Infinitas Rapsodias (Smilin’ Castle Records)
Austin-based Del Castillo has released this new 2-disc set titled Infinitas Rapsodias. Although described as a Latin rock band, these tejanos represent the new generation of Hispanic rock musicians who break musical boundaries, incorporating a wide range of musical influences, crossing over into the world music realm by adding cumbia, Latin pop, blues, flamenco rumba, Santanaesque rock, electronica and various other global sounds.
The band is currently in Europe, presenting Infinitas Rapsodias, which includes a music disc and a 5-track bonus DVD, shot in High Definition (HD). Infinitas Rapsodias contains five new Del Castillo songs, and new versions of older songs from previous CDs that have become concert favorites. The familiar songs have been recreated with alternative arrangements and instrumentation. These Del Castillo classics include “Brotherhood,” “Vida,” “Porque” and “Perdóname.” Their popular song, “Maria,” reappears with vocals in Italian, demonstrating the international of the band.
The current line-up of Del Castillo features guitarist brothers Rick and Mark del Castillo, who perform contribute their superb guitar interplay, along with lead singer Alex Ruiz, Albert Besteiro on bass, Mike Zeoli on drums and Jason Murdy on percussion. The band invited several friends from the Austin music community to participate in Infinitas Rapsodias. You’ll find guitarist Monte Montgomery, singers Malford Milligan and Leann Atherton, and fiddlers Erik Hokkanen and Phoebe Hunt. The last piece on the album, “Amor Venme a Buscar,” includes a duet performed by famed German opera diva, Anna Maria Kaufmann and Del Castillo lead singer Alex Ruiz.
The DVD includes behind-the-scenes footage, studio jam sessions and a music video for the new song, “Canta de Alma,” which was shot by the band while on tour in Europe in 2011 and directed/edited by Mark del Castillo.
Infinitas Rapsodias presents the infectious energy and outstanding mestizo sound of Del Castillo, one of the rising stars of the Texas music scene.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
