(January 22, 2020) Al Castellana, one of Italy’s soul music stalwarts for over two decades, may not be a name that immediately jumps off the page in the U.S. But this singer/songwriter has consistently charted digitally on iTunes and Amazon and on the U.K. Soul Charts, and has received plenty of love from us along the way.
In 2013, there was a glowing review for this singer/songwriter/producer of Outside My Window, the debut release under his Lademoto Records moniker. Two years later, S.T. recognized Castellana again, joined by UK Soul stylist Bashiyra, in an electrifying performance of Stevie Wonder’s “I Wanna Be by Your Side” from 1979. And Castellana’s expressive rich tenor - armed with a killer falsetto - fed off his love for seventies sophisticated soul as he demonstrated on the applicably titled The So Soulful Collection compilation series.
(January 22, 2020) Al Castellana, one of Italy’s soul music stalwarts for over two decades, may not be a name that immediately jumps off the page in the U.S. But this singer/songwriter has consistently charted digitally on iTunes and Amazon and on the U.K. Soul Charts, and has received plenty of love from us along the way.
In 2013, there was a glowing review for this singer/songwriter/producer of Outside My Window, the debut release under his Lademoto Records moniker. Two years later, S.T. recognized Castellana again, joined by UK Soul stylist Bashiyra, in an electrifying performance of Stevie Wonder’s “I Wanna Be by Your Side” from 1979. And Castellana’s expressive rich tenor - armed with a killer falsetto - fed off his love for seventies sophisticated soul as he demonstrated on the applicably titled The So Soulful Collection compilation series.
In Castellana’s triumphant return to SoulTracks, First Listen features his latest single, “Let Me Be” from the upcoming Lademoto project, The Right Place to Be. Sticking to Al’s winning mission of keeping old school significant, “Let Me Be” possesses all the right ingredients, with Castellana being joined by long-time production guru, Danielle “Speed” Dibiaggio. The storyline of this ravishing ballad celebrates a romance finally found. With a track that echoes old-fashioned love anchored by a gorgeous soundtrack of glimmering piano, gentle guitar strokes and strings, “Let Me Be” should draw fans who crave soul music in all its glory and draw much deserved attention for Castellana. Listen up!
By Peggy Oliver
Al Castellana - "Let Me Be"