Blessed [CD]

Crack the Sky's 20th studio album, Blessed captures the band's unique ability to blend sharp wit, emotional depth, and musical sophistication into something completely their own. Blessed carries the unmistakable Crack the Sky sound: intelligent lyrics, inventive arrangements, melodies that linger long after the album ends, and a sense of humor that never undercuts it's emotional impact. The album finds Crack the Sky operating with confidence, passion, and remarkable artistic freedom, delivering a collection of songs that are equally thoughtful and immensely enjoyable. The band celebrates it's 50th anniversary with four of it's five original members intact: John Palumbo - whose unmistakable creative vision has made Crack the Sky one of rock's most enduring treasures - guitarist and producer Rick Witkowski, and the distinctively locked rhythm section of Joe Macre (bass) and Joey D'Amico (drums). Guitarist Bobby Hird's Crack the Sky tenure spans 40+ years, and debuting keyboardist Bill Hubauer adds a progressive rock edge unheard since the band's earliest albums. Blessed feels like the work of artists who continue to challenge themselves creatively while never losing sight of what connects with listeners.