Album Review: At the Crossroads of Blues and Americana - Rosedale Junction’s 'Corn Flakes and Coffee'

Rosedale Junction’s latest release, Corn Flakes and Coffee, is a tour de force in the art of Blues Americana — a genre born at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, steeped in the roots of blues but ever-expanding into country, bluegrass, R&B, and rock ’n’ roll. Boston-based multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter Toby Soriero has once again delivered an album that feels both timeless and fresh, a true testament to the band’s evolving journey across the music spectrum.

The band’s name, Rosedale Junction, carries deep symbolic weight. It pays homage to the legendary crossroads myth tied to blues icon Robert Johnson, who is said to have made his fateful pact with the devil at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 8, just south of Rosedale, Mississippi. This mythical junction represents more than a place; it’s a metaphor for the meeting point of all music derived from the blues — Americana, country, rock ’n’ roll, folk, and bluegrass. While the band itself is rooted in Boston, Massachusetts, the name perfectly encapsulates their mission: to thrive at the intersection where tradition and innovation collide.

Toby Soriero’s musical journey began at the tender age of nine, studying guitar under Connecticut jazz guitarist Ron Stebbins. Growing up during the golden era of album rock, Soriero absorbed the influences of guitar legends like Eric Clapton and the Three Kings — B.B., Albert, and Freddie — while his songwriting draws inspiration from storytelling giants such as Bob Dylan, Rodney Crowell, Kris Kristofferson, and The Band. As the band’s main songwriter and arranger, Soriero crafts a rich tapestry of sound that forms the backbone of Rosedale Junction’s authentic style, blending technical prowess with evocative lyricism.

From the opening title track, “Corn Flakes and Coffee,” listeners are drawn into a warm, richly textured soundscape, where Sam Tuten’s soulful vocals float effortlessly over Soriero’s deft guitar work and Phil Madeira’s organ swells. The song’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of struggle and longing, capturing that universal feeling of waking up disoriented and searching for clarity — “You wonder how you made it / You wonder how to shake it.” Soriero’s songwriting shines in its raw honesty, balancing melancholy with a wry sense of humor as he croons about life’s hardships and fleeting moments of solace: “If you want to buy me a cold beer / Take me to a bar that’s near / But if you want to stay out all night / Lock the door and turn out the light.” This poignant narrative, paired with the subtle pedal steel guitar and layered backing vocals, makes “Corn Flakes and Coffee” a standout track that sets the emotional tone for the entire album.

The seven original tracks on Corn Flakes and Coffee showcase a rich blend of American blues-infused sounds, ranging from heartfelt ballads to more upbeat, danceable numbers. One such example is “Diggin’ Up the Turnips,” a catchy, up-tempo track with a real zydeco feel. With its lively rhythm, rollicking accordion, and energetic fiddle work by Vito Salvatore Gutilla, the song conjures images of rural life, hard work, and joyous celebration — “Workin’ all day till the sun gets low / Dirt pilin’ up like a fresh brown snow.” It’s a foot-stomping, hand-clapping number that adds a refreshing burst of energy and color to the album’s sonic palette.

The album is further elevated by a roster of accomplished guest artists — Roger Smith’s infectious piano licks, Phil Madeira’s nuanced keyboard textures, Jim Riley’s steady, propulsive drumming, and Trent Williamson’s evocative harmonica all add layers of depth and authenticity. These collaborations underscore Soriero’s vision and the band’s commitment to crafting a sound that honors the past while pushing forward.

Rosedale Junction’s trajectory has been one of steady and impressive growth. Their 2021 debut, Stompin’ on the Front Porch, was nominated for Album of the Year by Blues and Roots Radio. The follow-up, The Last Rodeo, reached number one on Roots Music Reporting’s Country Blues chart, while their previous album, Goin’ Off the Rails, featured “309 Buckland Street,” winner of the 2023 New England Songwriting Competition (Blues Category).

With Corn Flakes and Coffee, the band continues to build on this momentum, delivering seven original songs that represent a natural and exciting evolution of their sound.

In a landscape crowded with Americana and blues acts, Rosedale Junction stands out with their genuine passion, superb musicianship, and a sound that honors the past without being trapped by it. Corn Flakes and Coffee isn’t just an album; it’s a journey through the heart of American roots music, led by one of the genre’s most promising voices.

For fans old and new, this release is a must-listen — a warm, inviting, and thoroughly enjoyable musical ride.

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