Review: Albert Castiglia ‘Righteous Souls’
By Martine Ehrenclou
After winning multiple Blues Music Awards, blues rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, Albert Castiglia spent the better part of the last two years touring as a member of the Blood Brothers with Mike Zito. He hadn’t had much time to write his own music, coming up empty when it was time for him to create a new solo album.
Doubting his ability to write songs for a new record in a vacuum, Albert said, “What would be the thing that fuels the next one? It concerned me because if I’m not living the songs, it’ll never work. It had to mean something to me.” Label owner Mike Zito suggested that they make an album with friends as guests on the album.
“I was concerned my friends wouldn’t have time to devote to the project. I was wrong, so wrong. Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith, Kevin Burt, Gary Hoey, Ally Venable, Popa Chubby, Rick Estrin, Kid and Lisa Andersen, Alabama Mike, Jimmy Carpenter, Kingfish Ingram, Danielle Nicole, Monster Mike Welch, Jerry Jemmott, D-Mar Martin, Jon Otis, Jim Pugh and others stepped up for me. My daughter Rayne even participated.” He adds, “Suddenly, the theme became clear. It’s about friends and family. It’s about Righteous Souls,” Albert said.
And that’s how Albert Castiglia’s new album Righteous Souls came to be. It’s set to release on July 19th via Gulf Coast Records.
Perhaps recording mostly blues covers except for two originals, allowed the authentic Castiglia to step back from personal material he was emotionally invested in on previous albums and simply have a good time. On Righteous Souls, Castiglia softens his edgy rocking blues and relaxes into truly memorable tunes.
Part of Castiglia’s appeal is his sincere nature that comes through in the songs, in addition to his humor and dynamic guitar chops. On this release, he lets loose a bit and you can tell he and his righteous souls are having a great time.
But there’s more to the record than just a good time with compelling songs. Albert’s invested in making the world a better place—you hear that in his original tracks on this release and others. His personal values come through in the lyrics, social commentary about what’s happening in the world that’s neither just or fair.
Castiglia calls that out in his original and most excellent “Centerline,” the opening track featuring Popa Chubby. A blues rocking track with groove and rip roaring guitar from both of them, it’s backed by an incredibly tight band and smooth background singers. Albert sings, “Give yourself, but don’t give yourself away. Mindfulness will come to you someday. “
Produced by Mike Zito and Kid Andersen, the entire effort is fueled by superb musicians. The band includes Albert Castiglia (Vocals and Guitar,) Jerry Jemmott (Bass,) Jim Pugh (Keyboards,) Derrick D’Mar Martin (Drums,) Kid Andersen (Guitar, Keys, and Bass,) Lisa ‘Little Baby’ Andersen (Backing Vocals,) Jon Otis (Percussion,) Jack Sanford (Bari Sax) and Eddie Tarczy (Harpsichord.)
“You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover” features Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Albert’s daughter Rayne Castiglia, who has a lovely voice. With almost a reggae vibe, this tune brings us back to what’s right with the world and imparts wisdom about accepting people for who they are. Exhilarating guitar riffs from both Christone and Albert abound in this rhythmic fun romp written by Willie Dixon. It’s a standout on the record.
Righteous Souls certainly has Zito and Andersen’s stamp on it as producers. Recorded at Andersen’s Greaseland Studios, it’s bluesy with a touch of swamp, a celebration of songs that bounce and spring with delightful grooves.
“Come On In My House” is a particularly moving slow blues. Rick Estrin on harp gives it the soul treatment right from the get-go and Pugh’s piano adds to the longing in Castiglia’s vocals that are rough around the edges in all the best ways.
Album standout, “The Dollar Done Fell” features Josh Smith and is written by Buddy Guy. With a 70’s feel and plenty of organ, this tune is funky right from the first note and gritty at the same time. With Smith and Castiglia on guitars, it’s pure magic. Castiglia’s vocal phrasing is spot on and he shines as a storyteller. What a great cover with some of the best guitar riffs and solos I’ve heard. Absolutely killer.
Righteous Souls is a mighty record, a fun one too. Albert Castiglia is in good company with some of the best musicians in the business.
Highly recommended.
Pre-order the album here
“Centerline”
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