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 NOW
Album Info: BLUES NOW
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 tack 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 flavors Elmore James’ “I Can’t Hold Out” with lap steel 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): 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".
Charles Brown Mystics Album: Wind of The Northern Light Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Progressive Rock Posted
By: Robert Silverstein
Jul 7, 2026
Review
Following in the sonic footprints of his two most recent masterworks, Explorer Of Life (2017) and A New Awakening (2023), Denver-based guitarist and composer / conceptualist Charles Brown returns in 2026 with an album that improves upon his unique approach to electric hard-rock guitar meets instrumental rock. Unlike some heavy metal / hard rock recording artists, Charles takes the lead from power chord mastermind guitarist of The Who, Pete Townshend. Charles is cited as an ardent Townshend aficionado in the past, and on the 2026 release of Wind Of The Northern Light, the comparison is equally valid.
The best examples come by way of the two lead off tracks, the title track “Wind Of The Northern Light” and “Ancient Highlands”. Both introduce a kind of sonic call to arms with Charles’ fretboard finesse in march-like precision. That kind of accuracy bleeds
Review of These Are The Days That Turn In To Years
Album Info: These Are The Days That Turn In To Years
Pharis & Jason Romero Album: These Are The Days That Turn In To Years Label: Lula Genre(s): Acoustic Folk Posted
By: Duane Verh
Jul 5, 2026
Review
The Romero’s robust folk sound blends seamlessly with song-crafting skills any aspiring pop songwriter would covet. Vocalist/guitarist Pharis’s lyric sets are as sharply appointed as they are forthright and downright comfortable. Hers & partner/guitarist Jason’s airtight, two-part harmonies and sure-fingered fretwork throughout complete a most pleasing presence. Standouts in a strong, strong set include “Big Time World”, “Hey Babe”, “I Got Away From Myself” and the title track. A Best of Year Candidate.
More of the same can be a good thing and Louisiana accordionist Corey Arcenaux here delivers track after track of satisfying old-school zydeco, keeping a nice balance between its lively and its mellow sides. Ear-grabbing examples of the former include the title track and the highly infectious “Chock-A-Block”. For the latter, the lyric hook of the ballad “When It Comes To You” has instant impact. A tasty surprise comes on the set's sole cover, Little Walter's "Last Night"- a fiery blues chorus from guitarist Joseph "Cookie" Chavis. Good stuff!
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
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
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
