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Christopher Cross Sails Into the bergenPAC with a Boatload of Hits in Tow
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Christopher Cross is an award winning singer/songwriter well known for "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)", "Ride Like The Wind", "Sailing" and "Think of Laura". Christopher's self-titled debut released in 1980 won 5 Grammy Awards. Since his historic breakout Cross has continued to collaborate and compose.
Christopher Cross and his big band presented a crowd-pleasing set at the bergenPAC.
Christopher has a new album - Secret Ladder coming out September of 2014. The thirteen track CD addresses contemporary concerns but it also has romantic and spiritual elements. Christopher is currently on tour, which included a stop at the bergenPAC in Englewood, New Jersey on August 20th, 2014.
Although the show was billed as Christopher Cross it could have been called the Christopher Cross Band since the singer made it a point to spotlight the other six members of his troupe during their two sets. The lighting and staging at this event was straight forward with the occasional use of videos. "No Time For Talk" started the show with the sax giving the tune a jazzy feel. The song showcased short yet singular solos mixed in among the vocals unveiling a technique that was used effectively throughout the concert.
Cross spent most of the night armed with a Fender but opened the second half on acoustic guitar.
"Thank you so much, welcome," greeted Mr. Cross who stated that they would be playing music from his early albums but not his latest to keep the YouTube bootleggers at bay. The fan favorite "Sailing" sailed along smoothly with a strong piano solo at the bow. Videos of boats and water added to the mood. "Everything" was an engaging love song that featured both a bass and sax solo.
Christopher shared that he was a fan of the TV show 30 Rock. He recalled that there was an episode in which the lead character Liz Lemon crafted a few lines in the fashion of a Christopher Cross song. From there Christopher penned "Lemon's Theme". It was a melodic tune that mentioned miracles. Cross invited one of his two female back-up singers to join him center stage for "Swept Away". The two voices waxed poetic and it was clear why this piece has been used at so many weddings. "Dreamers" explained Cross was a song about kids with great imaginations. The track floated on fluid instrumentation.
After a short intermission, the band returned in an acoustic mode for a number of tunes. Delicate percussion was appropriate for the sentiments of "Think of Laura" with Cross singing the lyrics with emotion and high notes. A saucy sax enhanced the sultry feel of "In A Red Room". The group expanded "I Really Don't Know Anymore" with each taking a solo. "Arthur's Theme" was classic with video clips of Dudley Moore and NYC combined with the memorable music. "Ride Like The Wind" one of the more up-tempo tunes of the night was also stretched out with added instrumentation. The encore "All Right" kept the energy up to end the show on a good note.
More scenes from the Christopher Cross concert in Englewood, New Jersey.
Christopher Cross with his band presented a compelling career spanning show at the bergenPAC. The venue is centrally located in downtown Englewood and hosts a wide range of concerts such as Christopher Cross. Upcoming events at the bergenPAC include Deep Purple, Michael McDonald with Toto, Jackyl with Trixter, Tusk, The John K Band, Black 47, The Dan Band and ASIA.
Setlist: No Time For Talk / Never Be The Same / Wishing Well / Sailing / Everything / Lemon's Theme / Swept Away / Dreamers / Think of Laura / Open Up My Window / In A Red Room / I Really Don't Know Anymore / Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) / Ride Like The Wind / Encore / All Right
The new record and the historic debut album from Christopher Cross.
Related Links:
For more information on the CHRISTOPHER CROSS concert and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Christopher Cross |
bergenPAC.org
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