Albert Castiglia

A onetime musical apprentice of the legendary Junior Wells, Albert Castiglia has earned legitimacy as a blues singer. Still, Castiglia's oeuvre is more than simply standard blues redo; his blend of repartee, impromptu asides, original songs, and material mined from a diverse classic-rock repertoire makes him one of the most entertaining — and energetic — musicians on the local circuit. Winning honors for fronting the "Best Unsigned Band" after competing in the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge in Memphis, the Coral Gables homeboy earned additional kudos for Burn, a sizzling solo album that further affirmed his skills as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter extraordinaire. And when he teams with occasional collaborator Graham Drout of blues band Iko-Iko, he lets the spotlight shine on his acoustic acumen. Whether he's belting out the blues or howling a slow moan, Castiglia's performances always register as upbeat and infectious.