Sophomore effort from the Menahan Street Band. The Brooklyn-based band turned heads back in 2008 with their full length debut Make The Road By Walking, and now four years later they are back with another dose of timeless instrumental soul gems. The Crossing kicks off with the moody, horn-laced boom bap of the title cut, setting the tone for the rest of the album (honestly wouldn’t be surprised if someone samples this soon, it’s just ASKING for for an MC to spit). Similar vibes can be found on “Lights Out,” “Three Faces,” “Sleight Of Hand,” and “Seven In The Wind,” while cuts like “Ivory And Blue,” and “Keep Em Coming Back,” mellow it out on the smooth tip. 11 tracks in all housed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve. Recommended.
- music label: Dunham / Daptone 2012