Chris Casello
Done Moved On
Dyan Electro Records
http://www.starlightdrifters.com
Here’s another recent release, this one from former
STARLIGHT DRIFTERS guitarist and Nashville newcomer Chris
Casello! One of the most talented and creative guitarists
in the Southern MI roots rock scene, this ‘big fish’
has just made the jump from the shallow pond of Ann Arbor,
MI to the much deeper pond of “Nashvegas.” Equally
adept on the lap steel, pedal steel or electric guitar,
Chris is also a fine songwriter who really makes a big splash
on this, his full length ‘debut’ CD. What had
ostensibly started as the fourth STARLIGHT DRIFTERS CD evolved
into a kind of Chris Casello studio collaboration as the
Drifters dissolved and Chris found himself soaking in the
influences and inspirations of Music City.
“Done Moved On” is full of fiery flash and
hillbilly fury, demonstrating all the talents that this
Michigan man can muster. Things blast off good with the
dynamite instrumental “Chris’ Guitar Boogie”
–a song I dig so much I’ve commandeered if for
my radio program’s theme song. Longtime STARLIGHT
DRIFTERS fans will remember and love “All Messed Up”
from recent years’ set lists. Devotees of smooth western
swing and string jazz have SPADE COOLEY’s “Shame
On You,” BOB WILL’S TEXAS PLAYBOYS’ “Twin
Guitar Special” and Chris’ own “What’s
A Girl Like You…?” to enjoy. Destined to dislodge
SANTO & JOHNNY’s “Sleepwalk” is the
dreamy, lilting and exotic steel sounding “Moonlight
On The Bayou” (which was featured in the Oscar nominated
film, MAN-THING –based on the classic Marvel Horror
Comic Book!). Swamp-rock-billy aptly describes the CD’s
title track, “Done Moved On” –too twangy?
Not in my book! Yes, there are even a few traditional styled
rockin’ numbers here: SONNY FISHER’s “Rockin’
Daddy” LATTIE MOORE’s “Juke Joint Johnny.”
“Done Moved On” is a fun, boot shuffling multi-billy
album filled to the brim with loads of hot licks and astonishing
audio tricks –it’s an inspiration to future
roots guitar players and an immensely enjoyable album for
country & rockabilly fans of all ages. Michigan’s
loss is the world’s gain. He really should’ve
called it “Done Moved UP”!
-Del Villarreal
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