Albert Castiglia has never been an artist afraid to confront life’s realities head-on, and that honesty is front and center on his new single, “I’m Afraid To Fall Asleep.” Blues Rock Review is exclusively premiering the track ahead of the release of Castiglia’s upcoming album Grits & Glory, arriving July 31 via Gulf Coast Records.
The song finds Castiglia digging into themes of mortality and vulnerability while delivering the soulful, emotionally charged performance that has become one of his trademarks.
“‘I’m Afraid To Fall Asleep’ is a Graham Wood Drout composition. It’s a great song about facing mortality. I always loved the tune but it wasn’t until my appendix burst a few years ago and I spent two months trying to recover that the song took on a personal meaning. I knew then that it was going to be on my next solo album,” said Castiglia.
The single serves as a powerful preview of Grits & Glory, Castiglia’s latest studio effort and one of the most ambitious projects of his career. Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, the album represents a unique intersection of American blues tradition and the British influences that helped shape Castiglia’s musical identity.
A multiple Blues Music Award winner and Billboard No. 1 artist, Castiglia traveled across the Atlantic to record the album alongside his touring band featuring Cliff Moore on bass and Ray Hangen on drums. The sessions were produced by longtime collaborator Dave Gross, resulting in a record that balances reflection, grit, and raw emotion.
The album also marks a full-circle moment for Castiglia, whose lifelong admiration for British blues and rock icons such as Jeff Beck, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page helped inspire the decision to record at Abbey Road. The result is an album that embraces both sides of the Atlantic blues tradition while remaining unmistakably Albert Castiglia.
Listen to the exclusive premiere of “I’m Afraid To Fall Asleep” below.
Grits & Glory will be released July 31 via Gulf Coast Records.
TRACK LISTING
- In My America
- I’m Afraid To Fall Asleep
- Uncertainty
- Michigan Avenue
- Sack The Juggler
- Slumlord Billionaire
- The Milk Is Still Good
- Don’t Burn Down The Bridge
- When The Coin Came Callin’
- Afro Blue
- Yer Blues
Photo: Blackham Images
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