I find it impossible at this point not to expect something wonderful and innovative from David Crowder.
The unique combination of his worshipper's heart, his writer's quick eye for the absurd, and his quirky wit make his appearance a bright spot on any horizon, to my mind. September's "Collision" was beyond satisfying already; his new acoustic rendition of Collision is gilding the lily. "B Collision: The Eschatology of Bluegrass" hits the streets on June 27.
In inimitable Crowder style, David explains it as B following A, wood and metal strings vibrating the air. Uh huh. This is some sweet and rarified air, with guests Robbie Seay Band and Shane & Shane; needless to say, a good time was had by all. Seven tracks on the pre-release copy I received and each one rips. The sweet strings of "Wholly Yours" plunk down each note like a fat summer raindrop, and "Beautiful Collision" is more pretty pickin'. Crowder has added rich texture to these songs we already love, and each addition is successful. Take note of the industrial take on Loretta Lynn's "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven." He is joined on the last two tracks by The Seay Band and the Shanes; they are an exhilarating, spine-tingling combination that makes music you feel in your toes. Rocker "Be Lifted" comes at you like a freight train, and when they break into a bluegrass frenzy midway through the song, you feel a visceral release. Closer "I Saw the Light" is another blaze of blistering picking. "B Collision": not for the faint of heart. You're gonna love it.
