Biography
Albert Castiglia, born August 12, 1969, in New York City to a Cuban mother and Italian father, moved to Miami, Florida, at age five. He began learning guitar at twelve, quickly developing a passion for the instrument, and made his professional debut in 1990 with the Miami Blues Authority, earning recognition as Miami's best blues guitarist by the Miami New Times in 1997. After college, he worked as a social services investigator for the state of Florida while gigging, until Chicago blues legend Junior Wells discovered him singing in 1996 and invited him to join his band as lead guitarist, touring until Wells' death in 1998.[1][2][3]
Relocating to Chicago, Castiglia worked with Sandra Hall and continued touring independently into the early 2000s, joining the Alligator Alley Allstars in 2002. He launched his solo career with the self-released album Burn in 2004, followed by releases like The Bittersweet Sessions (2006), A Stone's Throw (2006), and These Are the Days (2008), blending blues rock with original songwriting. Signing with Ruf Records in 2014, albums such as Solid Ground, Big Dog (2016), and later Gulf Coast Records efforts like Masterpiece (2019)—which won a Blues Music Award for Blues Rock Album of the Year—and I Got Love (2022), securing Blues Rock Artist and Album awards in 2023, marked his rise. His style fuses traditional electric blues with rock energy, earning nominations and tours supporting acts like ZZ Top and Elvin Bishop.[1][3][2]
Castiglia's career highlights his evolution from sideman to acclaimed artist, with consistent touring, collaborations, and awards cementing his legacy in modern blues. Recent projects include the Blood Brothers with Mike Zito and his 2025 album Righteous Soul featuring guests like Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram and Joe Bonamassa.[1][2]
Fun Facts
- Castiglia juggled his early music career with a day job as a social services investigator for the state of Florida.[1][3]
- He penned the song 'Heavy' as a tribute to his Italian Uncle Joe, a Vietnam vet who gave him Godfather-like advice over spaghetti and meatballs; it appears on his award-winning album Masterpiece.[2]
- His upbeat personality and storytelling through songs were highlights of his 2025 performance at SPACE in Evanston, where he delivered an emotional guitar solo on a track dedicated to his daughter Rayne.[2]
- Castiglia has jammed onstage with blues greats like Pinetop Perkins, Ronnie Earl, and Lurrie Bell.[1]
Associated Acts
- The Blues Giants - guitar
- The Blues Giants - lead vocals
- Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers
- Blood Brothers
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Junior Wells - Discovered Castiglia singing and invited him to join as lead guitarist in his touring band (World tours with Junior Wells) [1996-1998]
Key Collaborators
- Sandra Hall - Joined her band after Wells' death and toured nationally (National tours) [late 1990s]
- Mike Zito - Formed the Blood Brothers project (Blood Brothers album (Blues Music Award winner)) [recent years]
- John Ginty - Guest contributions on organ and piano; Castiglia guested on Ginty's albums (Living the Dream (2012); Bad News Travels (2015)) [2012-2015]
- Cliff Moore and Ray Hangen - Regular trio rhythm section (Live performances including 2025 SPACE show) [ongoing]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Albert Castiglia has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 24, 2025 | 15:55 | Somebody Stole My CHristmasfrom A Gulf Coast Christmas | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D | |
| Oct 1, 2025 | 14:39 | The Best I Canfrom Help Yourself | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D |