Pop's Train

The husband-and-wife acoustic duo Rusty and Jan have been a popular fixture on the Philadelphia, PA, folk scene since 2000. Pop’s Train is the duo's first full-length album, and it features 16 original songs composed by Bill "Rusty" Crowell, including two co-writes with Jan Alba and one with Frank Rocks. Together, Rusty and Jan have painted a

The husband-and-wife acoustic duo Rusty and Jan have been a popular fixture on the Philadelphia, PA, folk scene since 2000. Pop’s Train is the duo's first full-length album, and it features 16 original songs composed by Bill "Rusty" Crowell, including two co-writes with Jan Alba and one with Frank Rocks. Together, Rusty and Jan have painted a portrait of American life on a musical canvas, with topics including teenage angst, struggles with ADHD, recovery, loss, isolation during the pandemic, playfulness, love, following your dreams, and expressing gratitude towards those who support and encourage us. Pop's Train takes us on a journey of happiness and tears, lessons learned, and dreams fulfilled. With the release of Pop's Train at 70, Rusty has fulfilled a long-term goal to share his music with a broader audience.

Rusty plays guitar and sings lead with distinctive and expressive vocals on all tracks, while classically trained Jan Alba adds lovely interpretive flute stylings. Rusty, Jan, and special guests lend their voices to harmony arrangements throughout the album (inspired by Rusty's father, William Crowell Jr., a barbershop chorus singer). Special guests include Michael G. Ronstadt on mandolin and cello, Joe Forziati on strings, Chuck McCann on mandolin and harmony, Rob Lincoln on violin, Barry Dwier on harmonica and harmony, and Bryan Cooper on hand percussion.

“This album allows you to share not only Rusty's memories but his personal feelings. The songs tell stories and Rusty is telling you in each one, Get to Know Me! Take a trip through my life! Their music is unique with the blend of flute added to a folk guitar.”

Frank Glaz, Internet Radio Show Host