Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews: David Cross_Peter Banks – Crossover

Date: February 22, 2020 (4:20 PM)
Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews
Spotlight: David Cross & Peter Banks – Crossover (2020 Cherry Red Records)

By Gary Brown
American Correspondent for Classic Rock Radio (UK)

For those who are into the music of either man, news of this collaboration between the two should come as a pleasant surprise. At least it did for me. I’ve been aware of both David Cross (violin) and Peter Banks (guitar) since the 1970s. Back then, the music they were a part of was considered in certain circles to be, Art Rock. Poetry, visuals, and music together, that when genius presented itself, would make millions of dollars for the players and their respective recording labels. And so, as we enter the 2020s, we’re finding out that the sounds that many of us grew up on ended up being so special that they can live on, way past the ones who created them.

Imagine if you will, Kiss 2.0 – 4 young, talented, semi-good-looking guys, playing the roles of the original players. The entire Kiss song catalog is at their disposal. Also capable of making new timeless classics. And playing together for the next 50 years. Not that I’m rooting for that to happen. A scenario like that is plausible.

Two other bands that can live on for several eternities, in my opinion, are Yes and King Crimson. Both are from England and were formed in the late 1960s. Something else in common: top-notch musicianship and showmanship. Back when they were coming up, it was the audiences that kept going to the concerts, and their word-of-mouth praise, that enabled Yes and King Crimson to have the song catalogs they have today. Successful with both studio releases and the tour(s) that followed. Not all at times, mainstream approval. Enough spark to keep the fires lit and keep the interest from fading out.

Peter Banks passed away back in 2013. The guitar work that’s heard on Crossover, played by Mr. Banks, was recorded almost a decade ago. As was David Cross’s contribution. The improvisational session with Peter and David, the fruits of their labor, was kept in a dark, cool place until someone wise enough gave what was there a listen to. Then came the decision to carry on…finish the project. Released by Cherry Red Records. The results are fantastic. All songs were written by Cross-Banks. Guest musicians were brought in to finish the project. Players from both Yes and King Crimson. The story goes that they were allowed to interpret what they heard from David and Peter and proceed to add whatever they wanted to. Produced by Tony Lowe, and one of the most talented violinists in present-day recorded music, Mr. David Cross.

“Uncle G” discusses…David Cross & Peter Banks – Crossover

The new studio release and the last professionally recorded tracks with any original, unreleased Peter Banks recordings contain eight solid instrumentals. They range in length from the opening number, which clocks in at a little over 9 minutes, to three tracks that come in at four minutes and something. Progressive Rock at its best; rock, jazz, soundscapes, sound effects… It’s all here. Right off the bat, the production is outstanding. So it’s here that I have to say, “If purchasing, please listen to at least once, on a decent pair of headphones. It really does it justice. The sounds of David’s violin. Peters’s unique electric guitar playing. The guest players weave in and out. A lot of beautiful-sounding moments are scattered all throughout. David’s violin playing complements and helps bring out Peter’s improv playing, especially the quieter parts. And vice versa. And this is just one day of working together. Professional musicians with different backgrounds. David would perhaps be the more disciplined one.

When I say, guest players, I’m referring to musicians who have a history with progressive rock champs, King Crimson, and or Yes. Here’s the list. Regarding Crossover, all these guys worked on their respective parts, somewhat recently; 2018 – 2019. So not in the same room. Those who knew of or actually worked with Peter. You know, Peter told a story in his autobiography, about a fellow Yes band member, who had coitus with…Janice Joplin. If I’m not mistaken. It’s been a while since I read the book, but if memory serves me well…one of these guys:

Guest Musicians

Pat Mastelotto: Drums/Drum Synth (track 06)
Tony Kaye: Hammond Organ (tracks 02 and 07)
Billy Sherwood: Bass (tracks 02 and 06)
Randy Raine-Reusch: World Instruments (track 03)
Andy Jackson: Sound Effects (track 04)
Oliver Wakeman: Rhodes Piano (tracks 02, 03, and 06) / Grand Piano (track 02) / Moog Synthesizer (tracks 02 and 06) / Synthesizer (track 03) / Strings (track 06) / Organ (track 06)
Jay Schellen: Drums (track 02)
Jeremy Stacey: Drums (tracks 01 and 07)
Geoff Downes: Keyboards (track 01)
Tony Lowe: Additional bass, keys, and string part.

Uncle G’s HIGHlights

The rocker in me seriously digs track 02 (Upshift). I love the sounds of Tony Kaye on his Hammond. Can you say, Yes? Billy Sherwood nailed his part, as did Jay Schellen, on drums. I was at a meet and greet with these two this past summer in Las Vegas. Both were a pleasure to talk to. My first time being around, Jay. I’ve been enjoying his playing since the 1990s, World Trade. Add to this song line-up, playing a variety of other keyboards, Oliver Wakeman. He shines not only on this track but on all his other contributions, as well. A chip off the old block (forgive me, cliche, felt compelled, my kindest regards to the ‘Grumpy‘ one).

Track Six is entitled; Plasma Drive. It has a mellow beginning and then kicks in, intergrading with David’s out-of-this-world, electric violin skills…holy shit! Again, Billy Sherwood on bass, Oliver Wakeman on keys, with King Crimson’s Pat Mastelotto. A power trio that carries David and Peter across the field goal line. Score!

Playing the recording from start to finish in its entirety, track 7 (Laughing Strange) screams David and Peter. On drums and percussion, Jeremy Stacey. Worthy of decent headphones to focus on just how good this man is. Tony Kaye on the Hammond again is the icing on the cake. Again, David and Peter are the dominant sounds. Totally solid!

Title Track: Crossover. Seeing how Peter passed away and that this will be the last we (myself included) fans will hear of any original music from him, the mellowness of the track produces in me thoughts of ascension. I’m an old Catholic altar boy. Could possibly explain that? Nevertheless, a fitting closure. And the CD artwork by Michael Inn is a wonderful visual to accompany it. Nicely done!

Honorable Mention

This very well-produced album/CD starts off with a nine-minute song called: Rock To A Hard Place. Here’s where headphones come in handy. Mr. Cross and Mr. Banks playing, of course, stand out. So much so, it makes one wish Peter were still around, just so these two could collaborate more. Two other players on this superb opener are Geoff Downes (keys) and drummer/percussionist Jeremy Stacey. If not having a pair of headphones handy, just try to play the music on something capable of emitting what it is the producers truly intended you to. And play through a cheap cell phone? Whatever floats your boat.

“Uncle G” RATES…David Cross & Peter Banks – Crossover (2020 Cherry Red Records)

Using a one-to-five-star rating system, where one star means it sucks cat turds (avoid) to 5 stars, which means that all involved in the making did a tremendous job. A solid production. Involves great songwriting. And that the player’s performances are memorable. The sounds heard are crisp. It’s mixed in a way that excites the listener’s ears. It sounds as if you close your eyes, the highly skilled musicians involved are playing right in front of you. In a pub setting, because Peter would have liked that. This, and the fact that I’m not writing a book here, most importantly, that it’s cool for us, the consumers, to spend our hard-earned money on it.

Let’s get on with it. “Uncle G” RATES David Cross & Peter Banks – Crossover…5 Stars (all day long). And assuming we’re all adults here, Crossover, when played in its entirety, is great background music for when getting busy (wink wink). And if the 40-something minutes of skilled electric violin music accompanied by a guy on electric guitar who SHOULD have been (posthumously) inducted as an original member of Yes – you know, that place in Cleveland, isn’t enough time to successfully complete the task for all involved; simply start over. The rest of the gang involved would certainly appreciate it, I’m sure. And besides, who doesn’t like repeat plays?

A Few Words…Works by Peter Banks – David Cross

To help me get in the mood, I take a little blue pill. No, I didn’t. Numerous others, I did. If not for pharmaceuticals, I’d be dead. Along with most of my ‘boomer’ reading audience. While alive and while most of the body’s senses still work, I, Gary “Uncle G” Brown, recommend the following entire song catalogs of both men. It’s okay to take out a second mortgage if needed. I personally have enough physical CDs containing both David and Peter’s music that if stacked one on top of the other, in only a matter of time, they would fall over, causing damage and making a big mess. Most of those plastic fucking so-called ‘jewel cases’ would be cracked. It happened to me before. A cat from out of nowhere walked by, rubbing on the stack. Which was odd because I didn’t own a cat.

Public Knowledge (the two links include discographies_disclaimer_may not be one hundred percent accurate)

David Cross – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Cross_(musician)

Peter Banks – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Banks

Helpful Websites

Cherry Red Records: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/david-cross-peter-banks-crossover-cd/

David Cross Official Website: https://www.davidcrossband.com/

Promotion: Glass Onyon PR – https://glassonyonpr.com/

End of Story

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