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.
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