Births on April 23

David Cross, English violinist

Born on April 23, 1949, in the picturesque village of Turnchapel, nestled near Plymouth, England, David Cross emerged as a distinctive voice in the realm of progressive rock. An accomplished English electric violinist and keyboardist, Cross is most widely celebrated for his pivotal tenure with the legendary progressive rock band King Crimson from 1972 to 1974. During this era, King Crimson, under the visionary leadership of Robert Fripp, was undergoing a significant sonic evolution, venturing into more experimental and often aggressive territories, a period where Cross's expressive violin work became an integral and defining element.

The King Crimson Legacy: A Defining Chapter

David Cross’s contributions to King Crimson are etched into some of their most iconic albums. His distinctive electric violin can be heard prominently on the seminal studio albums Larks' Tongues in Aspic (1973) and Starless and Bible Black (1974), where his playing added layers of eerie beauty, piercing dissonance, and intricate melodicism to the band's complex soundscapes. He also featured on a single, yet impactful, track on the band's acclaimed 1974 release, Red. Beyond these studio masterpieces, Cross's performances from this intense period are captured on numerous live recordings, which Robert Fripp's Discipline Global Mobile (DGM) label has painstakingly released over the decades. These include the raw energy of USA, originally released in 1975, and the atmospheric immersion of The Night Watch (1997), offering fans a deeper insight into the formidable power of King Crimson's live performances during Cross’s tenure.

A Journey Beyond Crimson: Exploration and New Beginnings

Following his departure from King Crimson, David Cross embarked on a period of extensive travel, seeking new inspiration and experiences. This journey eventually led him back to the world of music, albeit initially through a different avenue: theatre. His engagement with theatrical productions allowed him to explore diverse musical expressions and hone his compositional skills in a fresh context. This transitional phase laid the groundwork for his subsequent return to ensemble work and band leadership.

Diverse Collaborations and Artistic Endeavors

Forging New Musical Paths

In 1987, Cross co-founded the ensemble Low Flying Aircraft, a significant collaboration that saw him working alongside the esteemed jazz pianist Keith Tippett, known for his innovative and avant-garde approach to improvised music. This partnership underscored Cross's versatility and willingness to explore different musical genres. The following year, 1988, marked another important development when keyboardist Geoff Serle extended an invitation to Cross to join the band Radius. With Radius, Cross's creative output flourished, resulting in the recording of five studio albums that further showcased his evolving musical vision.

Session Work and Notable Contributions

Beyond his primary band commitments, David Cross has also lent his unique talents to a variety of other artists as a prominent session musician. His session work includes collaborations with the French progressive rock band Clearlight, the eclectic and influential British band Jade Warrior, and the celebrated bassist Tony Levin's project, Stick Men. His involvement with Stick Men even extended to touring, providing him with opportunities to perform alongside other respected musicians on the progressive music circuit.

The David Cross Band: A Continuing Musical Saga

Since the late 1980s, David Cross has consistently led and toured with his own eponymous band, establishing a robust and enduring musical project. Over more than three decades, this ensemble has seen a rich tapestry of talented musicians pass through its ranks, contributing to a diverse and evolving sound. Key members have included saxophonist Pete McPhail; guitarists Paul Clark and Peter Claridge; bassists Simon Murrell, John Dillon (who also provided lead vocals), and Mick Paul; drummers Dan Maurer, Lloyd, Craig Blundell, Steve Roberts, and Pat Garvey; keyboardists Sheila Maloney and Alex Hall; and lead singers Arch Stanton and Jinian Wilde. The band’s extensive discography has also been graced by contributions from former and current luminaries of King Crimson, including bassist and vocalist John Wetton, guitarist Robert Fripp, and drummer Pat Mastelotto, as well as two of Crimson's highly regarded lyricists, Peter Sinfield and Richard Palmer-James. These connections underscore the deep roots and ongoing dialogue David Cross maintains with his progressive rock heritage.

Recent Explorations: Duo Recordings and Pro-Rock Synergy

In recent years, Cross has embarked on a fascinating series of duo recordings, demonstrating his continued artistic curiosity and collaborative spirit. These intimate projects have seen him partner with a diverse range of musicians, including his former King Crimson bandmate Robert Fripp, composer and arranger Andrew Keeling, drummer Andrew Booker (known for his work with No-Man), and other progressive rock legends. Notably, he has released duos with saxophonist David Jackson (formerly of Van der Graaf Generator) and the late guitarist Peter Banks (a founding member of Yes), with these latter two projects expanding beyond the duo format to include a full band, creating a rich and dynamic sound.

Beyond the Stage: Composer, Actor, and Label Founder

David Cross's artistic pursuits extend beyond his instrumental prowess and band leadership. Drawing from his earlier experiences, he has continued to compose music for theatre, showcasing his versatility as a creative artist. He has also ventured into acting, adding another dimension to his diverse career. Furthermore, demonstrating an independent spirit and a commitment to his own musical output and that of other artists, Cross established and continues to run his own record label, Noisy Records, providing a platform for creative endeavors and ensuring artistic control over his work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What instrument is David Cross best known for?

David Cross is best known as an electric violinist and keyboardist, particularly for his distinctive violin work with King Crimson.

Which King Crimson albums feature David Cross?

He appears on King Crimson's studio albums Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Starless and Bible Black, and a single track on Red, as well as numerous live recordings like USA and The Night Watch.

What did David Cross do after leaving King Crimson?

After leaving King Crimson, Cross traveled extensively and then returned to music through work in the theatre, eventually forming bands like Low Flying Aircraft and Radius, and leading his own eponymous band.

Has David Cross collaborated with other progressive rock legends?

Yes, he has collaborated with many, including his former King Crimson bandmates Robert Fripp and John Wetton, as well as other luminaries like Keith Tippett, Tony Levin, David Jackson (Van der Graaf Generator), and Peter Banks (Yes).

Does David Cross have his own band?

Yes, since the late 1980s, David Cross has toured and recorded extensively with his own eponymous band, which has featured a wide array of talented musicians over three decades.