Grits & Glory (Gulf Coast Records), the latest release from Albert Castiglia, was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. Castiglia grew up listening to British blues rockers like John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck, gravitating over after hearing an 8-track of The Beatles' Rubber Soul, so it's a concept the Miami-born guitarist has been working toward for many years,

He's finally taking the plunge with his road band – Cliff Moore (bass) and Ray Hangen (drums), plus keyboards from Lewis Stephens, Bruce Bears, and Dave Gross (who also produced), along with backing vocals from Deborah Michels.

The opening track, “In My America,” finds Castiglia reflecting on the divisive state of affairs in his home country. His cover of Graham Wood Drout's “I'm Afraid To Fall Asleep” is a bit less intense than the opener, though it deals with paranoia and our short time here in the world. He still finds room for some fiery slide guitar work though.

That terrific slide returns, with a mournful tone, on the break-up song, “Uncertainty,” which also includes acoustic and sizzling electric guitar. “Michigan Avenue” describes the recent turmoil in Chicago, with the gripping track having a definite Windy City feel to it.

“Sack The Juggler” is a tough, gritty rocking instrumental with more dynamite fret work, and “Slumlord Billionaire” is a contemporary blues tune with an edge. “The Milk Is Still Good” adds a taste of funk to the rocking blues we've heard so far, and “Don't Burn Down The Bridge” is a solid cover of the Albert King tune

The funky “When The Coin Came Callin'” is a tune about focusing on a goal and letting nothing get in the way. Castiglia's second instrumental is Mongo Santamaria's “Afro Blue,” with his guitar work leaning toward the jazzy origins of the song but retaining that fire and intensity that's always been a part of his music.

The closer is a Beatles tune, though not from Rubber Soul. It's John Lennon's “Yer Blues,” a classic track that retains some relevance today.

Grits & Glory is a powerful statement from Albert Castiglia, one of the most dynamic current blues-rock powerhouses. It's an absorbing listen from beginning to end.

--- Graham Clarke