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Craig Cummings has just released a new album. It’s titled The Gulf Between Us. But first, for those not yet familiar with the act in question, a bit o’ background.
Craig Cummings
Craig Cummings is a Washington, D.C.-based singer=songwriter and guitarist who is known for his live performances throughout the entire mid-Atlantic region. His resume also includes his 2019 release, Absolute Surprise, which was a finalist for the Best Americana/Country Album by the well-known Washington Area Music Association. It also reached number 29 on the nationwide Roots Music Chart.
Signature sound
Craig Cummings’s signature sound is a mix of music genres including (but not necessarily limited to) Americana, country, pop, rock, and roots music. His influences include such other acts as The Beatles, Willie Nelson, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, and Lucinda Williams.
The Gulf Between Us
The Gulf Between Us is a 7-track.release. It’s his sixth album. Cummings leads the way here on acoustic guitar and lead vocals. He is ably assisted by other artists including Gantt Kushner on electric and acoustic guitars and bass, Andy Hamburger on drums and percussion, Brian Simms on keyboards and accordion, and Tiffany Shanta on violin.
The disc includes original tracks focused on such divisive barriers as views on politics and social issues, economic divisions, and the pandemic’s impacts on personal relationships and loss. In a recent e-missive, Cummmings said: “I offer these songs with the hope that they provide an opportunity to ponder how we might evolve in ways that bring us closer together.”
Track by Track
The. album opens on the title track, “The Gulf Between Us.” Right from the start, the audience learns that Cummings is exploring specific concepts. Here he musically notes that opposites do not necessarily attract while presenting his own personal perspective.
He said the song concerns “some of what keeps us apart…divergent social and political beliefs; the blurred lines between fact and opinion; the lack of willingness to compromise; and” so forth. He concludes: “I wrote this song with the hope that it would provide an opportunity to discuss how we might evolve in ways that bring us closer together.”
The second selection is "The Southern Wall.” The music is pleasing and pretty. Lyrically, the performer from Baltimore, Maryland attempts to touch on the listener’s sympathy and empathy.
The next number is “Momma and Me.” Here he sings a song from the simplistic view of a Hispanic child who is too young to understand the law. Children do not know when their parents break it. They only know they love them.
The ironically titled “Like Thieves” follows. The political leanings continue to be revealed as the signature sound remains solid. It features Wall Matthews on djembe.
Also included here is “Sleeping Alone.” It is a refreshing break and takes a new direction. No politics, only a personal piece that focuses on an all-too universal concept of loneliness.
“Living Without You” is a song of loss. Quite simply, it works. We’ve all been there.
The closing cut is “Safe.” This is a timely tune that works well for our current situation.
Overall…
Overall, this is an assortment of Cummings’ thoughts and opinions on subjects both timely and timeless presented through his works. Sound interesting to you? Then check out Craig Cummings’ latest album and learn more about “The Gulf Between Us.”
(Images courtesy of Craig Cummings)