Artist:     John Fusco and the X-Road Riders

Album:     John Fusco and the X-Road Riders

Label:     Checkerboard Lounge

Release Date:      2.11.2019

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Screenwriter-turned bone fide bluesman John Fusco comes out smokin’ with his voice & Hammond B-3 on this his recording debut. Opening with “Rolling Thunder,” the strains of his organ alongside the thwack of a fat (low tuned) snare drum set the tone for this homage to the Delta and Southern rock. Throughout the album, Fusco is ably supported by ex-North Mississippi Allstar’s (and brothers) Cody and Luther Dickenson. (Drummer Cody also produced and drums on the album). With its deep roots and authenticity, John Fusco and the X-Road Riders represents far more than just a side project.

Although vocally, some comparisons to the late Gregg Allman could be made, Fusco holds his own as a strong vocalist with tracks like:“Drink Takes the Man,” (with its New Orleans flavor), “Hello Highway,” “A Stone’s Throw,” (aided by the top-notch backing vocals of Risse Norman), followed by the potential (country-crossover?) of the delightfully refreshing “Once I Pay this Truck Off,” owing obvious influence to the Allman’s Dickey Betts, and impressive lead guitar work reminiscent of their classic, “Blue Sky.” The album concludes with its only real rocker, an excellent re-make of the Robert Johnson, classic, “Crossroad Blues.” Complete with gospel harmonies, Luther Dickenson’s scorching slide guitar, and some cutting-edge rapping by Al Kapone, this excellent rendition is a perfect ending and/or possibly a new beginning for what’s in store for this talented movie-man & newly-anointed musical maverick.

—Bob Girouard