The voices combined for a harmonically accurate rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's a cappella classic "Find the Cost of Freedom."

The brief incantation segued into a song that I didn't recognize, but the presentation and subject matter made me wonder if this was something I'd missed in the CSN&Y canon.

Later, I learned the slice of social commentary was "Capital Blues," an original composition by the co-leader of an original-sounding band.

Further Down the Road is the group's name, derived (as many are) from a bit of jam-session humor. And the name fits: The band's performances take audience members along a street of twists and turns, alternately highlighting vocal and instrumental prowess, band-written material with well-chosen originals, serious topics with love songs, all the while showing that everyone is up there having fun.

After taking in Further Down the Road's show last weekend at Mo'joe coffee house in Mt. Lebanon, I was impressed that the two principals, guitarist/vocalists Dan Hunt and Alicia Romano, had been playing together only a little over a year. Percussionist Mike Lavalley joined up about five months ago, and bassist Dan Hoffmann within the past two.

They've developed a good musical rapport in a short period of time, jelling together on some rather complex arrangements that cropped up during the set. (Admittedly, there was a glitch or two, but the band handled it with a sense of humor that had the audience not minding a bit.)

The evening started with Dan Hunt demonstrating his fine singing voice for a couple of tunes, with Alicia singing harmony. Then she strapped on her acoustic and took center stage, as per design: "We've got her in the forefront," Dan says.

Alicia cites singer/guitarist Ani DiFranco as a primary influence, but it's difficult to categorize her vocal style. The folks with whom I watched the show agreed she has a very natural way of singing, without sounding forced at all. She certainly can project her voice well, adding a heartfelt dimension to her often introspective lyrics.

She also takes the lead on Dan Hunt's material: "Some songs, I wrote and gave to her. Once you give her something, she takes it and makes it her own, and expands on it. It's really a tribute to her that she's able to do that."

One song she's made her own came as something of a surprise: a jazzy arrangement of the Allman Brothers' epic "Whipping Post." Dan heard the Allmans doing it on the radio one day and said to himself, "You know, I bet she could pull it off." She does.

Another highlight was an original by Alicia called "The Jesus Song," which not only put her songwriting talents on display, but also served as a showcase for Dan's fleet-fingered, Spanish-style licks on his acoustic Taylor guitar.

Actually, Dan says, he's just started concentrating on acoustic in the past several years. His roots are as an electric guitarist, starting at age 14, and in his 20s he "did the road thing for a couple of years" as a full-time musician before embarking on a successful non-music career.

He couldn't get it out of his blood, though, and last year started jamming with some co-workers, including Alicia. As others came and went, they stuck together and decided to pursue something more seriously.

Now that the lineup is set as a quartet, Further Down the Road will record its first album in early 2006, at Dan Hunt's own Reallife Music Productions studio. He also has a solo album in the works, and recently recorded an album by rock trio Neutral Loss. (Band members thank Dan profusely on their Web site.)

Catch both the bands as Further Down the Road opens the festivities at Neutral Loss' CD release party on Friday, Nov. 25, at the Hard Rock Cafe at Station Square.

PHOTOS: Live at Mo'joe are Alicia Romano, Dan Hunt and Mike Lavalley. (Sorry ... the shot of Dan Hoffmann just didn't work out.)