David Cross, renowned for his work with King Crimson and the David Cross Band, has remained a significant figure in progressive rock.

His journey in music began with his involvement in bands like Waves and the Ring during his formative years, though no recordings from this period exist as he was primarily focused on his studies. Cross’s breakthrough came when he joined King Crimson in 1972, contributing his distinct violin and keyboard skills to seminal albums such as ‘Larks’ Tongues in Aspic,’ ‘Starless and Bible Black,’ and ‘Red.’

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with him about his latest album, ‘Ice Blue, Silver Sky,’ his creative journey, and the influences that have shaped his music.

When asked if the isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted his creativity, Cross responded with characteristic straightforwardness. “I don’t think it made any difference to my creativity.” This pragmatic view underscores his resilient approach to music-making, suggesting that external circumstances rarely deter his artistic process.

The creation of ‘Ice Blue, Silver Sky’ was a meticulous and time-intensive endeavor. Cross emphasized, “A great deal of time and effort” went into its production. The album is unique not only for its musical content but also for its conceptual framework. Cross elaborated on this, explaining, “The idea was to forefront the personalities of the musicians as much as possible. We recorded a four-way conversation discussing our lives and our music and then used this as the basis for interludes and interruptions within and between the songs.”

This innovative approach allowed the musicians to infuse their personal experiences directly into the album, creating a rich tapestry of sound and dialogue. Additionally, the album captures the dynamic evolution of their stage performances, featuring re-recorded tracks from the David Cross Band and King Crimson catalog with new interpretations. Cross highlighted the thematic element of “shipwreck,” which emerged from the track ‘Calamity’ and permeated other songs, including ‘Starless.’ Here, he recites lines from Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, blending literary influences with musical expression.

The album’s recording process was both collaborative and geographically dispersed. Drums and some bass tracks were recorded at Mill Hill Studios in North London, while other parts were created in the musicians’ personal studios. Cross, alongside Mick Paul and Jinian Wilde, took on production and mixing duties, ensuring a cohesive final product despite the decentralized recording setup.

Creating an album as complex as ‘Ice Blue, Silver Sky’ was undoubtedly challenging. Cross admitted, “It’s always different and usually difficult. I don’t have a usual approach to music making.” This flexibility and willingness to adapt are hallmarks of his enduring career.

When discussing his influences, Cross named a diverse group of musicians, including John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Miles Davis, David Oistrach, and Itzhak Perlman. He admires them for their “strong individual voices” and the unique messages they convey through their music.

Reflecting on his early career, Cross mentioned his involvement with the bands Waves and the Ring before joining King Crimson. However, there are no recordings from these formative years, as he was primarily focused on his studies during the 1960s.

Performing live remains a critical aspect of Cross’s work, allowing him to discover new dimensions of his music in real-time. This interactive process is evident in ‘Ice Blue, Silver Sky,’ where the evolution of the band’s stage show is captured in the recordings.

Cross’s contributions to albums like ‘Starless and Bible Black’ and ‘Red’ are monumental in the progressive rock genre. However, he candidly admitted that he hasn’t listened to these records recently, indicating a forward-looking perspective that continually drives his creative endeavors.

In closing, David Cross’s approach to music is characterized by a blend of innovation, collaboration, and deep respect for the craft. His latest album, ‘Ice Blue, Silver Sky,’ stands as a testament to these qualities, offering listeners a profound experience. As Cross succinctly put it, “Thank you.”

Klemen Breznikar

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