It’s not often you get a blues double bill at the Lizzie, and this one was exceptional. Lou Reichert and his excellent staff of volunteers were host to a pairing of JSJBF member old school local act, Joe Zook & Blues Deluxe, with a later generation national touring act Albert Castiglia. It was a contrast in styles that highlighted the diversity the blues has to offer.
First up, Trenton-based Joe Zook and his seven-piece band took us on a musical journey from the 1940’s to the 1980’s with a set comprised of some great original tunes and timeless covers. The band includes Joe on guitar and vocals, Bill “Bluesboy” Holt on bass and vocals, Don Ober on the keyboard, Bob Marsley on drums, Steve Kaplan on clarinet, alto and bass sax, Dom DiFranco on tenor sax and Tony Buford on harp. Two original numbers opened the set, “All I can Hear is the Blues” and “Jersey Blues,” and demonstrated why this band has been one of the best blues bands in the area for quite some time. Two covers, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vincent’s, “Kidney Stew” and “Danger Zone” from the movie “Top Gun” featured the sax, keys and harp to the delight of the audience. Then Joe wielded some terrific guitar on “One Good Mornin’,” a song he wrote as a teenager. One of the highlights of the set was a tight version of the Louis Jordan 40’s classic “Caldonia,” followed by Cab Calloway’s “Minnie the Moocher,” which had the room singing along. The band ended on a high note with the B.B. King classic “Let the Good Times Roll.”
After a brief intermission, Albert Castiglia, who got his start playing with Junior Wells, took the stage. A complete contrast to the opener, the power trio of Albert on guitar, Cliff Moore on bass, and Ephraim Lowell on drums came out blazing his song “Big Toe” from the 2006 album “A Stone’s Throw.” From there, they launched into “Big Dog,” with Albert literally barking out the lyrics while his rhythm section powered the song to its conclusion. Albert has worked through many of his life experiences by putting them in his songs. His issue with people who try to bring him down was on full display in the raw power of the song “Take My Name Out Your Mouth.” He slowed things down with the ballad “Heavy” which felt like an observation on those difficult times through which he has persevered. He then told the story about recently finding out he had a daughter, Rayne, whose two children now call him Grandpa. This inspired him to write the heartfelt song “Masterpiece,” a beautiful ode to his new-found daughter. Later in the set he went back to his roots covering his mentor Junior Wells’ “Hoodoo Man Blues” in fine fashion. He talked about his guitar influences who helped inspire his style, but he has filtered this music through his own technique and personal experiences. The word earnest is defined as serious and zealous in intention, purpose or effort, and after watching Albert pour his heart and soul out on stage through his words and his instrument, I can’t think of a better word to sum up his performance on this evening. His is a live show not to be missed.