Crosscut

Crosscut originated in Texas with its operational base in Dallas, yet the quartet feels equally at home across the border in Louisiana, the birthplace of swamp pop. The four-man outfit maintains multiple ties to the Pelican State, reflected in the zydeco and Cajun inflections that season its songs together with blues and country flavors. More concrete links also exist. Lead singer and guitarist Jerry Sartain once performed in Lafayette with the group Showdown. Drummer Lavell Jones traces his family roots to Baton Rouge, a connection shared by Jimmy Rogers, who produced the band’s 2001 album Destination Anywhere for CSP Records, the label based in Forney, TX. In keeping with Louisiana traditions, veteran Cajun artists Wayne Toups and Van Broussard appear on the release. CSP Records had earlier issued the group’s debut, a self-titled album that appeared in summer 1999 and mixed cover songs with original material. The remaining members are bassist Terry Vieregge and Chuck Mabrey, who plays keyboards and harmonica. Jones did not join until 2000, replacing Erin Baker, the drummer heard on that first recording.