Ryan Lee Crosby’s new album At The Blue Front is out this week on Crossnote Records. Recorded over two days at Jimmy “Duck” Holmes’ historic Blue Front Café in Bentonia, Mississippi, the eight-track collection channels the hypnotic pulse of Bentonia and Hill Country blues through Crosby’s distinctive 12-string electric guitar.
Holmes—widely regarded as the last living torchbearer of the Bentonia style—joins Crosby on half the album, adding his singular guitar and voice to tracks including “Hard Times” and “Catfish.” Supported by Grant Smith on calabash and shekere and Jay Scheffler on harmonica, the sessions were captured live to analog tape inside the legendary juke joint founded by Holmes’ parents in 1948.
The record has already drawn praise from major outlets. Glide Magazine noted its evocative echoes of John Fahey, while Living Blues hailed it as “kicking in all gears.” Premier Guitar ran a feature written by Crosby himself, following spotlights from Magnet Magazine, WBUR (Boston NPR), All About Jazz, Goldmine, Big Takeover, American Blues Scene, and others.
Crosby, a Rhode Island-based guitarist, singer, and educator, has spent years immersing himself in the Bentonia tradition, mentored by Holmes and steeped in the music’s deep connection to struggle, resilience, and transcendence.
To celebrate the release, Crosby will tour extensively with Holmes and fellow bluesman Todd Albright, with dates across the Northeast, South, and Mississippi Delta.
Ryan Lee Crosby – At The Blue Front (Track Listing)
Going Away
I’m Gonna Change
I’ve Been Worried
Mistreating People
Hard Times (feat. Jimmy “Duck” Holmes)
Catfish (feat. Jimmy “Duck” Holmes)
Slow Down (Part 2) (feat. Jimmy “Duck” Holmes)
Tell Me (feat. Jimmy “Duck” Holmes)
Tour Dates
August 24 – Newport, RI – Bike Newport
September 13 – E. Providence, RI – Myrtle (matinee, w/ Jimmy “Duck” Holmes)
September 14 – Stone Ridge, NY – Meadowlark Fest
September 15 – Old Lyme, CT – Nightingale’s
September 16 – Northfield, NJ – Sound Reflections (and guitar workshop)
September 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – Acoustic Music Works
September 19 – Nashville, TN – WMOT Finally Friday at 3rd & Lindsey (matinee)
September 19 – Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl
September 21 – Birmingham, AL – BlueStages
September 24 – Clarksdale, MS – The Blue Room
September 25 – Jackson, MS – The Iron Horse
September 26 – Natchez, MS – Smoot’s Grocery
September 27 – Bentonia, MS – Blue Front Café (77th Anniversary Party)
September 28 – Memphis, TN – Flyway Brewing (matinee)
October 19 – Newport, RI – Charter Books
October 23 – E. Providence, RI – Myrtle (w/ Todd Albright)
October 24 – Boston, MA – City Winery (w/ Todd Albright)
October 25 – Northampton, MA – The Parlor Room (w/ Todd Albright)
October 26 – Guilford, VT – Broad Brook Community Center
