Live In Canada
Gulf Coast, 2023
9/10
The legendary guitarists, Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, are joined by Doug Byrkit, Matt Johnson, Ephraim Lowell and Lewis Stephens for these 12 live tracks in White Rock, BC, Canada from May 19-20, 2023.
The lively and gritty “Hey Sweet Mama” opens with Zito and Castiglia’s vocals radiating blues fueled harmonies alongside the thumping drums, and “Tooth And Nail” follows with Byrkit’s playful bass that suits the dense guitar licks and raw energy.
Landing in the middle, “A Thousand Heartaches” trims the pace back with emotive singing and powerful instrumentation, while “No Good Woman”, one of the best from the set, is a thick and flowing blues rocker that balances rhythm and melody.
Closer to the end, the happy love song, “Bag Me, Tag Me, Take Me Away” makes great use of Stephens’ swift keys via the driving pace, and “Rockin’ In The Free World” puts an exciting blues spin on the Neil Young classic.
Zito and Castiglia’s resumes are unparalleled and they are among the best in today’s blues scene. The players they’re with here are exceptional, as is the sound quality, and, of course, the songs, too.
Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Righteous Souls; Mike Zito- Life Is Hard