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 New Blue Mexico
Album Info: New Blue Mexico
Randy Lee Riviere Album: New Blue Mexico Label: Wilderness Genre(s): Blues Rock Posted
By: Duane Verh
Oct 29, 2026
Review
Redneck raunch-meister Randy Lee Riviere’s attitude hasn’t improved one single bit which should be delightful news to familiars. Searing and growling, the Montana bred singer/guitarist treads close to Beefheart turf on the burner “Carolina Sally”. Other ear-catchers include “Jersey Girl”, “May Day” and the menacing “They Didn’t Get My Gun”.
Dudley Taft Album: Fire Horse Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Blues Rock Posted
By: Duane Verh
Oct 25, 2026
Review
Guitarist Dudley Taft’s signature song-centric muscle rock frequently takes on a decidedly psychedelic turn here, lyrically speaking. Hints of flower power poetics scent the spacey ballads “She Loves Me” and “Stolen Days” as well as the rocking shuffle “It Speaks To Me” and the insistent rocker “So Empty”. Of course, fiery fretboard dazzle reigns supreme throughout the set.
Crystal Shawanda Album: Homesick Indian Blues Label: New Sun Genre(s): Blues, Contemporary Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
Oct 20, 2026
Review
As shown on multiple occasions previously, vocalist Crystal Shawanda’s fierce, fiery delivery finds a suitable home with heart-tugging ballads as well as full-tilt blues and soul. Evidence here includes gems from Albert King- “I’ll Play The Blues For You” and Hank Williams- “You Win Again” as well as the incendiary title track.
First circulated as a bootleg in the ‘80’s, then released on CD three decades ago, this legendary “live” session has arrived once again, giving new listeners a chance to savor the work of a brilliant, under-heralded guitarist. Legendary among players and connoisseurs, the furiously fleet and fluid play of the late Mr. Gatton is as jaw-dropping presently as it was when laid down. Here he frequently comes off like a Les Paul on PEDs, flourishing a set built mostly of well-chosen rock & roll classics. Retro rocker-supreme Mr. Gordon belts ‘em out reliably himself on songs including “The Way I Walk”, “Twenty Flight Rock” and “Red Hot”.
Patrick McCormic Album: Crisis of Confidence Label: Cross Apple Genre(s): Americana Country Posted
By: Duane Verh
Oct 8, 2026
Review
Patrick McCormic delivers his potent, plot-rich lyrics with consistent heat and urgency which closes the deal on every track present here. The masterful phrase-turning singer/songwriter feasts on quality small-group studio backup as well. Standouts include “Fields of Kansas”, “Caroline” and the killer title track. Real good stuff.
Sep 24, 2026 -
Eighth-generation East Kentucky musician and Appalachian traditional dancer Carla Gover assembled a remarkable cast of female musicians from Kentucky... Read Full Article
Sep 9, 2026 -
Tengerton is a quartet of super soloists from Mongolia. The poetic meaning of this new quartet of super soloists is a sound came from the sky... Read Full Article
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
