VIC KASTEL / B I O G R A P H Y:When we asked singer/songwriter Vic Kastel: Why release material that was recorded in the 70’s? He said, “Good music transcends time.”
In the tradition of such treasured singer/songwriters as Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, Dave Mason, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp, Kastel is releasing his debut album with recorded material from the late-70’s. “A good song … is a good song. I’ve recorded and written material since then of course, but when I re-visited the material earlier this year, it sounded remarkably in sync with many of the new music and artists today.” |
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TIME TRAVELER
On his debut album, Time Traveler,” (Island Avenue Records) - the 13-tracks are just that; a pitch-perfect reminder of those compelling musical times.
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Recorded at the legendary Phil Ramone-owned A&R Studios (which officially closed up shop in 1989). The songs speak with the energy and power of those times.
Wildly-retro and analog recorded, the tracks each speak to Kastel’s personal journey – led by the joyous and exuberant “Don’t Ever Let Me Catch You Giving Up On My Love” and the sumptuously-produced-and performed ballad “First Impressions.” In a cosmic twist-of-fate, the recording of both these songs bring out a rich and emotive tapestry lacking in much of today’s computer-generated songs. |
“Both those songs have proven to be timeless. I’ve performed them in many situations and they always draw an immediate attention.”
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By the time he graduated high school, he was performing professionally during "The Twist" era at the world famous Peppermint Lounge in New York City with acts like Joey Dee and the Starlighters.
A founder and member of the Long Island based quartet The Axents, he continued living the rock and roll dream by performing with a variety of top acts, including The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Gary U.S. Bonds, Jay and the Americans, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, The Angels; Randy & the Rainbows; and, Patti LaBelle.
Vic was asked to play and to join lead singer, Dennis Belline, from the groups "The Rich Kids" and "Man" and drummer Tony Machine of Buster Pointdexter's “Hot Hot Hot” fame in a group project Cowboy Stars.
Vic has also opened for such acts as Jackie Wilson; Wilson Picket; Aretha Franklin; has appeared with SiriusXM’s "Cousin Brucie" at his rock and roll events and shows. He also has performed with revered blues-legend James Cotton; worked with Jimi Hendrix’s first producer; and, rap-icon Kurtis Blow.
After meeting and speaking with legendary songsmith "Doc" Pomus (“Save The Last Dance For Me,” “Teenager in love”) at a live show featuring Little Buster and the Soul Brothers, Vic was encouraged to continue writing with Buster; a collaboration resulting in the creation of "Broken Hearted Man.” recorded and released on Buster’s "Right On Time" (Rounder Records).
Kastel also recorded and produced Buster’s final recording session which included the song "Cradle of Love,” written for Buster. Vic was also asked to induct Little Buster into the Long Island Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after his untimely passing in the mid-90’s.
Another collaboration with Lawrence Vannata, writer of the 50's classic "You" by the Aquatones, resulted in two more songs "First Impressions" and "Good Old Rock and Roll’” both recorded at the A&R sessions.
His most recent music journey consisted of a stint playing in the orchestra for a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; and, solo performances including one at the legendary My Father’s Place in Roslyn, Long Island, where Kastel is currently based.
Time Traveler, he says, is my musical journey.
A founder and member of the Long Island based quartet The Axents, he continued living the rock and roll dream by performing with a variety of top acts, including The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Gary U.S. Bonds, Jay and the Americans, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, The Angels; Randy & the Rainbows; and, Patti LaBelle.
Vic was asked to play and to join lead singer, Dennis Belline, from the groups "The Rich Kids" and "Man" and drummer Tony Machine of Buster Pointdexter's “Hot Hot Hot” fame in a group project Cowboy Stars.
Vic has also opened for such acts as Jackie Wilson; Wilson Picket; Aretha Franklin; has appeared with SiriusXM’s "Cousin Brucie" at his rock and roll events and shows. He also has performed with revered blues-legend James Cotton; worked with Jimi Hendrix’s first producer; and, rap-icon Kurtis Blow.
After meeting and speaking with legendary songsmith "Doc" Pomus (“Save The Last Dance For Me,” “Teenager in love”) at a live show featuring Little Buster and the Soul Brothers, Vic was encouraged to continue writing with Buster; a collaboration resulting in the creation of "Broken Hearted Man.” recorded and released on Buster’s "Right On Time" (Rounder Records).
Kastel also recorded and produced Buster’s final recording session which included the song "Cradle of Love,” written for Buster. Vic was also asked to induct Little Buster into the Long Island Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after his untimely passing in the mid-90’s.
Another collaboration with Lawrence Vannata, writer of the 50's classic "You" by the Aquatones, resulted in two more songs "First Impressions" and "Good Old Rock and Roll’” both recorded at the A&R sessions.
His most recent music journey consisted of a stint playing in the orchestra for a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; and, solo performances including one at the legendary My Father’s Place in Roslyn, Long Island, where Kastel is currently based.
Time Traveler, he says, is my musical journey.
