Soul Crusade
Continental, 2022
8/10
The veteran singer-songwriter Jeffrey Halford knows his way around soul, blues, gospel and blues sounds, and here with his longtime collaborator Adam Rossi (drums, keys, co-producer) he explores dimensional love and the turbulent times we reside in.
“Another Skyline” opens the listen with a very agile warmth, where deep vocals and a very poetic feel unfold with a soulful blues quality that’s not short on grooves, and “Take It Slow” follows with an upbeat spirit of meticulous guitar and rugged melodies in its rootsy appeal.
The middle tracks are among the best, and include the charming folk-rock of “Kitchen Door”, while “Walk The River” emits much raw beauty in its eloquent demeanor that might remind you of Al Green.
Approaching the end, the bare Americana of “Picture In My Mind” carries some country nods and benefits much from moody pedal steel, and “Sad Sinking Feeling” exits the listen with mature piano and a reflective atmosphere that parallels the greatness achieved by Neil Young.
Halford is also joined by Bruce Kaphan (lap slide), and the multi-instrumentalist Tom Heyman, and it makes for a wise, vulnerable and easily relatable, accessible listen that resonates long after the music stops.
Travels well with: Christopher Lockett- At The Station; Dan Weber- The Way River Goes