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Local singer-songwriter’s CD celebrates the human spirit

By Julie Filby

The music ministry of local singer-songwriter Mary Beth Cross has been likened to country-folk artist Mary Chapin Carpenter, with a touch of Irish singer Mary Black, and the bluegrass influence of Alison Krauss.

Cross, a parishioner at Most Precious Blood in Denver, released her third CD “In My Right Mind” earlier this year. It’s described as a contemporary folk/Americana collection of new and familiar tunes that celebrate the human spirit.

“(The CD) is a musical journey that invites us to discover our creative spirit and find joy in our passions and dreams,” Cross said. “(It’s) an attempt to share my journey with God, and hopefully inspire others to seek a closer relationship with Jesus.”

From the banjos of African-Americans; to pipes, whistles and percussion of Celtic music; to the horns, accordion and fiddle of French street musicians; her music represents a sampling of cultures that have contributed today’s American music.

“Folk music celebrates the stories passed to us through generations,” she said. “The acoustic instrumentation was carefully chosen to highlight the historical time period for each song.”

Cross finds inspiration in her faith, family—husband Jeff and sons Schuyler, 12, and Joseph, 9—as well as others’ courageous stories. In her original song “Paint the Sky,” she highlights iconic artist Georgia O’Keeffe; and in “Banjo Man” she pays tribute to the first published African-American poet Phillis Wheatley, who was sold into slavery at age 7.

“She (Wheatley) ultimately found a deep faith in Jesus Christ and became a Christian before she died,” Cross said. “There are so many inspirational women but these are a couple who found a way to follow their inspiration, that give us a window into life at the time they were alive.”

The CD also includes a traditional version of John Newton’s Christian hymn “Amazing Grace” and covers rock singer John Hiatt’s “Before I Go.”

While her music is for all ages, Cross, who works as a substitute school nurse in the Cherry Creek School District, hopes to reach young women with her music and message.

“Middle-school girls are exploring who they are and how they will develop their character,” she said. “This project was an attempt to reach out to girls especially, to give them permission to pursue a passion that gives them joy and makes them feel at peace with themselves and the world.

“We have so many freedoms and opportunities as women in 2011 if we are willing to work hard and find the courage to follow our bliss.”

Cross, who is in her 40s, has been playing the guitar since her grade school days in Green Bay, Wis., at school Masses and in choir. That journey continued with campus ministry in high school and college, open mic nights, songwriting and coffeehouse performances, recording with Denver’s Swallow Hill Music Association in 2006, and ultimately recording her latest CD in Nashville last year.

“My music has developed into what I call ‘spiritual roots music’—drawing on folk singer and songwriters of the 70s, and incorporating my faith journey and cultural influences,” she said. “Music and singing have been tools for wellness for me as long as I can remember; it’s my passion, and I hope to be involved in it as long as the Lord is willing!”

“In My Right Mind” is available online at iTunes and Amazon, and in Denver at Twist and Shout at 2508 E. Colfax Ave., and Second Spin at 1485 S. Colorado Blvd. Her music can be heard on the radio at 97.3 FM KBCO Boulder, 88.9 FM KRFC Fort Collins, and stations in Idaho Springs and Summit County.
Cross is available for local performances including fundraisers and conferences, and more intimate gatherings and retreats.

For more information, visit www.marybethcross.com.