Review:

on 2012-10-31 Michael_Morrison Said:

Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".

Today I listened to the latest CD from San Francisco based; Bass Player Edo Castro who just released his latest CD entitled: "Sacred Graffiti" First the impressive Castro has over 20 CD's to his playing credit and initially was a self-taught bassist but later moved to Chicago and attended The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. He completed his studies and earned a BA in 1987 with a focus on Jazz Studies and electric Bass. He continued to hone his craft in Chicago through 1990. Returning to the Bay Area, Edo released his first solo effort of original music entitled simply "Edo." Edo's 2nd release "Phoenix" (on Passion Star Records) made the 49th Grammy Entry List for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album"(in October 2006 as did his third and latest release, Sacred Graffiti, in 2010. Venturing to their website I get the impression this is one very modest artists that is extremely determined and passionate about the songwriting craft. From start to finish - Sacred Graffiti delivers and is a very entertaining musical experience. It has a very warm and inviting Jazz quality to it, and even dabbles in Fusion and Smooth Jazz. It also reminds me of Jeff Berlin, John Patitucci, and Eric Marienthal. Any fans of any of these musical styles or bands will enjoy this latest release from Castro. It's clearly marketed for those who like dynamic music with crazy time signatures and chopped full of musical variety. I get the impression Castro and company are letting it all hang out via this compelling 16 track line up. Favorite tracks include (The Gathering), (All In) and (Left of Center). The songwriting is impressive and digs a bit deeper than the next Contemporary Jazz artist. Within each one of these pieces Castro bares his soul and delivers what I would call pure musical mojo. Sacred Grafitti offers much in the way of passion and mind blowing musicianship, and the overall vibe is very uplifting and invigorating.

I see Edo Castro as a diamond in the rough, with an amazing amount of potential to reach the top levels of Modern Jazz. As time goes by he will no doubt hear more from him a this level. He belongs in the deep end of the pool with artists like Jeff Berlin, John Patitucci, and Eric Marienthal. Edo is a multi million dollar record contract waiting to happen. I also would not be surprised to hear his music on Prime time Radio someday or even in a feature film or documentary. In close most famous artists out there have "it" I'm not so sure what it but Edo Castro has whatever "it" is.

Michael Morrison
West Lothian, Scotland (UK)
Rating: 9/10