Live From the Country Music Cruise by Grammy winner John Berry
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
John Berry: Live From The Country Music Cruise is the newest release of his highly anticipated live album capturing the energy, emotion and unforgettable performances of his fan favorite hits. Since its inaugural voyage in 2014, The Country Music Cruise has sold out every year and established itself as a premier festival experience. Now, Grammy and Emmy award winner, John Berry has released an album recorded live while on board, of 14 memorable songs from his collection of hit records. Starting with, I Think About It All The Time, a song that peaked at #4 on the Billboards charts, you can tell that Berry and his band are in top form. From the opening strains of electric slide guitar, bass, drums and shimmering keyboards, the bed is made for Berry to deliver his resonant vocals and recognizable country sound.
A Mind Of Her Own, originally released on his debut album in 1993 resides as the second track, followed by Standing On The Edge of Goodbye with its radio friendly feel. This mid tempo country rocker made it to #2 showcasing Berry’s strong song writing and country soul singing that helped him establish his career. The band is tight and energetic as they deliver during this engaging concert leaning into authentic versions of Berry’s catalogue.
John Jarvis is a co-writer and guest pianist on I Will, If You Will with its poignant piano intro on this lush ballad from 1997. This is followed by You And Only You, a track that hit #1 in Canada, written by JD Martin and Chuck Jones. Berry plays acoustic guitar waiting for the band to power in and give the song an intimate atmosphere to surround the emphatic vocal. Robin Berry, John’s wife is featured on several songs including the next selection, Gotta Lotta Love. This is followed by Kiss Me In The Car, another selection from his debut album that has a fun rollicking groove that gets folks up dancing.
A song dedicated to John’s late father, Jim Berry, tells the story of The Richest Man, as memories of his humble, yet loving life are explored. Hitting the Billboard charts at #2, She’s Taken A Shine, is a great love song that rocks its way through the set list. Released in 1996 from his Faces album, Berry proves that good songs always hold their place in time. More Than Just A Little keeps the tempo up sitting at #10 on the live set list. John takes the time to introduce the band at this point which includes Mike Steele on bass, Brian Cameron plays electric guitar, Caelan Berry is on drums and Gabe Allen on keyboards. Jimmy Fortune, who sang and performed with the Statler Brothers for 21 years is featured on a cover of the John Denver composition, Annie’s Song.
If I Had Any Pride Left At All, a single from his third album, Standing On The Edge reached #25 on the charts and is a heart wrenching ballad that easily demonstrates why John had such a successful singing career. What’s In It For Me, from Berry’s debut album, peaked at #5 and reminds the audience of the star powered hit maker behind this collection of songs. The album closes out with his chart topping hit, Your Love Amazes Me, an emotional love ride written by Amanda Hunt-Taylor and Chuck Jones. Berry nails his performance as the band treats the hit song with respect and compassion.
“The Country Music Cruise is a one-of-a-kind experience for us all and this album captures it,” shares Berry. “From the moment everyone steps on the ship, there’s live music. It’s almost 24/7 and it’s an absolute blast. We are all simply fans together. You never know who will be in the audience, either. There’s nothing like it, and I believe you can tell with this album.”
John Berry has enjoyed a career spanning over three decades and twenty-five albums, including his latest release, Find My Joy. With twenty charting singles, six Top 5 hits and a #1 on the Billboard country charts, Berry has earned multiple Gold and Platinum records. He first gained radio attention in 1993 with co-written hits A Mind of Her Own and Kiss Me In The Car, leading to classics like Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye and the Grammy nominated, Your Love Amazes Me.