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In 1980, a Colorado ex-Marine by the name of Kenny Knight privately released an album full of songs evocative of all things wonderful about the cross pollinating music of the 70’s called Crossroads. Though a little late and low in budget, Knight surpasses those barriers early on with an honest delivery and humble accompaniment.
Great songwriting abounds on this LP, chiefly on the absolutely killer “Carry Me Down” where Knight dejectedly sings, “When all this livin’ gets me down/I grab onto hope and turn it around/I feel the need/I feel the greed/and hope it don’t carry me to the ground.” Another fine example of Knight’s songwriting strengths lies within “Does He Hide” which opens the album with some heavy nods to The Grateful Dead and some fine guitar pickin’ from Knight himself. There’s some psych touches evident throughout Crossroads as well, especially on the sublime twelve-string led “Jean,” the confessional “To Be Free,” and the marvelously loping album closer “America.”
Crossroads is not only a welcomed addition to the collection of anyone who digs on 70’s singer songwriter fare but also for those looking to dip their toes into the more curious world of private press and loner folk musics. Thankfully the work of Kenny Knight and many others like him are just now being unearthed and appreciated for the wonderfully personal work they have left behind in thrift stores and record shops across America. Kenny Knight says it best on his song “America,” “Don’t lock me out/Don’t push me about/Open up your doors for me.”
