The Crossing

It has been my pleasure to promote and host The Crossing numerous times in a variety of venues over the last 15+ years and they never disappoint. The mix of authentic Celtic instruments, strings, percussion, flutes, bagpipe; The Crossing's musicianship and stage presence; the variety of songs; and the easy manner in which I have been able to work with them all combine to make The Crossing experience a wonderful event.
Leon Hebrink
FBC Meriden, CT - Leon Hebrink - Meriden, CT

What can I say about The Crossing's visit to the northeast?

I could talk about Eric's amazing guitar work (those Celtic rhythm patterns!) and drumming. Or how Hilde's voice has only gotten better over the years. And the plucking technique on the cello! I could express my astonishment and appreciation of Mark's finger work on flute, tin whistles, harp, and bones. Or, perhaps, I should pontificate upon Jennifer's AWESOME fiddling (and drumming). And what about Rick's impressive skill and flexibility to balance and adjust the sound in different conditions and on the fly? And of course, one could talk about the quiet thunder of Tony Krogh, whose vocals give definition to what is the Celtic voice and whose piping so stirs the blood that the listener must rise up and storm the barricades....The song writing is wonderful. (And can I make mention of how thrilling it was when everyone was singing and harmonizing -- more of that, please!) - Chris Raker - Amherst, MA

Chicago-based The Crossing, with their deftly played Celtic folk music, were regular contributors to the scene in the late '80s and '90s. But 'Baile (Home)' is their first album of new music since 'Standing Stones' back in 2002. Their longstanding links with Jesus People USA, and its label Grrr Records, suggest to the uninitiated an honesty, integrity and 'down-to-earthness' which is given appropriate musical expression in this collection. Traditional Scottish/Irish jigs rub shoulders with new compositions drawing their inspiration from sources far and wide, stories universal and personal. Every track throws something different at the listener. Thus "Roman Rule/The Otter's Holt" is a moving blues tale suggesting a back story for the thief on the cross to whom Jesus promised paradise, set to a lively yet somehow mournful jig whose cello backing grounds the piece in melancholy. This is followed by "For Help And Protection" with lyrics from Joyce Denham (A Child's Book Of Celtic Prayers), a gentle lullaby using harp, fiddle and acoustic guitar, Clannad-esque with its layered female vocal harmonies. Again, "Anam Cara/Columbanus/The Lads Of Laois" treats us to pair of whistles in harmony at its outset, mournful but extremely moving, before sharing lyrics adapted from "Boat Song" by the sixth century itinerant Irish monk Columbanus, a song of steadfast determination in pursuing Christ. Afterwards, "Requiem" adapts some words of Robert Louis Stevenson about contentedness at the end of life ("Here he lies where he longed to be") before the riotous "Johnny Boyle's Set (Johnny Boyle/Sliabh Russell/The Mug of Brown Ale)", and "Home/The Eagle's Whistle" introduces the theme of longing for our spiritual home, "An emigration song with a twist. . . for Christians". This is an engrossing album by a band whose experience and insight shine through as impressively as the music on offer. - Cross Rhythms - Paddy Hudspith

It's hard not to like a band whose sound comes mainly from bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, flute, harp, guitars, djembe, bouzouki, cello, and bodhran—"just to name a few," as their website says. These veterans of Celtic folk, on the Grrr label and all members of Chicago's Jesus People USA, have produced yet another winner, with tracks ranging from rousing Irish jigs to lovely lilting ballads, thematically covering everything from Christ as warrior, as protector, as redeemer, as friend, and as savior. The instrumental "Anam Cara" ...segues into the compelling "Columbanus," using words from the sixth-century monk as he and his colleagues traveled up the Rhine. - Mark Moring

Style: Celtic folk; compare to The Chieftains, Ceili Rain, The Clumsy Lovers
Top tracks: "The Stirrup Cup/March to the Wars," "Tribal Pipes," "Kusi Wawa"
- Christianity Today

"Despite the fact that they reside stateside, Celtic purists worldwide should warm to this ensemble." - CelticMusic.com

"We've hosted the Crossing twice at Kenyon College and the reception was better than expected both times. Their music is perfectly suited for the multiple tastes of liberal arts students. The Crossing brought interesting musicians, curious instruments and a fun evening." - Kenyon College, Gambier, OH

The Crossing's six members have put together an album full of beautiful, rich instrumentation that boasts hauntingly beautiful melodies and immaculate musical artistry. Full of body and depth, the instrumentation is still soft and unobtrusive. The peaceful atmosphere makes The Court of a King a timeless addition to any collection." - Release Magazine