CD REVIEW - Vincent Cross

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

By Vincent Cross & Good Company

Vincent Cross has put together an eclectic mix of original songs on his album, “Home Away From Home,” a fitting title for this outstanding guitar and mandolin player. Cross, who hails from Ireland but makes his home in the New York City area, manages to sound like he is straight out of the Appalachian mountains.

The album gets off to a strong start with “Guess I’m Doin’ Fine,” an upbeat number
despite a typically-sad story of lost love. Throughout the album, Vincent Cross displays an innate skill with his vocal interpretation of a song. On the title cut, his voice is somewhat reminiscent of Chris Thile, while on “Grandma’s Home Brew” I think Cross sounds a bit like Bob Dylan. It seems Cross has the uncanny ability to sound like anyone he chooses, but, truly, Cross’ style is all his own.

This album is reflective of the true versatility of Cross’ musical prowess. Joining him on the album is Andy Cartoun, a well-respected banjo player in the New York area who does not disappoint in giving listeners the drive one looks for on a bluegrass album. Bruno Bruzzese is a virtuoso on the violin, coming from a background of a wide range of musical styles, most notably Middle Eastern music. His fiddle playing accurately portrays the emotion behind the song and his deftness on the instrument is prominent throughout this fine album. If you like the sound of the mountains, this album is for you.

~Teri Ann McLean, Mar 2009

Host of “Something Borrowed; Something Bluegrass”
The Bluegrass Mix