Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
The sense of wanting to belong to something hangs in the air like an unspoken memory, a thought of clarity and perspective comes through the speakers and dispels the confusion and bewilderment that comes with the fast living in which we have all become far too accustomed to, the brakes have been tampered with and each one of no longer it seems has the time to grasp the moment to breathe. Guitarist Adrian Nation winds the window down, hands you an oxygen mask and smiles as he plays and his new album Live at Crossroads is a timely reminder to see through the muck, the shattered glass and outward momentum and just take in a truth.
There is something to be said for going out into the world and let adventure, the flow of life finding you. Certainly it seems more logical than sitting at home staring at a blank piece of paper and sweating over the lack of inspiration. Even listening to someone else’s life through the playing of a sweet guitar and voice that sounds like a country walk to the comfort of the best public house in the county with a roaring fire to warm the heart of the weary traveller. Live at Crossroads takes these elements and gives hope to a world out of sync with its self, even when the messages contained are ones that send a shiver of anxiety running down the spine.
Recorded live during a tour 14 date tour, Live at Crossroads is the prime example of an album that can capture the essence of the performer without selling their soul, what comes across throughout each song is a man in harmony, not just with his music but also with the audience; he is allowing them to breathe and for a brief while think rather than react, contemplate rather than counter.
Whilst the overall album has a terrific intimate feel to it, some tracks, notably The Coming of the Day, the fantastic but disturbing The Dying of Democracy, Vincent Black Lightning and Set Fire to the Sky just whisper that little bit louder and captures the scenes and moments truly intended.
Live at Crossroads is a remarkably captured live performance from a master of the craft.
Ian D. Hall