Christopher Cross Responds to his "Ride Like the Wind" Guitar Solo

In this clip, Christopher Cross responds to my video talking about his "Ride Like the Wind" guitar solo, getting to work with his favorite session musicians, and his favorite Steely Dan songs.
Full Interview Here: • Christopher Cross: His...
The Greatest Guitar Solo You Can't Hear: • The Greatest Guitar So...
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[@rickbeato2]

Full Interview Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ3NkqWwe8xkh9Usi=9qFCSNoaG2PL3DJL

[@Fordham81]

Now you need to get him in front of Donald Fagen regarding "Dirty Work"!

[@stevenleclair]

Rick Beato I would love to hear you do a whole show on AI and what musicians are saying about it and if they are concerned that AI fraudsters could reproduce their music so completely that their fans would never know it was not them performing?

[@jasonb895]

Joni Mitchell said Third World Man is one of her all time favourite songs

[@bb-gc2tx]

rick i know he rarely does any interviews but i would love to see you interview billy squier

[@rayjr62]

Rick, it's kinda crazy that he never really gave this solo that much thought. It kinda reminds me of an interview that Larry Carlton did in MIX decades ago where the interviewer asked him about the Kid Charlemagne / Steely Dan solo he did. He basically gave the same answer- he was doing a ton of studio work back then, driving from studio to studio in L.A. and didn't really think much about it.

[@crisrose521]

Let’s all take a moment to say how great Mr Cross looks for a 72 year old rocker 😊

[@kdfox2007]

🎉

[@bruceharlick3322]

That's him at 72? I would say mid-50s, if I didn't know any better. Amazing.

[@m.s.7873]

And he had a nasty time with COVID didn't he? Glad to see him fully recovered

[@guitarforumdude]

Whaaa? He looks mid 50s at most.

[@nathandenny5575]

“Rocker”?

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

As a metal guy, and I do mean metal AF....Sailing is still to this day my #1 favorite song. It takes me somewhere different every time I hear it.

[@percyvolnar8010]

Yup. It takes us to a simpler time... No borders. No Boundaries.

[@rrhd0]

Same, I was born in the 90's grew up on thrash and death metal. Man Cross is just an insanely talented musician, that song hits so hard.

[@jorbv8]

Same here brother 🤘

[@edmundcrowley2518]

Soon I will be free😊

[@daved7231]

Me too ! Something about it man

[@aladdinsane7882]

His first album, still to this day, is a masterpiece in songwriting, performance and production.

[@rustar00]

You are correct, sir. It is impeccable in every aspect. I had a chance to see him at my college after this album was released, and missed it. Still feeling regret.

[@ellisvener5337]

I met Christopher Cross before he was famous, back when he and his band were making their bones playing the fraternity party circuit in Austin in the late 1970s. It seemed like I saw them at least once a weekend as I was making my bones as a photographer shooting the same parties. Chris and the rest of the band were always super nice guys. Nice to see him pop up on the channel.

[@robinmiller7958]

Chris is so humble and it’s cool that Rick gets the opportunity to share these stories with us.

[@mattmurray517]

He filled in for Blackmore at a Deep Purple gig once. That tells you all you need to know what a player he is

[@jmlastname4412]

Yes! We were talking about that at dinner tonight. Blackmore being who he is has probably tried to keep that under wraps.

[@tomgio1]

When I was a teen rock/metalhead drummer, it was not cool among my fellow bandmates and friends to like Christopher Cross. But after a few pops (of whatever), we all fessed up to enjoying his songs, arrangements, tight band, songwriting, etc. Seeing this interview with Rick adds and extra dimension of appreciation.

[@trento777]

Well, you can tell your rock/metalheads friends that CC actually played with Deep Purple. Just google it. :)

[@MrClassicmetal]

Yeah, when you have an ear for good music you tend to recognise quality musicians and what they can do. And appreciate it.

[@Randy-jz9ox]

It's ultra tame lol. Not trying to bust on him but it's as soft as it gets. Good hooks tho

[@thedarkknightman6150]

For me when I was in my teens in the 90s for me it was all about rock and rap I didn't open to other music until like January 2020 when I discovered Christopher Cross and other yacht rock artists like Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins now I listen to everything.

[@Iceracer25]

What a great interview. I wish the original was 4 hours long. Christopher is still so passionate about music. He may not have been on the charts with his later work, but it's amazing how intertwined he still is with the fabric of cuture and music when his name is brought up with anyone. Pure legend.

[@reno145]

You’re a legit beast if you have Eric Johnson and Luke backing you up.

[@shable1436]

What fascinated me was the story of ray Henning guitar shop that Stevie ray Vaughan would always go hang out in before he was famous, before he was known as srv, he was little Stevie Vaughan, he went in Ray's and asked if there was anything new in, and he said just those and pointed to some beat up guitars, so srv went and picked up a strat that looked like it it had been played on the road for 20 years, he couldn't afford it, but he traded his other guitar and some hundred bucks and got it, Ray said that Christopher Cross had came in and traded it for a new one. So point is this became Stevies famous number one strat, the 59 burst, was actually crosses first. That's how small the Austin Dallas music scene was in the early 70s

[@jonnuanez7183]

AND on your debut. Even more respect with that...

[@redbarchetta8782]

And have Howard build you an amp.

[@yergenflergen72]

Ray from Henning's Heart of Texas Music was such a cool guy with a heart of gold, and also a very accomplished musician as well back in the day-when I first moved to Austin in 1999, he told me that same story along with so many other cool ones about Stevie and all the well known legends that frequented his shop... I miss that place. @@shable1436

[@jeffbosch1697]

He played at the Edmonds Center for the Arts some years back. At the start of the show he said that the band he had that night was the first that could play the songs the way they sounded in his head. One song that really stood out to me was Sailing, which they played with a power and beauty that the record version did not capture. The whole concert was so much better than I could have ever expected. After the show, I got to meet him in the theater's lobby/bar and thank him for the great show. Very friendly guy, would love to see him perform again. Maybe some day I'll find a live recording that captures at least a little bit of that power and magic.

[@steveheggem5822]

I was at that concert as well ... Kiki Epsen (keys) and Gigi Worth (percussion) added some great backing vocals. One of the best shows I've been to.

[@brewster84067]

Great interview. I saw Christopher last year in a fairly small venue in Utah. He's lost a bit of his range, but truly one of the best shows I've ever seen. His music transcends generations - I'm a Gen-X and my Gen-Z kids were floored by his music (though they hear me singing it every time I've had a bit too much wine).

[@jaimeskiebel]

I remember watching "An Evening with Christopher Cross" DVD (2000ish) for the first time. I had always loved his first album, but never saw him play live. When I watched the DVD, I was blown away at his guitar playing. I never knew he was so good! His band was great as well!

[@KNIGHTJUMPS]

We need a remaster now.

[@scottgetty5547]

One of my favorite solos ever...happy it's being talked about

[@TheMikeharris7]

My brother in law was in a band with Christopher and I went to see them a few times. Christopher's guitar playing blew me away each time I went to see them.

[@JohnnyTorontoEh]

Great feature Rick! Hearing him so into his work is a treat. Seeing 2 pros sitting there talking shop is just another level of fun.

[@AnthonyWilliams-ot1yk]

As a person from Austin,Texas I can say that when I heard the song I was blown away by Michael McDonald’s backing vocals. But the solo was amazing as well!

[@JohnnyBeane]

Christopher Cross rocks!!! I have one of his guitar picks. 🎸👍 been a huge fan for years.

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

What a nice guy, super humble person.

[@davidschecter5247]

Wonderful video. What a songwriter Chris has been throughout his long career. He's so much more than just those first two albums that were really popular.

[@arrosconpollo1]

Rick, these interviews you are able to do are AMAZING! You are contributing significantly to the body of musical knowledge and history! Thank you! I was telling my brother in law about your Sting interview on Thanksgiving. Well done!

[@luckydogx2]

Great interview! I love how humble CC is, and his knowledge and clarity about his music trade is amazing!

[@DianeLee999]

What a goldmine interview! Thank you both. 💜

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

This is so cool to get an update to the original video. We have to hear other takes on the solo.

[@boblob2003]

We just saw him live last weekend in Clearwater- great band, great show and that solo at the end of Ride Like The Wind was on fire!

[@gregoneil3523]

So humble, still doesn't appreciate just how great that outtro solo is. Please remix it and release it again.

[@Bethany415]

I'm so happy to see Christopher up and walking and recovered. *so happy*

[@herbertbryant5203]

One of my favorite of all time ! His music has inspired me my whole life! Love you mr cross !!

[@williamhedrick5950]

I met Larry Carlton after a gig right after his recovery when he was touring with "On Solid Ground". I told him that I turned on to Steely Dan when I heard his solo on "Don't Take Me Alive", and turned on to him when I heard him play "Third World Man". He chuckled and told me that they were recorded in the same session. Straight from the G.O.A.T.'s mouth to my ear- so it came out of the "Royal Scam" sessions. What an übercool dude!

[@twilightbiscuit]

Different topic: You have some really nice color grading on your videos, soft and warm colors, like in a studio. stands out from others channels 🔥🔥 And of course great content 🙏

[@shannon4086]

This video reminded me about Christopher Cross, whom I honestly haven't listened to since the 80's. He's an amazing constructor of song - the whole package, really. His humility in this video is refreshing.

[@HenryChinaski614]

One of my all time favorite solos. Excellent interview.

[@altonwilliams7117]

That solo was buried in the mix. It was great to hear it brought to the forefront.🎸🎵

[@darrenkrivit6854]

Awesome conversation, really impressed with his obvious passion for his craft 🎸 ✌️

[@JohnAlbertRigali]

My wish was granted! Thank both you and Mr. Cross, Rick!

[@josephdelagarza835]

Christopher has always been humble in my opinion, hanging out on the playground early years it wasn't until Highschool I learned of his guitar playing. And still doing it very well

[@TheRoadDawg]

As a music lover, I thoroughly enjoy listening to these artists breakdown the parts we all take for granted. We hear great songs and they lift us up, get our juices flowing, break us down, or cause some visceral emotion, but we rarely realize the genius it took to compose these masterpieces. It’s like going behind the curtain of Oz and seeing what is behind the unknown.

[@thedarkknightman6150]

By the time when Christopher Cross was hitting Big back then I was only a toddler at the time but I wasn't ready for his music until 2020 of January when I first heard ride like the wind I was hooked I listen to all his music now. Christopher Cross is magical in his music and I will always listen to him till I die he can go from hardcore with ride like the wind to soft and calm like sailing and it's awesome.

[@Vibemaker68]

Man, you’ve got such great content on both your channels! Love it!

[@ryanperrault8174]

I could listen to another 5 hours of this...awesome video.

[@gmill7911]

Amazing interview. Cross came out when I was in high school.

[@scottwalton5888]

Used to see Chris when he would play in Houston when I lived there. Always great shows.

[@andykimball3340]

Going to see him live tonight.

[@splashesin8]

🎉😃

[@andykimball3340]

@@splashesin8 That band was tight. Smoking hot show.

[@thomasschuldt4557]

How was it?😊

[@andykimball3340]

@@thomasschuldt4557 Great show!!

[@Veronica.John10-10]

If you have video please post it!!! 💖

[@annorarubio7678]

He a genuine genius

[@splashesin8]

I remember it, because immediately I was stoked from yes liking that song, but also Transmission Ends. That's just a great album! I am trying to remember if I heard that before I was in this apartment or or after I just managed to move across doors from myself due to complex renovation stuff. I think it might have been in here, but before lockdown. So glad to just know Christopher finally got well enough to get out of the hospital. I know it was a herculean effort. ❤😅🙂

[@jimshomestudio4669]

I’ve always watched 2, from the beginning Rick. I’m glad you created it. Used to do all your lives here on 2, I was there.

[@investwax]

Rick, you are significant. You interview with respect and an arsenal of knowledge and chops. You blend in an mis of fanboy enthusiasm that all can relate. Great interview.

[@powerboon2k]

I love when these videos come out about some of my favourite songs. I am sure some of you must relate, its not super easy sharing your love of certain types of music with your peers. At least I know I listen good music.

[@Essin62]

SUCH a nice guy! This is a great interview.

[@pikiwiki]

Drove him and his band to one of their gigs. Nice group of people

[@gregduva]

This is a great interview! Awesome.

[@shable1436]

Remember that Stevie Ray Vaughans 59 burst he called number one was originally Christopher crosses that he traded to ray Henning, or the other place they went lots. There is a video about it here

[@brianmillerthomas]

At Reading Rock Festival in the UK, 1979, I went to the T-Shirt printing tent and got them to print "aja....Steely Dan", just like Christopher Cross is wearing! It is the greatest album!

[@sarac.3259]

Fabulous album. I love everything they do/did.

[@markalanbowser]

Excellent solo

[@aleksao.7340]

Saxon cover of that song is AMAZING. Worth listening to.

[@trento777]

I love that cover :)

[@user-iy1qf6fq9w]

I watched that, good job but the video is kind of Spinal Tap 😅

[@MrGidella]

Chris should rerelease this track with proper loudness on solo. Please do.

[@leilanirocks]

I was lucky enough to get to see Christopher play some years ago and he rocked! A lot of folks may not remember that Dan Fogelberg was also an excellent musician and performer. You can witness some of his mastery and see him shred on his live concert video Greetings From The West. A very tight group. RIP Dan Fogelberg.

[@realrussclarke]

Chris is awesome what a cool guy great songwriter singer and player

[@NicklasNylander87]

HEY RICK! Holding you to "I'm going to do it" getting people to solo!! Can't wait!!

[@macsnafu]

Speaking of growing as an artist, I absolutely love his Walking in Avalon/Red Room. I can't believe it didn't chart better.

[@dominicsiciliano9789]

Love it when a great talented artist is a fan of music, you can feel his appreciation and recognition.

[@Skedawg88]

@@docsavage8640 He is. No one cares about your negativity.

[@SavoirRare]

Love that he wears the ubiquitous Steely Dan Aja shirt. Been a subscriber since video numero uno, Rick. Would absolutely love to hear all those older session guys play their own Stairway to Heaven solos…brilliant idea. Still want to know what synth they used on Aja for the sweep during the solo, and if Gadd’s click at end of the solo was intentional. Details, Rick…details! All great stuff!

[@pamelah6431]

Ubiquitous? I've literally never seen it. 😂

[@SP-rj9zg]

I love laid back songs with a hardcore theme or lyrics. "Lived nine lives, gunned down ten"...as matter of fact, not yelled or repeated. Awesome awesome song.

[@botabob]

Christopher Cross was the first CD I ever purchased. I bought it with the Hitachi CD-1 CD Player. I purchased at the Electronics Store outside Gate 7 of Misawa AF, Japan. Pony's was the name of the store.

[@user-iy1qf6fq9w]

59 Les Paul into Overdrive Special (Dumble) That's the way you do it

[@KyronLee]

I just watched Chris kill that solo in 1986 performance. Then he swoops to the mic 🎤 continues the lyric. Way cool man

[@gsorge6968]

I saw him when Christopher Cross was the band's name, playing at Max's On the Border on Telephone Road in Houston. They strictly played covers. What stood out that night were great renditions of Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da and Chain Lightning. Less than a year later, the 1st album came out. I spoke to him that night and suggested Kid Charlemagne. He said that would take too long to learn. Met him again many years later outside a club on S 1st in Austin. I mentioned those old band days and he said he doesn't remember much, and that was that. Then I got to see him with Michael McDonald, Eric Johnson, and Mike Love during a PBS show taping. Will Lee was on bass. There was a double string quartet with a few more for good measure and a choir made up of children. It was a great show.

[@user-jm7ie2qe2f]

I saw Chris at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and he and his band were most excellent. He tore it up on guitar, too.

[@randycraite7374]

Chris is a great conversationalist, ❤😊

[@chrisschrecker5497]

I subscribed Rick!! You’re the best!!

[@kurtolsen7989]

Christoffer Cross the LP is still one of my favorits

[@coreyghayes]

LOVE that t-shirt!

[@ER-me1ii]

Well, never saw Chris live but I was at the Rirz in NYC when Zappa played Run Like the Wind. It was a throwaway version. His roadie sang lead. Zappa and Dimeola did not play guitar together at this set FYI. Al played through zappas monitor. In any event seeing Zappa and Al on the same stage was plenty crazy.

[@TKDunn-qq7kd]

I love Chris how just calmly explains his setup - '59 Les Paul into a Dumble... :)

[@user-iy1qf6fq9w]

Shoulda known. I bet Carlton and Johnson did also.

[@johnpattison9328]

Great stuff Rick is there no end to your knowledge

[@TheRimeOfTheAncientMariner]

So good! I really like when you have celebrities on ike this and you discuss other people's music as well. Would love to see Christopher Cross join you for a what makes this song great, but make it a song by some other artist. Just cool to see artists geek out about other artists they like.

[@Danimal77]

For anyone who love the song Ride Like The Win, check out Saxon's version. It's amazing too!

[@jdsmith-bl2yl]

Man, I thought about saying that,,,, love Saxon!

[@2760ade]

Yes, it's very heavy but Biff's vocals are outstanding!

[@thedarkknightman6150]

Love both but love CC alot more.

[@drplando14]

In 2004 I saw him live at the SoHo in Santa Barbara. It was a dinner and he walked around talking to people at different tables and after he did the show. I always felt he was a great guitarist and have loved his music since I was a kid in the 80s

[@toddsharearm9875]

My man looks great at 72 and rockin the sweet Aja shirt damn

[@gregmiller7123]

Chris makes all of us native Dallasites proud of him and all the other great musicians that have come from here…..wish I was one of them! 😳😂

[@uff-duh]

Yay Im in the top 13%. Been subbed to the 2 for a while now.

[@yergenflergen72]

Agh! I didn't realize you had 2 channels-subscribed!

[@sams-pg7hj]

we gotta get the video of this solo in the different styles

[@bkthompson877]

After viewing several of this vids with Chis, you need to bring him back, humble but tons of inside stories of the greatest players of their time.

[@AlexAdams-yd8mg]

Awesome Steely Dan shirt.

[@Gunfighter5]

I think he would be one of the people I would like to hang out with the most!

[@toreilly100]

Love the T-shirt!!

[@jaydub8085]

Christoper Cross!!!! PLEASE BLESS THESE YOUNG FOLKS WITH YOUR WICKED SOLOS AGAIN? (born in 1978)

[@joegilbert8010]

Hey Rick, how about getting Jamel on for an interview? It would be cool to see you talk to a ‘non-music’ person who is reacting to all this great music we grew up with! Clearly he is worthy of you viewing his channel & he is picking up on the subtleties that you are wanting to show us from a technical perspective but he is FEELING IT! I subscribe and watch both your channels because I love watching the passion you both have because I feel it too!

[@Professional-fh1ow]

Great interview, Christopher Cross is Americana. I'm surprised his style of music writing isn't still producing hits today.

[@cmikesmith664]

Subscriber since the beginning.

[@GregoryWorth]

Great interview Rick and new subscriber to this and your other channel. Rick, we only got to hear what Chris' top three Steely Dan songs were. What about number four and five?

[@robbehr8806]

Great guitar solo. It always seemed to get cut out of radio play, so the only time anyone heard it was listening to the album spinning on a home turntable.

[@jayc2723]

What an amazing man!

[@spitfirekid1]

Man, Chris is a big guy!

[@jimmc2990]

Wait, what, Frank Zappa and Al DiMeola jam on “Ride Like the Wind?” Mind blown. Gotta hear that one before I die. Another awesome interview, Rick!

[@awboat]

no shit, that was my takeaway from this interview. WHAT? Rick didn't even bat an eye.

[@jimmc2990]

Tough to impress Rick.. he's on an incredible level haha. @@awboat

[@milesanddizzy]

Great T-Shirt! 🙂

[@stratman103]

I have always loved Christopher Cross. And I think it’s funny that SRV’s #1 was originally owned by CC. How awesome is that?

[@scottwheeldonguitar8201]

check out the link below for the live Zappa and Al D. version,