Vincent Cross – A Place Where Songs Come To Live
From Vincent’s easy manner on the front of his album’s cover, one could guess that this was a family-oriented set of songs, soul-stirring & perhaps with stories of experiences lived. You’d be right. Cross, through his rootsy music, fills his words with values, memories, & the relationships that shape us. Nothing radical, controversial, or challenging.
Performing since 1989 as a folk singer & songwriter of the vintage stripe, Cross has roots in Ireland & Australia. Now based in New York City, his rustic authenticity has not diminished. Unlike many folk singers who are influenced by the more renowned names & then slowly drift from their guidance as they mature, Vincent is still woven into those increments.
The 12 songs that decorate A Place Where Songs Come To Live (Drops June 20/Rescue Dog Records/43:25) were produced by Vincent with a modern sensibility, & recorded in Brooklyn, NY with some live studio tracks & some without an audience.
The set opens with the pensive “Heart of Hearts,” a song that doesn’t come across as folky as Pete Seeger. Instead, with bright pedal steel chiming throughout, Vincent lays down a vocal canvas somewhere between the storytelling coherency of a Luka Bloom, Christy Moore & John Prine. “In the Eyes of My Father,” Lyle Lovett’s style surfaces for good measure.
Each song has its sensitive intonation, phrasing & his voice has clarity without losing substance. Sometimes when a singer sings with too much clarity, the atmospheric resolve is lost. But once the material you’re committed to has its quality defined (musically & lyrically), the singer’s work is less contrived. Mr. Cross sings words he believes in. It’s not just a performance but a message.
The song “My Sister Was Like a Mother to Me” has a mature Paul Simon beauty to it. While this song doesn’t deal with a “sister” who was like a mother to me in reality. It reminds me of the unlikely relationship Bobby Darin had (raised by his maternal grandmother as his “mother” with his “sister” being his real mother) & Jack Nicholson (whose grandparents raised him as their “son” while his young mother was his “sister”).
Vincent’s songs are well-written, some intense, always rich with troubadour cleverness. He’s even performing in Alice Springs, Australia. That’s like the dead center of that beautiful country. Deep, deep in the bush. Long way from NYC. Impressive.
Highlights – “Heart of Hearts,” “In the Eyes of My Father,” “My Sister Was Like a Mother To Me,” “Barefoot with the Blues,” “Goodbyes Are Never Good My Friend,” “Horses Are Wild,” “Wilderness” & “The Bright Crystal Fountain.”
Musicians – Vincent (vocals/guitars/harmony), Stephen Anthony Elkins (bass guitar/harmony), James Panagakos (bass guitar), Shane Kerwin (drums) & Mike Robinson (pedal steel).
CD cover image courtesy of Vincent. Lyrics printed on the inner spread. CD @ Bandcamp & https://vincentcross.org/