James Casto

James Casto was also memorable and entertained my ears with his clever pop/country tune "Wannabe" which maintained an addictive groove and brought a smile to my face. - Annette Warner, A. Warner Entertainment

James Casto is not a dreamer. He’s not even an idealist. Dreamers rarely step forward in the direction of their dreams, and idealists never accept that there is darkness inside those silver linings. His three "No Hit Wonders" CDs are distinguished landmarks of his Big Step out of the darkness of the everyman life, and the thousands of little steps toward one man’s dream.

James decided to become a songwriter. So he wrote songs. Everyday. He practiced, co-wrote with anyone he could. He drove to Nashville (from Atlanta) - sometimes twice a week - to play for free and for anyone who would listen.

But a funny thing happened to James on the way to becoming a songwriter. He became an artist. From his percussive groove-gospel piano style (who said being a drummer was a handicap?) to his soulful, passionate voice, James’ message is undeniable. Yes, there is darkness - yes, there is hope - and yes, oh yes, there is God.

While many artists see their gifts as a way to get something - fame, money, etc... James Casto sees it another way. His gifts are for giving - his talent, his time, and his Faith. His collection of songs will reach anyone with a human heart. It is faith without alienation, love without bounds, and a gift you will treasure for years to come.

The featured song, "Two Inches Deep" is the tale of that Big Step, where James and many others have found the courage to "take back their lives" from the rascals to whom they were once entrusted.

- Fran Snyder

His lyrical style reminds me of Bruce Springstein, very americana and very real. It took me a couple listens catch the storys behind the song, but it wasn't due to his lyrics, but the fact that his voice is so mesmerizing. - E Jeff Einowski

Lots of talent in these No Hit Wonders

By Devin GrantDevin Grant can be reached at chucktowncritic@yahoo.com.

Special to The Post and Courier

Thursday, August 2, 2007


They're going to let Paris Hilton record another album.

If one needed a single sentence to sum up exactly what is wrong with the music business these days, then there it is.

If you need any further evidence as to why the major label record companies are in trouble these days, then look no further than Joe West, JP Williams, Sabrina and James Casto. No, these folks aren't personally part of the problem. As a matter of fact, they could be part of the solution. These musicians are in a group that calls itself the No Hit Wonders. The name is a bit misleading, because all of these musicians are successful to a certain degree. But in a world where "American Idol" rules the roost, all four of these artists remain relatively unknown.

Fortunately, the advent of the Internet has made personal promotion relatively easy. After Casto was introduced to Williams, Sabrina and West on separate occasions, the four musicians joined forces to get their music heard in the ultra-competitive music industry in Nashville.

The Lowcountry got a taste of the No Hit Wonders Friday night during a performance at the Village Playhouse in Mount Pleasant.

The show was a benefit for the Mikel Foundation, which is devoted to raising funds for genetic research. The structure of Friday night's show was similar to that of songwriters Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Joe Ely and Guy Clark when those musicians played the North Charleston Performing Arts Center earlier this year. Each artist performed one of his or her own songs, and then stepped aside to let the next person in the group do likewise. What really made Friday night's show enjoyable was the fact that none of the songwriters assembled had a sound or style that mirrored any of the others.

Joe West, was dressed in jeans, boots and a cowboy hat, a look he described as "Urkel meets Haggard." West showed off his love of country music with songs such as "Me Without You" and "The Real Deal." "The Real Deal" was particularly good, and the song just cries out for a mainstream country artist to record it.

Williams, who has been blind since the age of ten, has an incredible vocal range, and was able to hit some sweet high notes. He has a chance to demonstrate his gift during songs such as "Tongue Tied" and "I Don't Mind." Like West, Williams could easily have his songs recorded by any current country star, and I would venture to say that with his good looks and incredible voice, Williams himself could become a star.

Sabrina has more of an adult contemporary or folk sound, but she still had no problem keeping up with the guys. Sabrina plays guitar beautifully, and her songs, with titles such as "The Box" and "What Are You Waiting For," are soulful and packed with substance. She even performed an instrumental in a style she dubbed "soulgrass."

Casto's musical style is probably the most far removed from the rest of the No Hit Wonders. Playing keyboards and percussion instead of the guitars sported by Sabrina, West and Williams.

With a rock style that is reminiscent of Billy Joel or Joe Jackson, Casto performed songs such as "Lost" (which reminded me of Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis"), "Two Inches Deep" and "Courageous."

Casto was joined by saxophone player Matt Blanchard on his songs, and even let Blanchard perform one of his own original compositions, "Orange Hair, Orange Sun."

I will admit that I had never heard of any of these musicians prior to attending Friday night's show, and after seeing them perform I am a fan of each and every player.

Usually when one attends a showcase-style performance such as this, there is one or two artists that really stand out.

That wasn't the case with the One Hit Wonders.

Each song was as good as the last, and again I consider the current state of the music business and wonder why these folks aren't rich and famous. I suppose Paris Hilton needs the money; or at least the attention.
- Charelston Post & Courier