end of the concert the trio paid tribute to another blues great Freddie King. Overall, the Albert Castiglia Band (ACB) presented animated classic blues to an appreciative audience in Music City.
The City Winery regularly showcases an array of artists such as Albert Castiglia. In addition to live performances, patrons can enjoy fine food paired with drinks before and during a concert. Please visit their website for upcoming events including themed brunches and wine tastings.
The latest from Albert Castiglia just dropped in July of 2024.
Related Links:
For more information on ALBERT CASTIGLIA and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Albert Castiglia.net |
City Winery Nashville
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