The Crossroads Band (http://www.crossrdsband.com) is a blues group that people who cannot sit through a blues record will find themselves seduced. Part of the key is vocalist Tony Merando, whose easy-listening style doesn't have the weighty raspiness of many blues cats, which the unenlightened often see as being harsh to the ears. The reason for this is that Merando's voice has the harmonic qualities of old-school country, and the group, too, is a hybrid of Southern-bred roots rock and classic blues.
What struck me immediately about "Crossroads" is how likeable all of the songs are. The ringing riffs and throbbing bass lines of "Stranded" is a pleasure to devour, Americana Lite that then combusts with Ben Ribble's iron-hot blues guitars. I probably played "Stranded" six times in the iPod today alone. The upbeat "Higher Ground" destroys the stereotype of the blues being a downcast musical style. There are even cozy love songs on here such as "Time Slips Away" and "One Night" that are romantic and appealing, both given a heartfelt embrace by Merando.
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The Crossroads lads have palpable chemistry; nobody is trying to show off over the others here. Theirs is a tight unit, one that has placed songwriting as a high priority, and listeners will be blessed with their presence.
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