Alejandro Escovedo released his album, The Crossing, in 2018 to rave reviews from both press and fans. The epic 17 song suite comprising The Crossing is about that journey: searching, but not necessarily finding, eyes and ears open all the way. Ranging from sweeping orchestral numbers to classic rock to bursts of 70s punk, the collection finds Escovedo delving further into his lifelong musical journey across his most sonically diverse work yet.
“This says more about me than any of my records without it being a record about me,” Alejandro says.
The Crossing tells the tale of two boys, one from Mexico, one from Italy, who meet in Texas to chase their American rock and roll dreams. They discover a not-so-welcoming, very different place from the Promised Land they imagined, with cameos from the likes of Wayne Kramer of the MC5 and James Williamson of the Stooges to show the boys the way.
La Cruzada is Alejandro Escovedo’s critically acclaimed album, The Crossing, with the vocals recorded in Spanish. With the lyrics translated into and sung in Spanish, the concept album which tells the story of two young immigrants to the US, who bond over a mutual love of punk rock as they struggle with the racism and discrimination as immigrants, becomes an even more intimate experience. It features guest vocalists, as well as Alejandro singing all of the songs from The Crossing in Spanish. Vocalists on the album include Alex Ruiz (Chingon), Patricia Vonne, Vanessa Del Fierro and Alejandro Escovedo. Tracks like, “Algo Azul,” (“Something Blue”) “Sónica USA” “Bandido Para Ti” (“Outlaw For You”) really shine here.
Originally released on vinyl only for Record Store Day Black Friday in 2020, the album sold out almost immediately and charted on numerous Billboard Latin charts, in addition to (re)entering the Americana/Folk chart at #10 the week of release.
For the first time, La Cruzada is getting a wide release on CD and LP, which is pressed on bone white vinyl.