Brian Lindsay's solo CD debut - "The Crossing" - is a refreshing release from someone who worked for years to find his own voice among the similarly styled bands of 1990's Rock'n'Roll. A veteran of three bands that nearly broke through, ("The El Fidels", "The Dragonflys", and "The Bootleggers"), he set himself apart from the "Aerosmiths", "Black Crowes", and other bands that managed to get airplay in the 1990's or had their musical roots related to the "Faces" & "Rolling Stones". Times are tough for everybody now; even strong acts like "Bruce Springsteen" and "R.E.M." can't get played very often. Luckily, guys like Brian have it in their heart to pursue the truly American art form of Rock'n'Roll, and keep it burning bright despite what the charts tell us.

The lyrics of the songs are definitely influenced by the traditional Blues and Gospel elements that give them a strong foundation. Words like "believe", "unconditional love", "redemption", and other elements relating to the Soul permeate his lyrics. I am quite amazed how he pieced it together as a complete Rock'n'Roll album, without sounding too "Blues" or overly "Christian". I don't like to compare, but it comes close to the feeling I get after hearing mid-period Bruce Springsteen (like the "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" album). There is enough of that "American-styled Rock" feel to give it an edge and keep you dancing. What's fun about this CD also are the local Rochester, NY references about the "Genesee River" or "Sea Breeze" (just like when Lou Gramm mentioned "Lake Avenue" on the "Dirty White Boy" album). Great harmony vocals throughout support Brian's voice; which at times can be subtle or commanding in the same tune.

The album was produced by fellow El Fidel Mark Gifford, who also worked with New Math and The Raw Magilly's (now - The Atomic Swindlers) at G.F.I. Studios.

Here are some notations - song by song:

• The Crossing - Title track that builds from a subtle harmonica to a strong mid-tempo rocker; it also sets up the "train" theme that is explored in other songs.
  
  
• It's All About You - It reminds me of Mick Jagger's urgent sounding solo material or a little bit like "That Smell" by "Lynyrd Skynyrd". Features Lou Gramm alumni - "Don Mancuso" on lead guitar.
  
  
• East Side Of The River - Very powerful track - the closest to something that Bruce Springsteen would think of. This deserves to be a played single track.
  
  
• Forever Yours (Marianne) - Nice love song with great saxophone and piano throughout. A "testified" ending.
  
  
• Lonesome Train - Not the "Burnette Trio" song, but nevertheless the fastest song on the CD with "train-beat" drums, a great lead guitar, & harmonica.
  
  
• Brave New World (Wide Open) - Another "train" ride with acoustic start & breaks. Formally an older "Bootleggers" song - also features former "Dragonfly" & "Riviera Playboy" lead guitarist "Bob Janneck".
  
  
• Unconditional - Nice, bluesy guitar with duet toward song's end with singer "Caroline Rohlin". Has a slow waltz rhythm.
  
  
• Begin Again - Strong guitar work courtesy of acoustic artist "Alan Whitney". Another older "Bootleggers" song with organ fills.
  
  
• The Night Is Long - A true gem on this record. Very similar to a timeless "Drifters" song or a "Ben E. King" tune. Actually features surviving members of "Danny & The Juniors" who are every bit as good as Elvis' "Jordanaires".
  
  
• Last Of The True Believers - A great blues-rocking story of Adam & Eve and of eventual redemption in music.
  
  
• Talk About Love - Another former "Bootleggers" gem with strong power chords in the rhythm, and biting lead guitar.
  
  
• American Justice - A song that begins with the visual of gangs & guns on the streets; and then to the war overseas. Leaves the listener with a question - whether "American Justice" is right or misguided. An edited version of this song would be a great movie or television show theme. Lead guitar courtesy of "Bob Janneck".
  
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