Reviews
Do you like jazz? Do you love to dance? Does a wailing sax solo
energize you? Buy Back to Broke. This is a CD of fun, spirited
music that really makes me look forward to hearing more. Cool,
funky, New Orleans club-style jazz that's got the blues. Back
to Broke gets back to the basics: good, creative songwriting.
The lyrics are thoughtful, inspired, and full of funny zingers.
Dave Cross' and Gail Chasin's voices complement each other perfectly.
His is casual and conversational (sounding a bit like Randy
Newman); hers is powerful and emotional with a tinge of gospel.
The music is a party. From the playful
swing of "Wiggle Walk" to the big band feel of the
title track, to the foot-stomping "Shuffle," the
musicians on this CD are playing at full throttle and having
a great time. The music gets into your blood. "Quiet
Surprises" is a pleasant surprise - a soft, romantic
break from the upbeat jazz club numbers. The piano notes sound
like rapidly falling raindrops at times. The saxophone sounds
longing and reflective. Beautiful. This one had me under its
spell for a long time.
This is a CD of fun, spirited music that
really makes me look forward to hearing more from them. In
the meantime, Dave Cross continues to perform at clubs and
coffeehouses in and around Orange County, CA, so if you're
in that area, check him out.
-Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music.com
Dave Cross and Crossection play a sound found at the better
clubs in town, where music is appreciated for its quality. For
sure if you land in a classy New Orleans club you can expect
music like the kind Dave Cross pitches . . . mature music, solid
and smooth construction and execution; the vocals glide along
with understated nonchalance, the horns lend a nice smoky sultriness.
A study in cool, laid-back blues with
an energy derived from great musicians playing great music:
they have the firepower of full instrumental backing as the
songs roll along. Every one of these players is most likely
in this band for the love of music, and they perform like
musicians enjoying themselves. Be sure to check out Dave Cross
and Crossection--just ask someone where the best club in town
is.
-Martin Fullington, Music Reviews Quarterly,
Arden, North Carolina
Jazzy bop blues with a sometimes Caribbean, sometimes Cajun
flavor, Dave Cross and Crossection carry a big band beat that
sauces ya right back into a fifties cabana club scene. Powerful
and prolific sounds, tasty and tantalizing. The horn section
solos are very well arranged and individually awesome-- this
platter deserves wide recognition!
-Mark A. Cole, Van Go Productions, Genoa
Ohio
Musicians need a sense of humor, and guitarist/vocalist Dave
Cross obviously has one. Cross has a warm and friendly, slightly
craggy voice and he sings in a laid back manner. His group is
called Crossection and provides pretty nifty company! "Shuffle"
is a big rousing tune where everyone gets to solo; a big band
feel comes across on "Stolen Love on Hiway 99," in
which the horns are standouts; "Mardi Gras Mambo"
is a big rockin' party tune. "Quiet Surprises" is
a gorgeous tune with seductive piano and a small gem of a sax
solo. This is a good showcase CD, quite danceable.
-Myrna Daniels, L.A. Jazz Scene
Dave Cross and his band Crossection are
that rare animal, a blues band that has approached the blues
from the jazz side of things. Cross brings out the blues side
of jazz covers like Sonny Rollins' "St.Thomas,"
and his jazz sensibilities give a different view of the blues.
Cross' band sounds ready to handle any task; his CDs have
received airplay on over 200 stations nationwide. Not enough
can be said about the songwriting talents of this band, perhaps
its biggest asset. This is a band to watch out for!
-Jon Pepper, Southland
Blues
Smooth blues with a Jazz Groove--these
gifted musicians have taken from the old and added a 90's
feel. A euphonious Gumbo steaming with the talents of Dave
and Sue Cross, with several rhythmic approaches that makes
for an intriguing listening experience. A superb performance.
. .masterful. . .a unique approach.
-Greg Serrato, The
Blues News
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