Hello friends,

Some exciting news this week. David Cross and Mick Paul reformed The David
Cross Band and intend to go on tour very soon. The new incarnation of the
band will also feature the new singer, Arch Stanton, Paul Clark (guitar),
Alex Hall (keyboards) and Lloyd (drums).
At the end of August The David Cross Band will be playing concerts in
Germany, Belgium & Holland. If you know of any clubs in these countries
where you think the band might be welcome, please, email Andy Thompson
(andy.thompson@...) with any details and (if possible) email
addresses.

And now the long awaited interview with The David Cross band’s bass-player,
Mick Paul.

C. Many music lovers know you as a David Cross co-writer and an excellent
bass-player on his latest album “Exiles”. How and when have you become a
professional bass-player?

MP. I became a professional bass player when I was 18 years old when I
joined a band in London signed to Vertigo (Phonogram) records in 1971
(frightening).

C. So you became signed to a major label at the age of 18?

MP. It sounds nice being signed to a major but they dropped us very quickly,
I’m sure nobody would remember the band as it's all ancient history now.

C. As I understood you like playing jazz. Was your choice to play bass
rather than any other instrument determined by your love to improvised
music?

MP. I started playing bass when I was 15 years old, it was the driving feel
of the instrument that attracted me. Any interest in jazz came later.

C. What are your main musical influences and favorite performer?

MP. My influences are now very varied, when I was a teenager I listened to
the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and of course King Crimson,
and Yes. As a bass player my favorite performer is probably Jacco Pastorius.

C. How did you become a part of the “Exiles” project?

MP. I answered an advert in 'Melody Maker' and did an audition with the
band.

C. Were you aware of David’s previous work?

MP. No, I was not aware of David's solo work.

C. Back in 1995 after you joined forces with David Cross you gave some live
performances in Germany and UK. Can you share some memories of that period
with us?

MP. My main memory is having to learn nearly two albums of songs in one
month, as I was also doing lead vocals as well as playing bass in some very
difficult time signatures. Guitarist Paul Clark was a great help as he knew
the songs so well.

C. So you were a lead singer of The David Cross band? And when did John
Dillon leave?

MP. John Dillon left in the spring of 1995.

C. According to David your input in the forthcoming album is very important
and together with DC you are the main driving force behind the project. What
do you feel about the “Monday Child”?

MP. ‘Mondays Child’ is now called 'Book of songs', like any artist I feel
the most recent work is the best we've done however there's so much content
and great performances on the new album, I feel we've pushed ourselves
further than we did with 'Exiles'.

C. By the way, when should we expect the new album? I know the recording is
complete but when the mixing and mastering will be finished?

MP. We're trying to get the mixing finished soon, we've mixed one track,
but I can't say for sure when we'll finish it.

C. What is the main difference between “Book Of Songs” and “Exiles”? Which
album was more difficult for you?

MP. I think 'Book of songs' might have a wider appeal than 'Exiles', whilst
still being true to David's proggressive roots. It is more song orientated,
but there's also lots of playing. Both albums have been difficult to make,
for many different reasons.

C. You had to invite guest vocalists to record “Exiles”. This time you
recruited one singer to perform all vocal parts. Are you satisfied with the
result?

MP. Very very satisfied, Archie Stanton has an amazing voice and musical
ability, he's a sort of cross between Ian Gillan and Bono.

C. Have you invited any guest performers this time?

MP. There might be some guest performers, but it's all dependent on time.

C. To tell you the truth I don’t think any guests are really necessary for
the album. The albums David recorded before “The Exiles” were amazing,
though the latest became more successful because of Fripp / Hammill / Wetton
participation.

MP. I agree, but as you say it does help with marketing.

C. There were several questions from the Calamity readers regarding the
possibility of live performance of the David Cross band in future. Now we
have the news that some concerts are being planned for the end of August.
Have you formed a “real” band or it’s just a temporary project?

MP. I’m looking forward to touring in August / September, and I want the
band to be a 'real band' not just a 'one off' project as they are all such
great players.

C. There are two newcomers: Alex Hall and Lloyd. How did they join the band?
Can you tell us about their musical background?

MP. I've worked with Lloyd (drums) and Alex Hall (keyboards) for well over
10 years, having done a lot of studio work with both of them. Alex is very
good with midi and computers and is from the south of England. Lloyd is from
Manchester, he started his career with Mick Hucknall and Lisa Stansfield,
his musical background is jazz.

C. What material do you intend to perform live? Is there any chance to hear
some earlier David Cross’ works from Dillon / Maloney / Maurer-era or King
Crimson days?

MP. David and I have been trying to decide what songs to do from previous
albums, there's a lot to choose from.

C. I would recommend at least 'Learning Curve', 'Calamity' and 'Tripwire'.

MP. We've got to do 'Learning Curve' it's such a strong piece.

C. Do you plan some other projects besides your participation in David Cross
band?

MP. At the moment my main priority is to finish the new album and rehearse
for any tours we do.

That's all for the May issue of the Calamity newsletter. Thank you for the
interest.

All the best,

George Khouroshvili

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.