Last night’s gig by The David Cross Band in Milton Keynes had backed onto a field of sheep in the middle of nowhere. Tonight they were in the more “civilised” suburbs of Birmingham they headlined an evening entitled “3 of the Essence”.
Thanks to Lisa V for sending this one in.
Seeing the band at The Robin 2 in Bilston was rock as it should be; the venue seemed to be stuck in a 1970’s time-warp complete with sticky carpets and exposed ventilation system which seemed more decorative than functional, but this just added to the atmosphere of the place. After an enjoyable set from Whimwise, led by Nick May (formerly of The Enid) and a half-hour improvisation set from Harmony in Diversity, led by Peter Banks (formerly of Yes), David kicked off his band’s set with a haunting violin solo that instantly captured the attention of the albeit small audience.
After lulling us into a false sense of security the band then picked us up and shook us as they launched into “Nurse Insane” from the album “The Big Picture” complete with intense and gravely vocals from Arch Stanton. Guitarist Paul Clark rocked out with Satriani-style breaks and a full set of rock poses, but with a sound that was entirely his own, trading licks with David on the violin.
“Are we One” from David’s recent CD “Closer Than Skin” followed, an all-out rocker, again with excellent vocals from Arch and solid guitar and bass, with David’s violin, giving an Eastern feel to the track.
“Exiles” opened with another amazing violin solo piece from David; he showed total mastery of his instrument and with Mick Paul on bass undertaking some haunting vocals alongside another incredible guitar solo from Paul Clark. “Starless”, a track originally by King Crimson, closed their set.
The band work together nicely despite – or perhaps because of - the range of ages; Joe Crabtree on drums effortlessly keeps time with the sometimes unusual time signatures, Alex Hall’s keyboard providing a backdrop for Mick’s driving bass and Paul’s guitar. And, over it all, David’s violin sound, at times psychedelic and evocative, in turns a rock guitar duelling with Paul.
To see such interchange between the band members is refreshing, rare and unique. This is definitely a rock gig you don’t forget in a hurry, in terms of the excellent musicianship and the venue it was presented in. This band deserves to be up in the big leagues.
