Grits & Glory

Albert Castigliaisn't pulling any punches onGrits & Glory, his latest solo studio album onGulf Coast Records, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. The record feels like a full-circle moment - reconnecting Albert with the wide-eyed, guitar-slinging kid from New York whose world was flipped from black and white to technicolor by an 8-track ofRubber Soulon the way to a ball game. That spark of curiosity sent him chasing sounds and players - Jeff Beck, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page - whose influence has echoed through Castiglia's playing ever since. British blues always felt essential to his DNA... just out of reach. Until now.The idea ignited during a 2023 European tour, when Albert and Gulf Coast Records' Olly Overton began talking about bringing him back to Britain to record. Castiglia was all in - on one condition: he'd do it with his road band,Cliff Mooreon bass andRay Hangenon drums. The final piece fell into place with producerDave Gross, a longtime friend with deep Abbey Road knowledge and a trusted history with Albert, having producedSolid Ground. With the team assembled, the vision was locked.Once the label gave the green light, there was only one possible home for the sessions: Abbey Road. Ahead of recording, Albert immersed himself in British culture, stopping in Birmingham to walk the streets that shaped Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi - heroes who left a lasting mark on his musical soul. With the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the visit carried added weight and reflection. Then it was on to London, where the red light came on andGrits & Glorytook shape - 100% unfilteredAlbert Castiglia, steeped in British-flavoured blues. The result is fierce, soulful, and alive, an album that crackles with history, heart, and the kind of grit that demands to be heard loud and lived with.