15 songs personally selected by Cross and completely re-recorded with a jazz quartet under the supervision of producer Chris Walden, Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Michael Bolton and many others. Essential. 2008.
15 songs personally selected by Cross and completely re-recorded with a jazz quartet under the supervision of producer Chris Walden, Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Michael Bolton and many others. Essential. 2008.
CD Reviews
Remake - remodel of classic Cross
J. Moore | Grenada, MS United States | 12/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first found out about this release through Christopher Cross's website. Initially I was a little skeptical that the re-arrangements would work. Although Chris's guitar work has always been underrated, the keyboard work on those early records gave them a certain energy, courtesy of Michael Omartian; hence the worry that the spare instrumentation would leave the songs sounding rather tepid and flat. Not so! These are wonderful re-workings of some of Mr Cross's finest. All the 'hits' are here and sound strong in their new incarnations, proving the point that a good song is a good song...
The players in this new ensemble play tight and loose at the same time - tight in the way they sound like they have played for ever; loose in the flow and space within the songs. No particular favorites but it's nice to hear 'Words of Wisdom' and 'Talking in my Sleep' given some exposure."
Yes, he's still got it!!
Jeffrey A. Rogers | Sydney, Australia | 05/29/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this cd based on someone else's review.
They were right, it takes you back to that time and forward musically.
Great to hear those songs again, even better with the new musicians. New sound.
Got a wonderful feel, smooth and rich.
His voice is pure, the songs great, you can never take away the recognition of his huge talent, his success with this work was duly awarded, but remains throughout his career. What an enduring artist!
I met him once in Hawaii, I hope I see him again.
"
Compliments original versions beautifully.
Hudson G TANNIS | LAURELTON, NEW YORK United States | 03/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This project requires tremendous confidence in ones ability to perform at a level that meets or surpasses the original versions.I have all of the original versions in all its digital remastering glory and i am very happy with them.This album is different,void of the orchestration but retains the class and sophistication of the vocals with a more jazzy ensemble.The highlight is the vocals of Mr Cross,his voice is pure and potent as if frozen in time.If you are a fan of this artist and you can't get enough of his music this version compliments the original versions beautifully...recommended."
Fantastic New Versions Of Classic Songs
Scott Gross | Largo, Florida United States | 12/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In April of 2008, Christopher Cross was booked into a rare month long appearance at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City... The room, an 88 seat cabaret venue that was the regular gig for the late jazz pianist Bobby Short, was something new for Cross and it created quite a challenge -- To scale down the arrangements of his songs and present them backed only by piano & sax. The experience was such a positive one that Christopher went into the studio in an effort to document the new life these wonderful pop songs were given... The result is THE CAFE CARLYLE SESSIONS.
The presentation is simple... Christopher on acoustic guitar, accompanied by Andy Ezrin on piano & David Mann on sax from the original Carlyle engagement. Joining them for this recording are Kevin Axt on bass and CC band veteran Dave Beyer on drums/percussion. The acoustic jazz combo feel brings an honest, pure sound to the project while all the players are encouraged to stretch out on the solos. Christopher's voice has retained it's clear, melodic quality over the years and sounds fantastic.
Produced by Chris Walden, the new versions of classics like RIDE LIKE THE WIND, SAILING, ARTHUR'S THEME, NEVER BE THE SAME, THINK OF LAURA & more sound both old and new thru these great new jazz arrangements.
Strongly recommended for fans of this music."
How Does This Guy Continue To Fly under The Radar?
Richard Stark | San Francisco | 09/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I cannot figure out why Christopher Cross is not a megastar. He is a magnificent songwriter and a very accomplished musician. His music comes at you from so many directions. It is amazing that he flies under the radar practically unnoticed.
For those who wonder the same thing, order this CD, Cafe Carlyle Sessions. The talent assembled perform as though all the stars had come into alignment. I dare you to play this music and not be moved. The type of CD that your friends ask, "Who is that?!!!" I always look forward to sharing music with my friends but especially so when it is such great stuff. Not only are the songs A+, the recording itself is a thing of beauty. I just recently upgraded to a new amp and this CD was my first choice to evaluate the new gear. It was a cosmic moment."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1