From Minnesota, Monroe Crossing is a fine bluegrass band that has an adventurous and creative approach to acoustic music. The Happy Holidays is a delightful album which celebrates the spirit of sharing seasonal music and joy. Their 15 songs in the set include an eclectic mixture of traditional, contemporary, and original material. Every holiday album should have some Christmas carols with new, fresh arrangements. Monroe Crossing doesn’t disappoint us in this regard. To truly emphasize their innovative individualism, Monroe Crossing wisely wrote a couple very special holiday songs for this album, “The Happy Holidays” and “Heed His Father’s Call.” This CD is a pleasant collection of musical jolliness and merriment that everyone will certainly enjoy.
Monroe Crossing also has a nice new album out called “The Road Has No End,” their 13th recording and with nine originals and several covers. The album is full of energy, excitement, inspiration and originality. This is their first record to include resophonic guitar and harmonica played by banjo-player David Robinson. The rest of the current lineup includes Derek Johnson (guitar), Lisa Fuglie (fiddle, guitar), Matt Thompson (mandolin) and Mark Anderson (bass, snare). All band members also provide vocals.