Brief History of the Crosstie Walkers
The Crosstie Walkers formed in 1991 at a small lake house in Thomson, Ga. It began as a four-piece group including Charlie Knox, Don Powers, Tommy Powers, and Greg Purvis. Singer/songwriter Scott Roberts joined the band in 1993 to complete the current lineup.
The third album "Last Straw" (1997) displayed the arrival of a solid pop/folk implosion, which brought a strong response from a wide variety of listeners. They have been compared to acts such as the Beatles, the Byrds, SonVolt, Steve Earle, REM, and the Vigilantes of Love.
The band's latest release, "Headed Home" is a homespun assortment of alternative Georgia country, power indi pop, and raspy gospel annointing, all stamped with the Crosstie's uniquely layered arrangements and pleasing vocal harmonies. It's a project that was recorded at home, and makes you feel at home; a beautifully rendered album cataloging the gratitude of blessings, the frustrations of unrealized dreams, and the expectations of moving forward...of Heading Home.
Crosstie Walkers are:
Charlie Knox - Former lead singer for Repo Ranch and The Neighbors, Charlie has a vocal style that led The Metropolitan Spirit to ponder, “If Bob Dylan had a great voice…. He'd sound like Charlie Knox.”
Don Powers - Don brings the blues/jazz sound to the group with his raspy vocals and his Clapton-style guitar. He also plays the lapsteel and dobro on many of the Crosstie songs.
Tommy Powers - The most versatile musician in the group. Tommy plays the guitar, bass, mandolin and harmonica, as well as adding vocals to many of the songs.
Greg Purvis - Former drummer for Zane Grey and Ancient Country Wisdom, Greg far exceeds the role of traditional drummer by also acting as recording director and producer.
Scott Roberts - By far the busiest musician in the band, Scott is a prolific songwriter, with a solo career as well as playing lead guitar and singing harmony in the Crosstie Walkers.
They have performed with such acts as Steve Forbert, Chuck Leavell, Guadalcanal Diary, Randall Bramblett, Iris Dement, Widespread Panic, and Old Crow Medicine Show. The Crosstie Walkers are also a favorite at the Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival near Augusta, Ga.
Over 16 years together the band has produced four full-length recordings. The first of the four, “Jitterbug Escapes,” was recorded in the lake house where that first rehearsal took place. They recorded their second album “carl,” in 1994 at Rocketsound Studio in Athens, Ga. Each album has seen them grow as songwriters and musicians.
