CHRIS CASELLO
BEST HONKY-TONK HERO: CHRIS CASELLO
“There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping six-string sharpshooters working Lower Broad, but few of them are as entertaining and musical as Chris Casello. If you’ve ever had your mind blown by a guitarist who looks a little like Silvio from The Sopranos, then you know the guy. Whether he’s fronting his trio or working as a sideman (most notably, with the fabulous Brazilbilly), he stands out more for what he doesn’t play: While a lot of other axmen on the strip try to wow you with their gazillion-notes-a-second chicken-pickin’ virtuosity, Casello is a paragon of taste, emphasizing melody, groove and a healthy dose of musical humor, as he combines vintage country, slap-back rockabilly, blues and jazz. And he’s a badass steel player to boot.’ – JACK SILVERMAN