MUSIC_DIRECTOR for Pickin'
Paonia, Colorado, United States
Andrea "Dre" Castillo joined the KVNF staff in June, 2022. With a strong passion for music and people, Dre serves as the Music Director & DJ Coordinator. She is originally from the West Coast and moved to the Western Slope of the Rockies in 2016. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, rafting, drawing and going to see live music. You can catch her on the KVNF airwaves.
Latest Album Reviews
Review of Blues & Spirituals/Hymn Hustler
Album Info: Blues & Spirituals/Hymn Hustler
Reverend Freakchild Album: Blues & Spirituals/Hymn Hustler Label: Treated & Released Genre(s): Blues, Acoustic Blues, Contemporary Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
May 9, 2026
Review
The Good Reverend once again shows his shamanistic slant on roots music; drawing up deep, elemental energy in the service of traditional blues & spiritual fare as well as simpatico originals and likely-unexpected cover choices. Not to be missed are the Rev’s takes on “Jesus on the Mainline”, “In My Time of Dying” and his own “Pure Religion”. In addition to his consistently haunting vocals, sure-fingered fretwork is found throughout.
Todd Mosby Album: American Heartland Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Crossover Jazz Posted
By: Robert Silverstein
May 7, 2026
Review
Smooth jazz combines with a variety of Americana themes on American Heartland, the 2026 album by Missouri native and guitar virtuoso / composer Todd Mosby. Backed up by a range of top session musicians, including the legendary Tom Scott, bass ace Michael Manring and drum master Vinnie Colaiuta and others, the 12-track, 48 minute album merges a variety of guitar instrumental styles including original jazz, New Age, World Beat plus a pair of timeless covers. Shared vocals featuring a pair of appealing female singers adds extra jazzy groove and sizzle to this mostly chilled guitar-centric affair.
The album cover art for American Heartland finds the guitarist in a pastoral locale which might infer a kind of New Age setting, yet the album brings together a wealth of guitar genres with a crossover effect that gives it an even wider, inclusive appeal. Although not prevalent on this new
Barry Greene Album: Giants Label: Origin Genre(s): Contemporary Jazz Posted
By: Robert Silverstein
May 2, 2026
Review
The name Barry Greene might not be immediately recognizable by a majority of guitar fans yet he’s just released one of the finest instrumental jazz albums of the year. Backed by an alternating quintet and organ trio, Giants finds the Northern Florida based musician and guitar educator stretching out on a well-tempered, 10-track 68 minute album.
Having already released several albums and a range of jazz-guitar study books, Giants is Greene’s 2026 release for Seattle-based Origin Records. Musically and from a studio standpoint, Giants features the guitarist in the company of some top musicians, including album producer / drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., David Kikoski (piano), Steve Nelson (vibes), Marco Panascia (bass) and B-3 organist Pat Bianchi—the latter appearing on four tracks here.
Rotating the players throughout the Giants set, from the quintet to the trio, Barry
These previously unreleased 2010 tracks stand as evidence that Taj Mahal’s signature Delta/Caribbean/NOLA/Harlem/Muscle Shoals/et al blend maintained their flavor, potency and consistent warmth at that time. Satisfying fare abounds here including the leadoff “Life Of Love”, the reggae-seasoned reading of “Wild About My Lovin’” and the jazzy, Latin-flavored “You Put The Whammy On Me”.
Isabella Isherwood Album: The Sweetest Sounds Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Contemporary Jazz Posted
By: Joe Ross
Apr 26, 2026
Review
Jazz vocalist, pianist, actor Isabella Isherwood’s debut album, The Sweetest Sounds, features her carefully cultivated, expressive alto ideally suited to the classics and contemporary material she’s chosen to present her vocal radiance. With a stripped down approach that is very accessible, the 23-year-old singer is joined by three outstanding Chicago musicians, guitarist Mike Allemana, bassist Joe Policastro, and drummer Alejandro Salazar. A spare setting of her voice with only drums on “Till There Was You” is rather unique, and her warm, conversational style on “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” is affable and self-assured. She takes on “My Buddy” with just her own piano accompaniment, and Thelonious Monk’s “’Round Midnight” is performed with only bass support. When joined with the full
Jan 16, 2026 -
AVAILABLE NOW: THE NEW BOOK FROM AUTHOR TAD RICHARDS
Listening to Prestige: Chronicling Its Classic Jazz Recordings, 1949–1972
A... Read Full Article
Nov 30, 2025 -
New Christmas Music by from Marcus Goldhaber “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” (digital only single) and Margee Minier-Tubbs &... Read Full Article
Sep 9, 2025 -
Chicago-based Indie-folk singer-songwriter Chris Rawlins is set to release his much anticipated sophomore album, Flyover,... Read Full Article
Sep 7, 2025 -
Putumayo Discovery is proud to announce the release of French Groove, a dynamic compilation that showcases the fresh face of French... Read Full Article
Sep 7, 2025 -
Putumayo Discovery's new album, Instrumental Odyssey, out on September 5th, 2025 is a journey across cultures, continents, and musical... Read Full Article
Oct 24, 2024 -
For fans of Beirut, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Regina Spektor and Keren Ann. The lush bucolic folk of ‘Season to Season’ is the first... Read Full Article
Sep 12, 2024 -
Indiana based Singer Songwriter Abbie Thomas to release eagerly awaited second album Sept 27
The candid creative spark behind Abbie... Read Full Article
