Carolina Sky (SH-CD-1006)

MIKE CROSS is a phenomenon and "CAROLINA SKY" is a phenomenal record. Mike first achieved "hero" status in the Southeast, where his dazzling stage performances make him a headline act in major halls and led, almost off-handedly, to a series of regional albums selling in figures that would be respectable for many major label acts. With brilliant songs, superb musicianship and incredible live shows, Mike has recently decided to broaden his base and has set out to conquer the rest of the country (first time audiences in New England, Kansas, Illinois, D.C., Texas, etc. are regularly turning into long term fans).

Now Mike has the album to reflect the national prominence he deserves. "Carolina Sky" has been in the planning for almost two years, during which time Mike’s songs and singing have gained in maturity and depth. Even his most raucous fans are quietly requesting his sensitive love ballad "Not For The Love I Can Take." Of course, Mike still cooks with the best, from the sizzling country rocker "Dark Angel" and "Don’t Need Another Hit" to the Buddy Holly inspired arrangement of "Say What You Mean." Mike takes his country roots honky tonkin’ in "A Night On the Town" and then makes us pause and look at home with "Carolina Sky." He returns to love in "Jenny", a wonderful reminder of the power of simple 60’s-like pop arrangements, and the traditional sounds of "Katie’s Tune" with its haunting Irish fiddle reprise. Of course, what would a Mike Cross album be without a song like "The Drunkard," just to keep you on your toes.

Watch out folks, here comes MIKE CROSS!!