Johnson's Crossroad is taking their love of the old time mountain music, bluegrass, and the Texas singer/songwriters of the 1970's and putting their own stamp on the ever widening and increasingly popular 'Americana' genre. The band was born in the bars of small town Lewisburg, WV. Johnson's Crossroad performed the old songs they love and began to craft their own material. As audiences began to grow founding members Paul Johnson and Keith Minguez decided to head south over the Blue Ridge Mountains to the budding music scene of beautiful Asheville, NC where they found like-minded musicians and formed a touring band. The debut album "Blood in Black and White" brings together some of Asheville's finest musicians to perform JXR's original material. The album is steeped in the traditional country themes of lost love, lost fortune, lost time, and overcoming hardships, but Johnson's Crossroad have clearly found a unique voice. With "Blood in Black and White" they give country music fans an alternative to the "polished" sound, though staying true to the roots that have made country music great.
Paul Johnson-Rhythm, Vocals, Songs “West Virginia movin’ slow” there is so much stimulation in our life today that one can easily miss a national treasure when he’s right in front of you. Paul Johnson is a powerhouse songwriter. Lyrics are tough and tender. His visceral growl calls up and reminds us of the broken majesty inside us all.
Keith Minguez—Mandolin, Harmonies. “The deader, the better” that’s the country and old time music that drives this New Jersey native. A successful, working glass blower, Keith’s Life is dedicated to music and art. Keith has made a career of bringing practical and passion together and marrying his enviable talent with equally enviable drive and ethic.
Justin Eisenman-Bass Fiddle, Harmonies If you knew that this Wisconsin native was an excelsior flatpicker on the guitar and the mandolin, not to mention a writer of original bluegrass music, then you may begin to appreciate the subtlety and restraint he’s bringing to the songs back there on the stand up.
Matthew Chase-Dobro, Harmonies If you don’t know, you better ask somebody. Stick around for a whole Johnson’s Crossroad set, stay for their break and if you’re lucky, Matt will play solo. This Mainer’s career stands out in it’s own right. Presence, proficiency, performance, Power.
And they’re all friends. And if you think that’s irrelevant, then you haven’t seen a live show. You haven’t gotten a whiff of the chemistry between these four formidable individuals when they are doing their thing onstage.
Maybe it’s the Blue Ridge Mountains down in Asheville, North Carolina where they all met and now reside. Maybe it’s timing. They’re not wasting a moment of it. If they’re not on tour as you read this then they will be in a few weeks, and that’s a bankable fact.
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