Crossing Bridges
DayQuest, 2021
8/10
The New Yorker Ray Castronovo has had a lifelong interest in music, but had to let it idle for many years while he raised his kids and work a steady job.
Now that his children are older, he’s back with a debut release and new band, where his rock’n’roll formula spans many decades and explores many avenues of the genre in the form of Streetwise.
“Cute” starts the listen with a warm guitar line and backing vocals from Marylyn Roman, as a crisp, retro rock’n’roll spirit benefits from Joe Martinez’s bass guitar, and “A Better Place” follows with a timeless energy where percussion from Kevin Twigg and a firm melody leave an indelible impression.
Elsewhere, “Shake It” brings soulful ideas into the rhythmic album highlight, while “Dream Girl” displays Tom Jorgensen’s proficient drumming amid the ‘50s sensibilities. “Low Tide”, another universally great tune, is a duet that emits an infectious melody you won’t soon forget.
Landing near the end, “15K” showcases Castronovo’s meticulous guitar playing in a punchy landscape that somehow bridges modern rock and doo-wop, and “Boxed In Blues” places strategic harmonica into the frisky blues nods that will certainly get your body moving.
Crossing Bridges came to life during quarantine, although it’s been brewing in Castronovo’s mind for decades now, and while this first album arrives many years later than he intended, he’s making up for lost time with top notch songwriting and an unforgettable execution.
Travels well with: Neil Jacobson- Silver Park; The Guilty Lenses- Somewhat Romance, Somewhat Poetry