The critically-acclaimed new album by the Albert Castiglia Band, Wild and Free (Gulf Coast Records), dropped on April 3 and was recorded live at The Funky Biscuit live in Boca Raton, Florida. This in-your-face live performance captures the energy and guitar mastery that Castiglia shares with his audiences each time he takes the stage. With special guests Mike Zito, John Ginty, and Lewis Stephens, this is the live album Albert Castiglia fans have been waiting for! Wild and Free has everything blues fans are looking for: great songs…guitar virtuosity…and the raw power and emotion behind Castiglia’s live performances.
Blues-E-News recently interviewed the dynamic Florida-based musician for it’s ongoing “5 Quick Questions” series. Here’s how it went.
BEN: What did you find to be the primary differences between recording Wild And Free, which is a live album, from your previous studio albums?
AC: The sound was the primary difference although I feel that my previous four studio albums came close to capturing my live sound. I think what differentiates “Wild And Free” from “Masterpiece” is the band. “Masterpiece” was done with just producer Mike Zito and I doing the instruments. My touring band was on “Wild And Free” so you can hear the difference between the live versions of the “Masterpiece” tunes and the studio versions. My rhythm section is top notch and they really took those tunes to another level. I have a great band. With that said, “Masterpiece” is my best studio album to date and will always be the most special because of the depth of my songwriting on it. It came from such a deep place.
BEN: Was there any particular reason that you chose The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton to record Wild And Free?
AC: It’s my hometown club. I sell the place out all the time, the audience is always awesome and the staff is like family to me. It also happens to be one of the best music venues in the world, great vibe!
BEN: This Coronavirus quarantine hit suddenly and without notice, shuttering virtually the entire music industry for now. What are you doing with your idle time at the moment?
AC: I’m writing music, woodshedding and continuing to try and be the best musician I can. I’m also working around the house with my wife. I’m just doing the best I can to keep my wits and survive.
BEN: During this quarantine down time,l who has Albert Castiglia been listening to, music-wise?
AC: That’s an interesting question. I’ve been listening to artists that have passed away since we’ve been on lockdown, Bill Withers, John Prine, Ellis Marsalis. It’s just been that way. Their music was beautiful. They serve as a reminder of how wonderful the profession of being a musician is. I also downloaded some new music that I plan on listening to this week, Josh Smith, Gary Brown’s Bushmaster, The Proven Ones.
BEN: Once this Coronavirus lockdown is finally over, what are some of the first few things you plan to do?
AC: The first thing I plan on doing is taking my wife out to our favorite restaurant, then visit my parents, sister, brother in law and nephew in Miami followed by seeing my daughter, son in law and grandkids a few hours away from me. I haven’t seen any of them since I recorded “Wild And Free” in January. That’s going to be great!
Keep up with Albert Castiglia on his socials: www.albertcastiglia.net; https://www.facebook.com/albertcastigliaband/; https://twitter.com/AlbertCastiglia; https://www.instagram.com/albertcastiglia/?hl=en.
