Emilio Castillo
Castillo finds new inspiration
By JUSTINO ÁGUILA
The Orange County Register
Wednesday, April 26, 2006

O.C. guitarist's stay in Spain brings a fresh perspective to his music and a new look to his show.

Local musician Emilio Castillo returns to the stage with his Spanish flamenco guitar to perform "Modern Gypsy," featuring new music and dancers.

The Laguna Beach resident's latest musical influences stem from his recent trip to Spain, where he lived and learned from traditional flamenco musicians.

"I played music with Gypsies in Spain last summer and realized something important," Castillo said. "They don't perform for money or fame. That woke me up."

Castillo, who will perform in Santa Ana for three consecutive days beginning Thursday, also is recording a CD featuring his new musical inspiration.

After a breakup with his business partner and the cancellation of several concerts, Castillo was ready for an artistic metamorphosis.

"Before the trip to Europe I realized that I was flying through the creation of my songs," Castillo said. "The trip abroad changed my perspective."

His strumming technique has changed: Using his index finger more gives his music a deeper sound.

And he wanted his new show to have a more intimate feel, so he pared down his 20-piece band to 10 pieces.

The show will include music from his CDs "The Midnight Dance," "Modern Gypsy" and "Emilio."

"The Emilio sound is still the same," Castillo said, "but anybody who has seen my show will notice there's a little bit of a change."