Albert Castiglia - This is what happens when Bill Murray joins your band.

Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

When blues powerhouse Albert Castiglia crossed paths with Bill Murray, neither could have predicted the musical partnership that would follow. In this captivating conversation with Greg Koch, Castiglia pulls back the curtain on how a Hollywood legend became his unexpected bandmate through a series of serendipitous connections that began with Murray's brother John.
"If Bill Murray wants to play in your band, you let him in your band," Castiglia remarks with characteristic humor. But beneath the celebrity factor lies a genuine musical connection that has taken them from intimate clubs to prestigious venues like Red Rocks. Far from seeking the spotlight, Murray approaches their collaboration with refreshing humility, insisting on equal billing and content to play percussion while occasionally stepping forward for a song. The audience response has been electric, with fans sometimes appearing in Ghostbusters costumes, moved to tears by Murray's magnetic stage presence.
Castiglia's own journey through the blues landscape reveals the persistence required to build a sustainable career. From his early influences (discovering blues through Clapton and Johnny Winter's productions with Muddy Waters) to navigating the catch-22 of needing both a record deal and booking agent simultaneously, he speaks candidly about industry challenges. After cycling through five agencies, finding the right representation finally allowed him to expand from 100 shows annually to between 150-200 performances a year.
The conversation touches on deeper themes of artistic growth, with Castiglia recently incorporating Coltrane's "Afro Blue" into his setlists after being inspired by Derek Trucks. He also reflects on lifestyle changes that have sustained his longevity, embracing sobriety after COVID and taking up boxing and Kung Fu to maintain his energy for grueling tour schedules. "I do this for the memories," he explains, capturing the essence of why musicians endure the hardships of the road.
Ready to experience a genuine conversation between two musicians who've weathered decades in the business? Subscribe now and join us for more candid talks with roots music's most compelling voices.

Chapters

1. Season Six Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Meeting Bill Murray (00:00:40)

3. Handling Social Media Critics (00:04:40)

4. The Gateway to Blues Music (00:10:08)

5. Life on the Road (00:18:49)

6. Staying Inspired and Sober (00:32:29)

7. Bill Murray's Work Ethic (01:01:15)

8. Episode Closing (01:02:55)