The roots of ‘Crossing The Great Divide’ can be found in road trip Perez undertook playing music for healthcare workers and patients affected by the pandemic. On the trip, filmed as a documentary entitled ‘Franky and The Bike’, he met up and worked with fellow like-minded artists such The Soul Rebels, Billy Gibbons, Randy Travis and Bill Burr.
Now clean and sober for nine years, Perez threw himself headlong into the recording process, and as a result plays ninety percent of the instruments across the record. In addition to all of that, he also produced the album.
Titled as the album is, the music is varied, crosses borders and is a little surprising in places. ‘California 1976’ has all the classic Americana sound of West Coast rock with a Latin vibe, while ‘Illumination’ leans more towards the influence of Perez’s Cuban heritage. The dark to light message of ‘What Gives You the Right’ reminds the listener of the power of Roy Orbison to deliver hope out of tragedy. It also highlights Perez’s skills as a songwriter able to tackle emotive subjects.
The pop rock ‘Samurai’ is another early highlight and the anthemic upbeat ‘20/20 Vision’ provides a crowd-pleasing singalong that is going to be popular at concerts. Yet, the biggest surprise on the album comes in the guise of ‘90’s Love Song’. A four and half tribute the Brit Pop movement of the mid-nineties, this one could easily have come straight out of the Manchester scene at the time. Awash with brass and harmonies, it is a truly beautiful composition that shows just varied and creative Perez is as an artist.
‘Crossing The Great Divide’ is well titled. With it Franky Perez has cemented his reputation as a songwriter, musician and all round creative talent. His ability to mix an array of contrasting musical styles and influences lie at the heart of a varied and accessible album that deserves to played loud and often.