The distinguished cross-cultural band that blends rock, Latin, blues and world music, Del Castillo, is set to perform at Susanna’s Kitchen February 15.
Two brothers, Mark and Rick del Castillo, accomplished electric guitarists in different bands, collaborated on a recording project intended as a gift to their parents and family. Never having played in the same band together, the brothers joined forces by playing acoustic nylon string guitars, instead of their electric guitars for the project. The brothers invited their long-time, hometown musical friends to play on the project and the music came to life. Once the album was finalized, it was titled after their namesake, “Brothers Of The Castle.”
The concert to celebrate the release of the recording for their family and friends sparked a turnout so large that it eclipsed any that they experienced with their separate bands.
The more the band played, the more their audience grew. They continued to write and record together and quickly became one of Austin’s most recognized bands. One of the instrumental songs from the first album, “Spanish Castle Tango” was picked by Robert Rodriguez as the inspiration for “Mexico and Mariachis.” Another track from their first album, “Días de Los Ángeles” was included in the film and soundtrack for “Once Upon A Time In Mexico,” starring Johnny Depp, Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek.
“Whether Del Castil-lo works in Spanish or English, it rocks righteously. The Spanish guitars’ flamenco vibe gives a dramatic flair, abetted by Alex Ruiz’s passionate vocals.
They pull together Latin music’s romance and rock’s grit.” says Billboard magazine Rodriguez enlisted the group to contribute music for the soundtracks to “Once Upon A Time In Mexico,” “Spy Kids 3D”, “Sin City,” “Grindhouse,” and “Machete,” “Sin City 2,” “Machete Kills,” “Spy Kids 4,” and “Alita: Battle Angel.” and to perform their music live at the premieres. He was so impressed with Del Castillo that he wanted to record with them, so together they formed the super-group, “CHINGÓN” and recorded an electrifying rendition of the Mexican Mariachi classic, “Malagueña Salerosa.” Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino loved the song so much that he edited the ending sequence of “Kill Bill Vol. II” to fit the song into his film. Their live performance, with more than 4 million views, can be seen on You-Tube.
“Watching brothers Rick and Mark del Castillo take the stage and throw down dazzling nylon-string runs, in unison and in harmony, made me a big fan…of infectious Latin rhythms with mind-boggling solos,” wrote Guitar Player magazine.
Del Castillo began touring nationwide, playing with such diverse acts as Styx, Los Lonely Boys, Ozomatli, Kinky, Don Henley, Los Lobos, Ryan Bingham and Willie Nelson. They performed at three of Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnics, at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival and made numerous local and national TV appearances.
Willie Nelson was such a fan that he re-recorded his song “I Never Cared For You” with the full band — featured on “Brotherhood” — and said it’s his “favorite version.”
The band played major festivals across the US and Canada. To benefit the non-profit Hermes Music Foundation, the band collaborated with Willie Nelson, Carlos Santano and Los Lonely Boys on “Claro Que Se Puede” for the album “Proyecto De Amor.” The Foundation provides musical instruments to the indigenous people of Mexico.
Del Castillo’s instrumental track, “Las Seis Cuerdas de Tony Montuno” was a featured song for a scene in ABC’s crime drama series “Killer Women.” The band made a brief appearance during the second episode.
The band was also recruited to appear in the series, “From Dusk Till Dawn,” produced by Robert Rodriguez and Miramax for his new television network, The EL REY Network. They transformed into vampires and played the killer house band for the first two seasons. That same year, the band also made an appearance on the radical wrestling show, “Lucha Underground” performing with Robert Rodriguez as “CHINGÓN, ”for the EL REY Network.
“I want to bring the most exciting and authentic content possible,” said Robert Rodriguez when announcing the TV series. “Chingón and Del Castillo have been part of my experience providing this kind of entertainment to audiences since the beginning.”
Del Castillo took a brief hiatus from touring to work on different recording projects and new musical collaborations. After a couple of years, the band eventually began writing and recording new music once again, this time expanding their sound to incorporate more electric guitars in the mix. The band has started performing live again and are playing new songs at select shows.
The performance is part of Susanna’s Kitchen coffeehouse concert series at the Wimberley United Methodist Church, Corner of RR 12 and CR 1492. Doors open at 7 and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids. Tamales, pizza, pie, coffee and soft drinks are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit The Barnabas Connection, Bright Beginnings Preschool scholarships and other nonprofits.
