See You at the Crossroads– “Variety keeps up busy,” explains Crossroads lead singer Joy Baca. Well, that and extensive touring throughout the Southwest, two CDs and a working pedigree that stretches back almost 20 years must keep all eight members pretty busy too. But maybe Baca’s referring to the enormous range of styles the group spans.Crossroads specializes in a musical stew that’s wholly unique to New Mexico—namely, traditional Hispanic music like rancheras, cumbias, boleros and salsas, whipped up with country, jazz, big band, rock, funk and oldies. “To me, it’s all the same,” says Baca.The music community respectfully disagrees. Since forming in 1992, Crossroads has garnered an impressive number of nominations and awards from various music authorities, including two “Song of the Year” awards in 1997 from the New Mexico Hispano Music Association.Their third album, self-titled Crossroads , looks like it just might break all the old records. The 10-song disc is about 90 percent Spanish language and the group’s first foray into the world of Tejano music. That means Crossroads is eligible for the Grammy’s Tejano Music categories, which they have a fighting chance at winning. In fact, I’d put money on it. How am I so sure? They’re really, really good. And last September, Crossroads was recognized as the Best Out-of-State Band by San Antonio’s Tejano Academy, the foremost peer group of Tejano musicians outside of Mexico. Those guys know Tejano. You can lay your own money on the bar this Saturday, Aug. 12, when Crossroads releases their new album at the historic El Rey Theater (Central and Seventh Street) from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.Special guest Chente Barrera Y Taconazo will open. Advance tickets are $15 at Mel Music (900 Fourth Street SW, 247-8484) and CR Music (4801 Montaño NW, 899-3888) or $20 at the door the night of the show.
Music To Your Ears
A Very Metal Homecoming— The Ground Beneath’s first trip outside of New Mexico looks like a thrashing success. Since kicking off their “Southern TWOur” in late July, Steve, Mykey and Roman have shredded across Texas and Louisiana, playing venues like Stubbs BBQ in Austin, drinking heavily with KG from Tenacious D and making a pilgrimage to the grave of former Pantera/Damageplan guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott in Arlington. Welcome the guys from The Ground Beneath back home at a free, all-ages show next Saturday, Aug. 19th, at The Zone (SW corner of San Mateo and Menaul) around 4 p.m. Also, don’t miss the hilarious photos from their tour at www.thegroundbeneath.com.
