Reviews

Smilin' Castle Productions Record Reviews

For a complete listing of REVIEWS on Del Castillo VISIT HERE!

photo by: John Carrico

Del Castillo @
The Austin Music Awards 2002

Best Mexican/Traditional Latino Band: Del Castillo

Best World Music Band: Del Castillo

"There's a simple reason why this new Austin band
sells so many CDs at their shows. They kick serious ass."
by: David Lynch - Austin Chronicle

SXSW Records Review 03/07/02

Austin American Statesman Review 02/07/02

Butterfly Tree in Belgium!

DJ-RAY PIETERS from 103.1 FM Radio Milo, located in Mol, down the border with Holland, has requested a copy of the Butterfly Tree CD for his program after visiting the site and listening.
His show airs every Thursday from 7:00 to 10:00pm and reaches 200,000 listeners. His show has aired for 20 years!
He calls the show, "SOMEWHERE BETWEEN…"
and says it's for, "music with roots."

So if you're visiting Mol, listen to 103.1 FM & Dj Ray and request Butterfly Tree!

"Overall superb album. It's an album that takes a few listens to fully appreciate.
The quality and production of this CD is excellent.
Butterlfy Tree comes highly recommended."
STORMBRINGER WEBZINE-UK / Derek Daniel-music reviewer

As posted in the FAO CASA Gazette-Rome, Italy, for the United Nations Systems world-wide...
"Butterfly Tree. An opulent symphonic progressive concept rock opera masterpiece
from a fantastic Austin, Texas duo: Dana Davis and Rick Del Castillo.
Amazingly surreal, imaginatively powerful and succulent release that will make your soul soar
and your mind blissfully recharged. A DOUBLE MUST !!"

Stavros Moschopoulos / music reviewer / FAO CASA Gazette-Rome, Italy

"The album is simply amazing. An awesome rockoperatic project."
Sharon Jones-LeFlore / editor / SpyDerWeb / Capitol-City A&E webzine/Austin,TX

"To me your music is a great bubbling soup of Kate Bush, Jellyfish, a dash of Joni Mitchell,
a heaping cup full of the Beatles and an ultra dose of your own wonderfully twisted selves.
Serve up hot with a giant spoon and enjoy. "
Katrina Lassberg /Media Buyer /Southwest Wholesale /Houston,TX

"Haven't heard anything this different since, "Sgt. Pepper!"

Lowell Fowler / CEO-High End Systems / Austin, TX

"I have seldom been more impressed by a premier recording.
The music covers the map both stylistically and topically.
From the heavy symphonic chords of a dreamscape in "The Sound Of Breathing,"
to the very Beatlesque story of a lounge lizard in "Walter's Bird."
Rick's multi-layered instrumentals perfectly adorn the songs
and he shows himself to be quite a song-writer as well.
This CD will not leave my player until I've memorized every measure and message."

David Ricci / Coordinator-BP Exploration / Houston, TX

"I am sure BUTTERFLY TREE is going to be one of those albums that even gets better
and better with subsequent listenings,and I'm looking forward to doing just that.
I am impressed with its originality as well as Dana's voice."

Gey Masters / President / Treecastle Music / Clayton, GA

"Dana Davis's voice is nothing short of grand!
Haunting, evocative, and crossing the realm from shadow into the light and back...
With Rick del Castillo on some sensational guitar, I recall the prime symphonic prowess of Brian May.
The CD features a lush orchestral production and a definite symphonic prog sound into a concept piece.
Some really powerful stuff on here!! And it rocks too! A vey fine CD!!!!! Recommended!!!"

Michael Piper / Owner-The Wild Places & Ace of Discs / Brooklyn, NY

"what impressed me most was the depth of the tunes themselves,
they were powerfully melodic, meticulously executed and always interesting."
Fritz Jung / Music review / Heartland Spirit Festival-Kansas City, MO

"The next Rock Opera! ...Rachmoninov with vocals!"
Valerie Yarbrough / Manager-"Survivor"/Memphis, TN

"It's a soul enrichening listening experience
for people who really love music and how powerful it can be."
Eric Leikam/DJ-WRNO-The River 99.5/New Orleans,LA

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