Courtesy of my brother in law, Paul Fricke, I have become a fan of a wild-haired, beanpole of a Texas gospel music phenomenon named David Crowder.   2 years ago or so, when visiting family in Madison, Paul started playing me some of Crowder’s material.   At first, I sort of didn’t get it.  I mean, the music wasn’t bad, but I am old.  So I figured I was missing the appeal of what I thought were various repeating versions of “E” chords.   Lyrics were good but I wasn’t sparked.    You gotta see this guy to believe him, he really does look like a wild eyed crazie in some of his photos.   Over time, I started to find myself humming melody lines and wondering where they were coming from.   Or a lyrical snippet was sneaking around in my brain.   And I realized there was more than E chords to DC.   

I ended up looking forward to seeing him when I found out (courtesy of lovely wife Sandi) that he was coming to town.   We got floor tickets which were GA and required us to stand outside for about an hour before being seated, but then we were just a few rows back and center stage, so I knew at least we were going to be able to discern him from the rest of the band by more than just altitude.    After some pretty good “openers” (three as I recall), Crowder’s band came out.   And lit the whole place up!   Big time!   From the opening to the encore, from some pretty fine drumwork from Bwack and electric violin from Mike Hogan, and the rest of the players giving it all up for about 90 minutes, it was outstanding.   Lots of creativity, rock and even some bluegrass.  Memorable was the bandmember who made a contraption from the Guitar from Guitar Hero and put it in Crowder’s hands for a rollicking and fun treatment of one song.   What a riot!   He knows how to shake the house and the spirit was as sweet as it was superb.   I have the Remedy CD which includes the DVD and I highly recommend it if you are looking for an amazing collection of live and recorded gospel music.

But don’t miss him when he comes back to town!    Great stuff!   G’head….try and keep your feets from moving!