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 My Country
Album Info: My Country
RW Hampton Album: My Country Label: Cimarron Sounds Genre(s): Classic Country Posted
By: Duane Verh
Aug 3, 2026
Review
If the word “classic” shows up with frequency here, it’s because, in this instance, it belongs. RW Hampton’s classic country baritone pipes carry the listener through a thoroughly satisfying set of classic cowboy country. The Texas-bred vocalist/guitarist’s unhurried, convincing delivery sells song after song. Standouts include “Donnie Catch A Horse”, “Texas Bein’ Texas” and a (yes) classic country “story song”, Peter LaFarge’s “The Ballad of Ira Hayes”. Instrumental backup is first rate.
Brigitte Purdy Album: Mother of the Crossroads Label: Dirtshack Genre(s): Blues Rock, Contemporary Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
Jul 26, 2026
Review
Vocalist Brigitte Purdy’s familiarity with the elements of fire and steam are on full display on her current offering, a blues-and-ballad mix abundantly stacked with ear-catching fare. Partnering successfully again with producer/multi-instrumentalist Dave Osti, Ms. Purdy singes & simmers her way through Osti-penned originals and the pair’s co-writes including standouts “Sugar Fried Candy”, “Memphis Hotline” and the title track.
Review of Return to Tupper Street: Valley Hi Reimagined
Album Info: Return to Tupper Street: Valley Hi Reimagined
Iain Matthews Album: Return to Tupper Street: Valley Hi Reimagined Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Contemporary Folk Posted
By: Duane Verh
Jul 20, 2026
Review
Venerable folk-rocker Iain Matthews draws upon his 1973 album “Valley Hi”- right down to the cover art- with re-castings of each song present on that well-received work. Those familiar with it will notice many changes in mood and sound on songs including “Keep On Sailing”, “Leaving Alone” or a new rendition of Jackson Browne’s “These Days”. Those not should simply enjoy a fresh, well-crafted offering by a still vital artist.
Ga-20 & Charlie Musselwhite Album: BLUES NOW Label: New West Genre(s): Classic Blues, Contemporary Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
Jul 13, 2026
Review
The clash of rock-solid blues harp with high-energy band backup on the first track here may induce flashbacks of early Paul Butterfield records for some listeners but that’s just an indication of the freshness and unpretentious nature of this tasty set. The Beantown three-piece GA-20 has previously demonstrated a knack for seeking out great cover opportunities & their hook-up with harp master Mr. Musselwhite delivers big on that know-how. The previously-referred-to leadoff track is Willie Dixon’s “Crazy Love”. Guitarist Cody Nilsen appropriately flavors Elmore James’ “I Can’t Hold Out” with slide work and torches it up vocally on “I’ll Change My Style”. Good stuff all over this one.
Joe Krown Album: Qualified (feat. Papa Mali) Label: Sledgehammer Blues Genre(s): Blues, Blues, Classic Blues, Classic Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
Jul 8, 2026
Review
Fronted with the scrappy vocals of guitarist Papa Mali, NOLA piano vet Joe Krown dishes out tasty takes on “hometown” gems on this most satisfying set. With a solid grip on the Crescent City way of doing things, Mr. K doses “Junco Partner” with flashes of next-level swing and delivers a seriously rocking chorus on Professor Longhair’s “Mardi Gras in New Orleans”. The Mac Rebennack/Jesse Hill song which serves as the title track and Allen Toussaint’s “Last Train” serve as ideal set starters and closers, respectively. Cyrille Neville guests vocally on "Fortune Teller".
Jun 19, 2026 -
Pharaoh’s Daughter Unveils 6th Album, Songs of Desire
A deeply personal, 18-year musical journey through love, longing, and the sacred... Read Full Article
Jun 16, 2026 -
Born out of the love of rock music and admiration for the virtuosity of bluegrass musicians, the Pickin’ On Series brings... Read Full Article
May 28, 2026 -
A vibrant, electro-traditional celebration of Francophone culture, connection, and collective joy.
Acclaimed Québec artist Mélisande... Read Full Article
May 14, 2026 -
The new album by Laura Camacho Tango Project, Todo Tiempo Pasado, is now available! Celebrating the universality of music through the... Read Full Article
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
