With her latest album, A Crossroads Communion, Denise La Grassa casts a hypnotic spell. Her powerful vocals guide the listener through nine alluring songs that are worthy of her talent. The album is one captivating blues/roots track after another. La Grassa’s energy and focus come through the speakers with a vibrancy that is impressive.

Denise La Grassa (vocals, organ) and her band—Alvin Santner (guitar), John Kregor (guitar), Stephen Ryan (slide guitar), Steven C Manns (bass, vocals), Timothy Walker (drums), Pierre Lacocque (harmonica)—are everything one longs for. Together, they are a soulful cohesive force that recalls the glorious past of blues rock and truly honors it by bringing it into the present by being thrillingly original.

Give a listen and see if you don’t agree that with this album, summer has officially begun, and it’s already a memorable scorcher.