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 Stone Cold
Album Info: Stone Cold
Russ Green Album: Stone Cold Label: Overton Genre(s): Contemporary Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
Jun 7, 2026
Review
Russ Green’s lyric lines don’t rhyme here just as often as they do, creating a conversational, “talkin’ blues” setting for this lively and varied set. His supercharged harmonica remains the main story, blazing atop standout tracks including the stylish shuffle “Hey Man”, the urgent “12 Feet of Water” and the old-school lover’s lament “Waitin’ On You”.
Ma Polaine's Great Decline Album: Monster Swan Label: OMH Genre(s): Jazzy Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
May 31, 2026
Review
Mood via minimalism is the M.O. of this fascinating Brit duo. Praised on this site on multiple occasions- a search under the band name is highly recommended- vocalist/songwriter Beth Packer and guitarist Clinton Hough continue to conjure up atmospherics of a most compelling, frequently intoxicating sort. Ms. Packer’s superpower is understatement, deftly displayed on the evocative ballad “Small Town”. The jazzy noir “Numb” and the steamy “An Ugly Taste” standout as well. Mr. Hough’s underplay provides the ideal complement throughout. Getting to know “Ma” is definitely worth the effort.
Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport Album: Young Rell Label: Little Vilage Genre(s): Classic Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
May 23, 2026
Review
There’s singing a vocal, then again there’s selling it. Harrell Davenport here consistently demonstrates his skills at the latter, more nuanced art, convincingly delivering blues in a manner way beyond his years. Further buttressed with his own guitar and harmonica savvy plus quality old-school band backup, “Young Rell”’s current, mostly original set stands among the strongest releases so far this year. Standouts include “Tomorrow”, “Spinning” and “I Be Tryin’”.
Jaana Narsipur Album: The Re-Collection Label: In The Pocket Jazz Genre(s): Crossover Jazz Posted
By: Joe Ross
May 18, 2026
Review
Jazz vocalist Jaana Narsipur’s refreshing new album, “The Re-Collection,” shows that she has obtained a successful niche in the jazz and pop fields. She shows versatility in doing a variety of material ranging from Swing Out Sister to Sting, Peter Gabriel to U2 and much more. She makes a solid statement with her well-sung jazzy pop arrangements by pianist/music director Nicki Adams and herself, surrounded by a top-flight instrumental cast including New York based musicians like drummer Joe Abba, bassist Marco Panascia, and others coloring several tracks with trumpet, tenor sax, trombone, violin, viola and cello. The impressive collaborators include tenor saxophonist Sean Nowell, trumpeter Wayne Tucker, trombonist Alex Jeun, violinist Meg Okura, violist Hannah Selin, and cellist Laura Masferrer. Okura’s technical abilities shine on the noteworthy cover of Annie
Delta Generators Album: On & On Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Blues, Blues Rock, Contemporary Blues Posted
By: Duane Verh
May 15, 2026
Review
Brian Templeton’s muscular vocals are the focal point of a group identity both convincingly tradition-bound and contemporarily fresh sounding; the latter trait further attributable to his smart lyric crafting. The former is the work of all present here, resulting in a formidable four-piece sound. Standing out in a slouch-free set are a relentless shuffle- “Poker Face”, a fierce hoodoo rocker- “Baby Bomb” and a knockout slow blues- “Ginny Mae”. Props to guitarist Charlie O’Neal, particularly for some searing slide and the blues-savvy rhythm section- bassist Rick O’Neal and drummer Jeff Armstrong. A Best of Year candidate.
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
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
