The Road Ahead
DayQuest, 2023
8/10
The Brooklyn artist Raymond Castronovo, i.e. Streetwise, is as prolific as he is memorable, and this 3rd release in 3 years continues his timeless rock’n’roll that takes plenty of influence from the ‘60s.
“Pittsburgh” opens the listen with bouncy bass lines, vivid drumming, warm keys and smooth singing in the rhythmic and driving climate, and “Here With Me” follows with a cozy melody guiding the dance floor ready energy that’s nostalgic and welcomes back up vocals from Heather Simon.
Halfway through, the jangly “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” benefits much from Linda Mackley’s crisp drumming that helps illuminate the pretty vocal harmonies of the Carol King tune, while “The Tissue Song” lands in gentle balladry that surrounds the experience of raising children.
Close to the end, Streetwise’s interpretation of “The Twist” maintains all the enthusiasm of the original and showcases Castronovo’s superb guitar playing, and “Quarter To Four” exits with a retro spirit that’s complemented by Joe Martinez’s meticulous bass.
A listen that anyone with an ear for rock’n’roll from any era will enjoy, Castronovo returned to music in 2019 after choosing a more stable profession when he started his family years ago, and he’s helping preserve the time honored tradition of guitar focused song craft that’s often in short supply these days.
Travels well with: Streetwise- The Other Side; Streetwise- Crossing Bridges