Interview with The David Cross band's bass-player, Mick Paul. May 2002

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 Jaco 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.