Albert Castiglia - Masterpiece (2019)

As most artists will attest, the most unexpected circumstance can spark artistic inspiration. That's a fact that hasn't been lost on singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Albert Castiglia. With his latest album, the aptly named Masterpiece, he celebrates an unforeseen triumph -- a connection with a daughter he never knew he had. The result is a work that's both personal and provocative all at the same time. Castiglia calls this the most meaningful album he's ever made. Indeed, songs such as "Keep On Swinging", "Masterpiece" and "Bring on the Rain" address the unexpected emotions that infused his psyche with the discovery of a family he never knew. Co-produced by longtime friend and colleague Mike Zito, and released on Zito's own label, Gulf Coast Records, the album also finds Castiglia reflecting on the disappointment and disconnect that's gripped the nation in the past several years. The tone of the album underscores both its mood and its message. By Castiglia's own admission, the sound is raw and unfiltered, little wonder since he and Zito play all the instruments between them.