Folk-Americana Artist Mary Beth Cross Releases New Bluegrass EP 'Feels Like Home'

By Chuck Whiting

Editor of Music City Arts

            DENVER (May 2016) – Award-winning folk-Americana artist Mary Beth Cross has released an eight-song bluegrass EP that celebrates the importance of home in the lives of average, everyday Americans.

            "Feels Like Home" includes original songs, as well as classics written and/or performed by legendary artists such as Paul Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Garry White, Van Morrison, George Gershwin, and Dubose Heyward. The recording spotlights Cross's soaring, pure-tone soprano vocals. It was produced by veteran banjoist Chris Pandolfi, who joins nationally respected musicians Jeremy Garrett on fiddle, Tyler Grant on guitar, and Adrian Engfer on bass. The EP is dedicated to her late nephew, Christopher Chmiel, who died unexpectedly in 2015.

Click here to download songs from "Feels Like Home"

 
            "My latest project includes cover songs that are part of the tapestry of my upbringing in Wisconsin, as well as originals that reflect my current home in Colorado," said Cross, whose last project, "Beyond Good and Evil", was named "2014 Folk-Country CD of the Year" by the National Traditional Country Music Association. "We went with less is more, taking an approach that feels live, acoustic, down-to-earth, and not too far from home. Good memories or sad memories are evoked by some of my favorite songs."

            Cross recently celebrated "Feels Like Home" with a concert at Baur's listening room in downtown Denver. She will perform a second concert at Denver's Swallow Hill Music Association in October after attending the IBMA Conference and Bluegrass Ramble in Raleigh, N.C. Among the covers on the EP are "Kathy's Song", a classic written and recorded by folk-pop legend Paul Simon, and "Long Long Time", a hit song for Linda Ronstadt.

            "Feels Like Home" debuted at number one on the APD Americana/AAA Albums chart. To download selections from the EP, visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/feels-like-home-ep/id1097215219 or www.MaryBethCross.com.
 

Americana-folk artist Mary Beth Cross explores bluegrass with "Feels Like Home"

            "My favorite original on the project has to be 'Threshing Time'," Cross added. "It's a true story about my grandparents that was narrated to me through my father's memory. When he was a little boy, he always looked forward to working together with relatives and neighbors at threshing time. After a long, hot summer day in Wisconsin, they would return from the fields to enjoy a spread of homemade chicken, corn, salads and desserts. To quench their thirst, there was cold lemonade and homemade beer and wine."

            The artist said she was especially pleased with "Kathy's Song", a cover that features "soft, tender and lovely" guitar by Grant and banjo by Pandolfi. Other songs on the project are her original "Cottonwood Creek"; the Doc Watson classic "Shady Grove"; and "The Medley", an eight-minute performance featuring Heyward and Gershwin's "Summertime", Van Morrison's "Moondance", and Cross's "Pas De Deux".

            Cross praised the contributions from her fellow musicians, who helped her transition from the Americana-folk sound she has long been known for to a down-to-earth bluegrass presentation that evokes memories of home in Wisconsin, Colorado, Tennessee and other parts of America.

            "Capturing a truly live feel in the studio takes experience and commitment, but it always brings the music to life," said Pandolfi, a banjoist/producer known for the Trout Steak Revival project, "Brighter Everyday". "Mary Beth went for it on this project, and she did an amazing job with both her original material, as well as meaningful takes on a few classic songs."

            Guitarist Tyler Grant added, "Mary Beth Cross is not just a fine musician and songwriter. She is also a wonderful person with an honest and authentic spirit that shines through her music. It was a great pleasure to work with her and Chris on this album."

            Cross received national exposure in 2013 with release of her fourth CD, "Beyond Good and Evil". That project, which was produced by Dave Bechtel, landed a top-five ranking on Airplay Direct. Critics around the world praised the album, with Country Music News International calling it worthy of "Americana CD of the Year".

            “I’ve discovered that people are yearning to find acceptance and solace in a dizzying world of pressure-filled expectations,” Cross said. “People long for an authentic, non-formula approach.

            An accomplished vocalist and tunesmith, Cross moved to Denver in the 1980s to pursue a nursing career. Her music is influenced by the rural farmland and forests of her Wisconsin upbringing and the Rocky Mountains where she now resides. She carefully chooses acoustic instrumentation to bring her story-driven songs to life. Her music represents a few of the cultures that have contributed to what has become American music today.

            To learn more about Mary Beth Cross or her music, call (303) 842-1587, send an email message to MaryBeth@MaryBethCross.com, or visit www.MaryBethCross.com or www.reverbnation.com/marybethcross .

Mary Beth Cross Releases Video of 'Babes in the Wood'

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            DENVER (March 2015) – Award-winning folk-Americana artist Mary Beth Cross is exploring new musical and visual territory by releasing a techno-pop-dance song video of the Noel Brazil classic, "Babes in the Wood".

            The video, which was filmed at various landmarks including Denver's Union Station, features Cross performing on a snowy, dark downtown street with five dancers from Cherry Creek Dance. The performances are accented with clips of roaming wolves from Yellowstone National Park, a reminder that danger lurks just beyond the happy-go-lucky innocence of youthful bliss.

            Cross describes her project as "a visual story of the wolf in nature at Yellowstone and mankind's living in harmony with the Earth, nature, one another and ourselves." The artist's smooth soprano vocals are energized with vocal echoes, drifting synthesizers, electronic pulses, and heavy percussion.

            "You might call my techno-pop song video of 'Babes in the Wood' a creative endeavor," said Cross, who recently received the "2014 Folk-Country CD of the Year Award" from the National Traditional Country Music Association. "There are times when we need to step out of our comfort zone. In this case, I wanted to help individuals experience the deeper subconscious meaning of the battle between Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. The presentation is both beautiful and haunting."

            The artist's vocals were re-mixed from an existing recording with the electronic wizardry of Nashville producer/arranger/keyboardist Matt Stanfield. The atmospheric, rhythmic rendition is a sharp contrast to the popular folk song she recorded for her last album, "Beyond Good and Evil". She describes the newer dance version as more moody, creating an atmosphere of mystery and evoking the imagination of the listener.

            The "Babes in the Wood" song and video are available for download. To see the video at You Tube, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oObpwNXXAWc&feature=youtu.be . To download the song at iTunes, visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/babes-in-the-wood-single/id943666599 .

            Produced and directed by Cross, the video was shot in the dead of winter by Joseph E. Films. Choreographer Stephanie Prosenjak coordinated the sidewalk dance scenes featuring Cherry Creek Dancers McKenna Gehrke, Emma Knor, Seamus Peart, Ellie Shin, and Charlotte Thayer. The roaming wolf sequences were provided by Bob Landis Photography and Bill Campbell of Homefire Productions. Various scenes were shot inside Denver's Union Station and outside the Crawford Hotel and Stoic and Genuine Restaurant.

            "The dancers were dressed in red-accented and blue-blended plaid shirts, reminiscent of Colorado's urban gangs," added cross, who dressed in a red pea coat her mother gave her in college. "Like nature, we are finding ways to camouflage ourselves to co-exist in a dangerous world. We can embrace fear, or we can choose to hold our ground. My video encourages viewers to do the latter."

Mary Beth Cross

            In the lyric, Brazil paints a striking picture of the battle between good and evil. For Cross, his message is both troubling and reassuring. Predatory wolves are lurking about to sabotage one's dreams. Families fall apart, criminals do harm, and the innocent become prey.

            "Metaphorically, there's a Big Bad Wolf lurking inside all of us," the artist continued. "The song and video bring to light the process of our childhood innocence maturing into adulthood and the choice of becoming the predator or prey, and finding a balance of the two within ourselves. By bringing this to one's consciousness, we can make the choice to allow others to co-exist without a ruthless battle, living in peace and harmony. I believe that the hope for the planet lies in the balance of progress and thoughtful living."

            Cross received national exposure in 2013 with the release of her fourth CD, "Beyond Good and Evil". The project, which was produced by Dave Bechtel, landed a top-five ranking on Airplay Direct. Critics around the world praised the album, with Country Music News International calling it worthy of "Americana CD of the Year". In 2014, she received the "Folk-Country CD of the Year Award" at the Old-Time Music Festival and Convention.

            The CD gives voice to the pioneer spirit of the American frontier with original songs and cover tunes. Cross spent more than a year penning songs reflecting the grit and determination of the adventurers who blazed a trail from the East to the West in search of what they treasured most: beauty, adventure, land, new opportunities for work, and freedom from oppression. Although she didn't write it, her folk-Americana rendition of "Babes in the Wood" remains a favorite.

            The artist has also performed extensively across the U.S. and Canada. Highlights include Folk Alliance International in Kansas City and Toronto; the Black Rose Acoustic Society in Colorado Springs and Black Forest, Colo.; radio station KRFC-FM’s “Live @ Lunch” show at Colorado State University; the “Colorado Performing Arts Jamboree” in Golden, Colo.; Swallow Hill Music in Denver; Metropolitan State College in Denver; the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto; the Denver Coliseum; the Colorado Association of School Nurses in Breckenridge, Colo.; the Fall Out Urban Arts Center in Minneapolis; the "Summer Concert Series" in Arvada, Colo.; and the Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay Concert in Raleigh, N.C. In 2015, She will visit Paris for a performance at the "European Independent Film Festival".

            Cross is also busy writing songs for her fifth album, which will reflect on what it feels like to be home. The project will be recorded later this year for release in early 2016. Like her other albums, including "Beyond Good and Evil", her songs will offer "thoughtful, soothing music for thoughtful living".

            “I’ve discovered that people are yearning to find acceptance and solace in a dizzying world of pressure-filled expectations,” Cross added. “People long for an authentic, non-formula approach.

            An accomplished vocalist and tunesmith, Cross moved to Denver in the 1980s to pursue a nursing career. Her music is influenced by the rural farmland and forests of her Wisconsin upbringing and the Rocky Mountains where she currently resides. She carefully chooses acoustic instrumentation to bring her story-driven songs to life. Her music represents a few of the cultures that have contributed to what has become American music today, including the banjos of African immigrants; the pipes, whistles and percussion of Celtic music makers in the British Isles; and the horns, accordions and fiddles of French cafes. Cross's recordings spotlight her soaring, pure-tone soprano vocals.

            "Through the sweet purity of her voice, Mary Beth has captured the underlying haunting story in 'Babes in the Wood'," said artist Dierdre Keohane, partner of the late Irish songwriter Noel Brazil. "I know Noel would be proud of this version."

            Matt Stanfield is known around the world for his beautiful, strange, evolving and hauntingly addictive arrangements featuring forward-thinking piano. He has worked with artists such as Norah Jones, Kelly Clarkson, Natalie Grant, Jonas Brothers, Newsboys, and Chris Thomlin.

            "On a literal level, there is a real and present struggle for the DNR of the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.," Cross said. "There is currently federally regulated protection of the wolves. Legislation passed in December 2014 called off the fall wolf hunt, as they are protected under the endangered species list. This, along with harsh winters, has caused a dramatic impact on the whitetail deer population in the north woods of Wisconsin, including the Nicolet National Forest, where my family has participated in the buck hunt every fall for over three generations. As wolf experts in Yellowstone have assured me, the secret lies in the balance as each animal has a role and an impact on the ecosystem."

            To learn more about Mary Beth Cross or her music, call (303) 842-1587, send an email message to MaryBeth@MaryBethCross.com , or visit www.MaryBethCross.com or www.reverbnation.com/marybethcross .

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Mary Beth Cross Steps Onto National Folk-Americana Stage

By Chuck Whiting
MCAU Editor            

          DENVER (February 2014) – Denver singer-songwriter Mary Beth Cross has stepped onto the national folk-Americana stage with the release of her fourth CD "Beyond Good and Evil", landing a top-five ranking on Airplay Direct, receiving positive reviews from critics around the world, and performing at major venues.

            "Last year was unforgettable, and 2014 looks to be even better," said Cross, who is already working on her fifth album. My music comes from inspiration found in the beauty of nature and the human spirit. I work with all kinds of people, and I write songs to hopefully touch others and make them feel something."

            The singer, songwriter, guitarist, banjoist and artist career coach received international exposure when "Beyond Good and Evil" hit number four on Airplay Direct's Americana Music Chart. Recorded in Nashville, the project gives voice to the pioneer spirit of the American frontier with original songs and cover tunes. Cross spent more than a year penning songs reflecting the grit and determination of the adventurers who blazed a trail from the East to the West in search of what they treasured most: beauty, adventure, land, new opportunities for work, and freedom from oppression.

            Now she's taking her one-of-a-kind musical storytelling act on the road, appearing at events and venues such as Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, Mo., and the Black Rose Acoustic Society in Colorado Springs and Black Forest, Colo. Positive reviews are opening the way for airplay and appearances around the world, with Country Music News International calling the album worthy of "Americana CD of the Year".

            When she isn't on the road performing, Cross is writing songs for her fifth album. The project, which is set for release in 2015, will reflect on what it feels like to be home. Like her other albums, including "Beyond Good and Evil", her songs will offer "thoughtful, soothing music for thoughtful living".

            “I’ve discovered that people are yearning to find acceptance and solace in a dizzying world of pressure-filled expectations,” Cross added. “People long for an authentic, non-formula approach.

            Cross carefully chooses acoustic instrumentation to bring her story-driven songs to life. Her music represents a few of the cultures that have contributed to what has become American music today, including the banjos of African immigrants; the pipes, whistles and percussion of Celtic music makers in the British Isles; and the horns, accordions and fiddles of French cafes. Her soaring, pure-tone soprano vocals have touched hearts in major venues, including the Denver Coliseum.

            "Beyond Good and Evil" was produced, recorded and mixed by Dave Bechtel at Playground Recording Studio in Nashville. The album features Cross on lead and background vocals; multiple Grammy and IBMA Award-winning Stuart Duncan on fiddle, mandolin and banjo; Matthew Pierson on acoustic and electric bass; Mike Payne on acoustic and six-string guitar; Blair Masters on piano, accordion, organ and melodica; Ken Lewis on drums and percussion; Paul Nelson on cello; Michael Douchette on dobro; Gary Pigg on background vocals; and Bechtel on whistle.
  

            The CD is being promoted nationally to folk-Americana radio by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions.  Whiting Publicity & Promotions is handling publicity.

            "Beyond Good and Evil" continues to receive rave reviews.

            "What is so compelling about Mary Beth's music to me is that it both educates and moves me," Bechtel said. "Her love and understanding of the struggles of the people for whom this great country was founded creates compelling stories. For her to tell these stories that so few have ever heard gives a voice to those who were born in a time when not everyone was treated as equal. This reveals Mary Beth's compassionate heart."

            "Through the sweet purity of her voice, Mary Beth has captured the underlying haunting story in 'Babes in the Wood'," said artist Dierdre Keohane, partner of the late Irish songwriter Noel Brazil. I know Noel would be proud of this version."

            "'Beyond Good and Evil' is a wonderful collaboration of fine instrumentalists and Mary Beth's vocals and songwriting," raved Chris McKhool, producer, composer, violinist and fiddler for Sultan of String. "It is a pleasure and joy to listen to."

            "I was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and sheer musicality that radiated from my speakers," said Uwe Kruger, singer/guitarist/songwriter of The Kruger Brothers. "She has managed to get her very outgoing, winning personality infused into her selection of songs that keep you listening to the CD all the way through with great joy!"

            An accomplished vocalist and tunesmith, Cross moved to Denver in the 1980s to pursue a nursing career. Her music is influenced by the rural farmland and forests of her Wisconsin upbringing and the Rocky Mountains where she currently resides. The artist has emerged on the regional and national music scene with appearances on radio station KRFC-FM’s “Live @ Lunch” show at Colorado State University and musical performances at Folk Alliance International in Toronto; the “Colorado Performing Arts Jamboree” in Golden, Colo.; Swallow Hill Music in Denver; Metropolitan State College in Denver; the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto; the Denver Coliseum; the Colorado Association of School Nurses in Breckenridge, Colo. She will perform at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 20; the Black Rose Acoustic Society in Colorado Springs and Black Forest, Colo., on Feb. 28; and the Fall Out Urban Arts Center in Minneapolis on March 7.

            "Beyond Good and Evil" is available for $15 at leading online music retailers, including Amazon and iTunes. To learn more about Mary Beth Cross or her new album, call (303) 842-1587, send an email message to MaryBeth@MaryBethCross.com, or visit http://www.MaryBethCross.com or http://www.reverbnation.com/marybethcross.

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