Wednesday, December 24, 2008
David Crowder*Band "Neverending"
David Crowder*Band Glorious Sixsteps Records Sparrow Records
Christian Music News Source
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Christian artists to appear at youth convention
Pursuing a career as a musician or a youth worker necessarily requires patience, skill and perseverance. Both paths obviously also take a certain unwillingness to completely grow up.
The Southern California-based company Youth Specialties taps into those shared sensibilities, conducting three National Youth Workers Conventions annually — including the one that runs through Monday at the Nashville Convention Center — that feature Christian artists and speakers sharing wisdom, motivation and music.
The conventions are the capstones of YS's wide-ranging efforts to serve youth workers, both paid and volunteer.
"It's a weekend really to celebrate them, to equip them, to encourage them," says Dave Palmer, Youth Specialties' vice president of marketing. "The tone of the first session is usually, 'Whatever you need to make this weekend for you, do it. If you really need the teaching, if you really need the worship music, then immerse yourself in it.
" 'At the same time, if you're here with your spouse and what the two of you really need is some time away from everything because of the amount of pressure put on (you) during the year, go lock yourself in your room, get room service, come out in four days, order the DVDs and tell your pastor you had a great time.' "
The vibe that creates, according to feedback Palmer says Youth Specialties have routinely gotten back, is an inclusive one — the sense that "everybody gets what we do."
"They don't ask 'When are you going to be a real pastor? When are you going to grow up?' " he says. "It's being in a room full of people that have this same desire to invest their lives into the lives of teenagers."
Artists get exposure
The conventions also provide opportunities for exposure for veteran and newcomer Christian music artists, something for which Palmer has a unique eye. He spent many years as part of a variety of Nashville-based music companies — including stints at Gotee, Reunion and Rocketown Records — before relocating to San Diego to work for Youth Specialties earlier this year.
"I think that our audience is more in tune with what teenagers are listening to than any other gatekeeper audience. At the same time, you really want to get music to the people for whom it's intended," Palmer says. "If you experience an artist in a situation where it's set up for you to be accepted and you get the sense that that artist understands you, then I think you're more willing to bring that music back to your students."
Jars of Clay, David Crowder Band, MercyMe, Kendall Payne and Starfield are among the artists scheduled to perform at the convention this weekend, and most find takeaway value, both personally and professionally, for playing YS events.
"There are so many good people involved that are trying to change their corner of the world, and we're all about supporting that interest," says Jars of Clay guitarist Stephen Mason. "It's a unique gathering of people who want to assist kids in asking good questions about life as they're forming a worldview. Beyond that, it's a giving back and an honoring of the selfless hours these people dedicate to that opportunity to impact kids."
Former Nashville resident Payne, who found early success both on Christian labels and in the mainstream and has since refocused her efforts as an independent artist, finds the filter of Youth Specialties helpful when wading through performance requests.
"I compare it to my TV and film placements, of which I've had a few, thankfully," Payne says. "You have the opportunity to impact so many more people for such a little amount of effort, and for an independent artist who doesn't have the ability to buy on to a tour, to market myself the way major labels do, they have been an absolute godsend, both the company and the people who are involved in it.
"If out of 5,000 people, 100 think 'I'm going to look into that,' and I can book 50 of those shows, I'm forever indebted to them," she continues. "Giving me that 15 minutes to show what I'm capable of doing is everything for me."
Christian Music News Source
The Southern California-based company Youth Specialties taps into those shared sensibilities, conducting three National Youth Workers Conventions annually — including the one that runs through Monday at the Nashville Convention Center — that feature Christian artists and speakers sharing wisdom, motivation and music.
The conventions are the capstones of YS's wide-ranging efforts to serve youth workers, both paid and volunteer.
"It's a weekend really to celebrate them, to equip them, to encourage them," says Dave Palmer, Youth Specialties' vice president of marketing. "The tone of the first session is usually, 'Whatever you need to make this weekend for you, do it. If you really need the teaching, if you really need the worship music, then immerse yourself in it.
" 'At the same time, if you're here with your spouse and what the two of you really need is some time away from everything because of the amount of pressure put on (you) during the year, go lock yourself in your room, get room service, come out in four days, order the DVDs and tell your pastor you had a great time.' "
The vibe that creates, according to feedback Palmer says Youth Specialties have routinely gotten back, is an inclusive one — the sense that "everybody gets what we do."
"They don't ask 'When are you going to be a real pastor? When are you going to grow up?' " he says. "It's being in a room full of people that have this same desire to invest their lives into the lives of teenagers."
Artists get exposure
The conventions also provide opportunities for exposure for veteran and newcomer Christian music artists, something for which Palmer has a unique eye. He spent many years as part of a variety of Nashville-based music companies — including stints at Gotee, Reunion and Rocketown Records — before relocating to San Diego to work for Youth Specialties earlier this year.
"I think that our audience is more in tune with what teenagers are listening to than any other gatekeeper audience. At the same time, you really want to get music to the people for whom it's intended," Palmer says. "If you experience an artist in a situation where it's set up for you to be accepted and you get the sense that that artist understands you, then I think you're more willing to bring that music back to your students."
Jars of Clay, David Crowder Band, MercyMe, Kendall Payne and Starfield are among the artists scheduled to perform at the convention this weekend, and most find takeaway value, both personally and professionally, for playing YS events.
"There are so many good people involved that are trying to change their corner of the world, and we're all about supporting that interest," says Jars of Clay guitarist Stephen Mason. "It's a unique gathering of people who want to assist kids in asking good questions about life as they're forming a worldview. Beyond that, it's a giving back and an honoring of the selfless hours these people dedicate to that opportunity to impact kids."
Former Nashville resident Payne, who found early success both on Christian labels and in the mainstream and has since refocused her efforts as an independent artist, finds the filter of Youth Specialties helpful when wading through performance requests.
"I compare it to my TV and film placements, of which I've had a few, thankfully," Payne says. "You have the opportunity to impact so many more people for such a little amount of effort, and for an independent artist who doesn't have the ability to buy on to a tour, to market myself the way major labels do, they have been an absolute godsend, both the company and the people who are involved in it.
"If out of 5,000 people, 100 think 'I'm going to look into that,' and I can book 50 of those shows, I'm forever indebted to them," she continues. "Giving me that 15 minutes to show what I'm capable of doing is everything for me."
Christian Music News Source
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
David Crowder Plays Guitar Hero Controller
David Crowder Plays Guitar Hero Controller at Ball State University on Nov. 13, 2008
Chrisian Music News Source
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
David Crowder "Glory Of It All" Cedarville University 2008
David Crowder Playing "Glory Of It All" At Cedarville University on October 31, 2008! Video by Sean Gowdy
Christian Music News Source
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Odd Man Out
When a person attends a Christian college, chances are his or her roommate will be that nice, wholesome Christian type who could be approached for support, advice and even accountability as a fellow believer.
But keeping with the pattern of singer/songwriter/guitarist David Crowder’s life, he ended up as the oddball who got stuck with a roommate who was the polar opposite—a non-Christian who partied and abused drugs. "I remember one weekend my roommate and a little clan of friends were on their way to Galveston, and they wound up getting arrested for having lots of drugs," recalls the spiky-haired, goatee-bearing singer of his former roomie’s behavior. "Let’s just say we didn’t exactly have a lot in common other than the music we listened to."
However, they did share that one mutual interest—a love of Dave Matthews Band, a topic that often served as the springboard for conversation. "He was from Charlottesville, Va., the same town where DMB was from, so he really turned me on to [the band]," reminisces Crowder. "As much as I got into them, I wanted something from a Christian standpoint to give my roommate at least a bit more of a message, but I always had such a hard time finding the right kind of project."
And when Crowder picked up a CD from his local Christian bookstore for his roommate to listen to, his roommate’s reception wasn’t exactly what Crowder was hoping for. "I don’t even know who I was playing in the dorm that day, but I remember him coming into the room with a cigarette and staring at the stereo for a second," Crowder confesses. "He obviously didn’t like what he heard because a sea of expletives started spewing from his mouth about how terrible the band was, and he walked out of the room in a cloud of smoke."
As much as the incident troubled Crowder, deep down he couldn’t blame the guy for rejecting a song that, musically, didn’t have an impact on him. And as a result of this experience, Crowder picked up a guitar and notepad to log the thoughts he hoped someday would have an impact on those, like his roommate, whom the church wasn’t reaching. "It was at that light-bulb moment that I made a choice to make music that would have stood out to a guy like my roommate," explains Crowder. "I almost started writing songs out of necessity at that point, wanting to be an outlet for those who weren’t able to embrace Christian music."
And it wasn’t long after college graduation that Crowder and the eponymously titled band he formed shortly thereafter were onstage leading worship at a local church. The service, with songs penned by Crowder, had been specifically targeted to those who hadn’t grown up with a traditional religious upbringing. Unlike the dorm listening session gone awry, this audience apparently related to the Crowder Band’s vibe, swelling in size as the weeks and months passed, subsequently expanding the frontman’s platform.
Such a solid, local response also led to other opportunities, like D.C./L.A. events, Youth Specialties Conventions and participation in the college-friendly Passion movement led by revered speaker Louie Giglio. "We cut an indie CD right around that time at church, and I was so excited to present that to Louie after having so much respect for him," says Crowder. "I shared with him how passionate the church was over the songs and, quite naively, how they could possibly change the world. But he taught me a very humbling lesson. ‘David,’ he told me, ‘These songs aren’t your songs. They are from God, and they are the churches. Carry them with responsibility.’"
It was that encounter that not only gave Crowder a clear mission but also solidified the two men’s friendship. Then in 2000, that camaraderie branched out into a business relationship as Giglio formed sixsteps records, an imprint of Sparrow Records, signing Crowder along with fellow worship leaders Chris Tomlin and Charlie Hall. Two years later, that partnership yielded David Crowder Band’s official debut, Can You Hear Us? which led to a tour with the likes of Bebo Norman and his labelmates, in addition to the band’s home church responsibilities.
And as much as the group can be commended for maintaining its road commitments and staying true to the church’s needs, one can’t help questioning the decision to tour with the aforementioned roster and sign on the dotted line—two actions that directly associate the band with that Christian sub-culture Crowder has said he strives to avoid. If anything, it’s created a puzzling paradox that finds Crowder & Co. primarily playing Christian venues, while simultaneously hiring some of that industry’s biggest guns to work on and distribute their projects exclusively to the religious marketplace.
Although its debut and new sophomore release Illuminate (sixsteps/Sparrow) were recorded in various Waco studios, the new disc includes production credits by Nashville-based Charlie Peacock (dc talk, Switchfoot), while the last disc featured work by Christian rock production king Brent Milligan (The Elms, Tait, Paul Colman Trio) with mixing by Shane Wilson (Third Day). That being said, has Crowder accomplished his goal of creating music a non-Christian like his former college roommate could enjoy?
"That’s my whole dilemma and confusion, but I still don’t think the system we’ve set in place falls into that stereotype [of typical Christian music]," defends Crowder. "First of all, we’ve recorded in environments that are impossible to sound like anything else and second, a guy like Brent is of exceptional talent and, even though he has a reputation in Nashville, he has an independent vibe that’s separate of that."
Not only has the music on Illuminate taken on what Crowder calls a more "band-driven artistic approach with interwoven melodies," but the lyrics focus on humanity’s ongoing grappling with light and darkness. "I’m hoping listeners can see the symbolism of God when ‘illuminate’ is referenced and the whole idea of being pulled into light," says Crowder.
One person of notoriety that’s already gravitated toward the project is none other Jimmy Eat World drummer Zach Lind, who introduced himself to the band via e-mail this summer. At first Crowder didn’t believe the messages were actually coming from Lind, as his often-shared appreciation of Jimmy Eat World may have caused someone to play a joke.
"After a few e-mails, it was unquestionably him. He told us our music was encouraging to him in his faith walk, was different from a lot of others out there, and that he wanted to hook up next time he was in Texas," confirms Crowder. "That hangout time turned into a studio session where Zach was generous enough to lend his production skills to the song ‘How Great.’"
"I just love the music he and his band create, [and] I really believe in what they are doing, so that really motivated me to be a part of this new record," the Bleed American beat keeper tells CCM. "The circumstances of me and David meeting were just too bizarre and random. God had to be at work, so I just followed the lead."
Like the legions of followers the group has built through past touring and previews of Illuminate thus far, Lind has truly been engulfed by the band’s music and mission. Perhaps his sentiments best echo the type of person Crowder first set out to reach in his humble college student state: "David Crowder Band is at the top of that list because they are honest and real in their passion for worshiping God. Their music really encourages me to move over and let God come down."
Christian Music News Source
But keeping with the pattern of singer/songwriter/guitarist David Crowder’s life, he ended up as the oddball who got stuck with a roommate who was the polar opposite—a non-Christian who partied and abused drugs. "I remember one weekend my roommate and a little clan of friends were on their way to Galveston, and they wound up getting arrested for having lots of drugs," recalls the spiky-haired, goatee-bearing singer of his former roomie’s behavior. "Let’s just say we didn’t exactly have a lot in common other than the music we listened to."
However, they did share that one mutual interest—a love of Dave Matthews Band, a topic that often served as the springboard for conversation. "He was from Charlottesville, Va., the same town where DMB was from, so he really turned me on to [the band]," reminisces Crowder. "As much as I got into them, I wanted something from a Christian standpoint to give my roommate at least a bit more of a message, but I always had such a hard time finding the right kind of project."
And when Crowder picked up a CD from his local Christian bookstore for his roommate to listen to, his roommate’s reception wasn’t exactly what Crowder was hoping for. "I don’t even know who I was playing in the dorm that day, but I remember him coming into the room with a cigarette and staring at the stereo for a second," Crowder confesses. "He obviously didn’t like what he heard because a sea of expletives started spewing from his mouth about how terrible the band was, and he walked out of the room in a cloud of smoke."
As much as the incident troubled Crowder, deep down he couldn’t blame the guy for rejecting a song that, musically, didn’t have an impact on him. And as a result of this experience, Crowder picked up a guitar and notepad to log the thoughts he hoped someday would have an impact on those, like his roommate, whom the church wasn’t reaching. "It was at that light-bulb moment that I made a choice to make music that would have stood out to a guy like my roommate," explains Crowder. "I almost started writing songs out of necessity at that point, wanting to be an outlet for those who weren’t able to embrace Christian music."
And it wasn’t long after college graduation that Crowder and the eponymously titled band he formed shortly thereafter were onstage leading worship at a local church. The service, with songs penned by Crowder, had been specifically targeted to those who hadn’t grown up with a traditional religious upbringing. Unlike the dorm listening session gone awry, this audience apparently related to the Crowder Band’s vibe, swelling in size as the weeks and months passed, subsequently expanding the frontman’s platform.
Such a solid, local response also led to other opportunities, like D.C./L.A. events, Youth Specialties Conventions and participation in the college-friendly Passion movement led by revered speaker Louie Giglio. "We cut an indie CD right around that time at church, and I was so excited to present that to Louie after having so much respect for him," says Crowder. "I shared with him how passionate the church was over the songs and, quite naively, how they could possibly change the world. But he taught me a very humbling lesson. ‘David,’ he told me, ‘These songs aren’t your songs. They are from God, and they are the churches. Carry them with responsibility.’"
It was that encounter that not only gave Crowder a clear mission but also solidified the two men’s friendship. Then in 2000, that camaraderie branched out into a business relationship as Giglio formed sixsteps records, an imprint of Sparrow Records, signing Crowder along with fellow worship leaders Chris Tomlin and Charlie Hall. Two years later, that partnership yielded David Crowder Band’s official debut, Can You Hear Us? which led to a tour with the likes of Bebo Norman and his labelmates, in addition to the band’s home church responsibilities.
And as much as the group can be commended for maintaining its road commitments and staying true to the church’s needs, one can’t help questioning the decision to tour with the aforementioned roster and sign on the dotted line—two actions that directly associate the band with that Christian sub-culture Crowder has said he strives to avoid. If anything, it’s created a puzzling paradox that finds Crowder & Co. primarily playing Christian venues, while simultaneously hiring some of that industry’s biggest guns to work on and distribute their projects exclusively to the religious marketplace.
Although its debut and new sophomore release Illuminate (sixsteps/Sparrow) were recorded in various Waco studios, the new disc includes production credits by Nashville-based Charlie Peacock (dc talk, Switchfoot), while the last disc featured work by Christian rock production king Brent Milligan (The Elms, Tait, Paul Colman Trio) with mixing by Shane Wilson (Third Day). That being said, has Crowder accomplished his goal of creating music a non-Christian like his former college roommate could enjoy?
"That’s my whole dilemma and confusion, but I still don’t think the system we’ve set in place falls into that stereotype [of typical Christian music]," defends Crowder. "First of all, we’ve recorded in environments that are impossible to sound like anything else and second, a guy like Brent is of exceptional talent and, even though he has a reputation in Nashville, he has an independent vibe that’s separate of that."
Not only has the music on Illuminate taken on what Crowder calls a more "band-driven artistic approach with interwoven melodies," but the lyrics focus on humanity’s ongoing grappling with light and darkness. "I’m hoping listeners can see the symbolism of God when ‘illuminate’ is referenced and the whole idea of being pulled into light," says Crowder.
One person of notoriety that’s already gravitated toward the project is none other Jimmy Eat World drummer Zach Lind, who introduced himself to the band via e-mail this summer. At first Crowder didn’t believe the messages were actually coming from Lind, as his often-shared appreciation of Jimmy Eat World may have caused someone to play a joke.
"After a few e-mails, it was unquestionably him. He told us our music was encouraging to him in his faith walk, was different from a lot of others out there, and that he wanted to hook up next time he was in Texas," confirms Crowder. "That hangout time turned into a studio session where Zach was generous enough to lend his production skills to the song ‘How Great.’"
"I just love the music he and his band create, [and] I really believe in what they are doing, so that really motivated me to be a part of this new record," the Bleed American beat keeper tells CCM. "The circumstances of me and David meeting were just too bizarre and random. God had to be at work, so I just followed the lead."
Like the legions of followers the group has built through past touring and previews of Illuminate thus far, Lind has truly been engulfed by the band’s music and mission. Perhaps his sentiments best echo the type of person Crowder first set out to reach in his humble college student state: "David Crowder Band is at the top of that list because they are honest and real in their passion for worshiping God. Their music really encourages me to move over and let God come down."
Christian Music News Source
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
David Crowder*Band 'You Are My Joy' (Live) with Scripture
Excerpt from the television program, 'Apostles That Rock' featuring a powerful version of his rock opera for Christ.
Christian Music News Source
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
David Crowder Band - Remedy Club Tour CD/DVD
Over the past several years, bands have increasingly relied on pre-recorded tracks, loops, etc to reproduce live what they did on the studio recording. While that's helped many bands keep their CD sound live or stay in sync with their video displays or whatever their reason for using prerecorded music may be; it's also taken a lot of the out of "magic" out of concert performances. And by "magic" I mean that amazement that you get when you see a phenomenal show that really makes you say, "WOW."
Whenever I've listened to a David Crowder Band album - especially last year's Remedy - I've often thought, "that sounds great, but how are they going to pull that off live?" I was definitely skeptical about just how much of their performance would be live, and how much would be pre-recorded. So naturally, the first thing that stuck out to me was seeing that practically every band member had a MacBook out and in use. Whether they were running loops, effects, or virtual instruments - the computers weren't completely running the show, they were an instrument in it. Did I mention that David Crowder used a Guitar Hero controller re-wired as a MIDI instrument controller? Remember that "WOW factor" I mentioned earlier? They've got it. By the end of the DVD, I went from being a skeptic to being genuinely impressed....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Whenever I've listened to a David Crowder Band album - especially last year's Remedy - I've often thought, "that sounds great, but how are they going to pull that off live?" I was definitely skeptical about just how much of their performance would be live, and how much would be pre-recorded. So naturally, the first thing that stuck out to me was seeing that practically every band member had a MacBook out and in use. Whether they were running loops, effects, or virtual instruments - the computers weren't completely running the show, they were an instrument in it. Did I mention that David Crowder used a Guitar Hero controller re-wired as a MIDI instrument controller? Remember that "WOW factor" I mentioned earlier? They've got it. By the end of the DVD, I went from being a skeptic to being genuinely impressed....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
David Crowder Band - Remedy
After David Crowder*Band was named MSN Music's 2006 Artist of the Year, fans have been eagerly anticipating what the band will do next. Earlier this year the band announced that Remedy was coming.
On previous releases, David Crowder*Band's songs alternated between the radio-friendly and the more experimental. But with Remedy, David Crowder*Band has struck the balance between making music that is both innovative and accessible. The sound of Remedy reflects a natural progression of David Crowder*Band's music over the years. Elements of Crowder's previous releases Illuminate, Sunsets & Sushi, and A Collision are all present (well, perhaps not the bluegrass) and fused together to create a sound that is unique in Christian music. Although this is not a stylistic departure from the sounds of previous albums, the songs on Remedy are fresh and original, and not just "more of the same."
"The Glory of It All" and "Can You Feel It" get the album off to a good start and set the tone for the rest of the record. "Everything Glorious" - first heard on Passion's 2006 live worship CD of the same name - is given the studio treatment for the first time. The passionate (no pun intended) dynamics of "Everything Glorious" present in the live recording feel toned down on the studio version, resulting in a CCM radio-friendly but bland version. Other highlights on the album include "You Never Let Go," "Rain Down," and "We Won't Be Quiet."...
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
On previous releases, David Crowder*Band's songs alternated between the radio-friendly and the more experimental. But with Remedy, David Crowder*Band has struck the balance between making music that is both innovative and accessible. The sound of Remedy reflects a natural progression of David Crowder*Band's music over the years. Elements of Crowder's previous releases Illuminate, Sunsets & Sushi, and A Collision are all present (well, perhaps not the bluegrass) and fused together to create a sound that is unique in Christian music. Although this is not a stylistic departure from the sounds of previous albums, the songs on Remedy are fresh and original, and not just "more of the same."
"The Glory of It All" and "Can You Feel It" get the album off to a good start and set the tone for the rest of the record. "Everything Glorious" - first heard on Passion's 2006 live worship CD of the same name - is given the studio treatment for the first time. The passionate (no pun intended) dynamics of "Everything Glorious" present in the live recording feel toned down on the studio version, resulting in a CCM radio-friendly but bland version. Other highlights on the album include "You Never Let Go," "Rain Down," and "We Won't Be Quiet."...
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
David Crowder Band - Remedy
Sounds like … a distinctive blend of modern worship and alternative pop/rock, combining elements from Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Robbie Seay Band, Delirious, and Mute Math.
At a glance … a simpler and more accessible album than A Collision was, Remedy still impresses thanks to David Crowder Band's unique vision of worship and their increasingly confident sound.
I know what you're wondering, so let me say it off the bat: Remedy is not A Collision … and that's probably a good thing.
It was almost two years ago to the day when David Crowder Band released their highly acclaimed magnus opus. Those familiar with the album recognize there's never been anything quite like it in Christian music (or beyond) with the truly unique mix of modern worship, alternative pop/rock, and bluegrass. Over the last four years, David Crowder Band has gone from a mere worship band to quite possibly the most innovative band operating within the established Christian music industry today. Impressively enough, even mainstream outlets like MSN seem to recognize it.
Casually sidestepping the B Collision EP (for devoted fans only), how can you possibly follow-up something so wildly creative and varied as A Collision? For Crowder and company, it means doing the exact opposite. Whereas A Collision was epic and almost unwieldy in album length (as well as length of song titles), Remedy seems downright tame with just 10 songs (of which the longest title is a familiar hymn). The sound incorporates all the band elements—acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, programming, DJ turntables, and violin—without shifting wildly between genres like before. Leave it to David Crowder Band to simplify their process and make it seem like a progression by offering their most accessible album since Can You Hear Us? in 2002.
Just because the album is more straightforward, don't assume it comes without a theme. As you might guess from the title and the medical cross on the cover, Remedy focuses on God's constant presence as the answer to our hurts while challenging listeners to be the balm needed in the lives of others. Indeed, the Texas band's 2007club tour is part worship experience, part rallying cry to inspire change in local communities. At the same time, one could view this album as the band's personal healing in response to the tragic death of their friend and pastor Kyle Lake shortly after the release of A Collision.
Worship remains at the heart of these songs, as always, which explains to some extent why Crowder rarely goes deep with his lyricism. From the unconventionally quiet opener "The Glory of It All" and the heavy dance-rock groove of "Can You Feel It?" through the beautiful piano-based tranquility of "Never Let Go," Remedy is a meditation on God's love and unfailing presence. As the album progresses, Crowder takes the message slightly further. The title track acknowledges how God heals his people when they come together in worship, and the acoustic closer "Surely We Can Change" isn't as much a prayer for internal transformation as it is for external influence on the world.
In this way, David Crowder Band challenges our fundamental understanding of a worship album. The majority of these songs are unlikely to make it into the standard repertoire of the average church, though there's plenty for youth bands and alternative worship services. Collectively, however, Remedy works together as its own worship service, with calls to worship ("Can You Feel It?"), prayerful reflection ("Never Let Go"), a hymn of praise (a straightforward contemporary spin on "O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"), a rallying cry ("We Won't Be Quiet"), and a message to challenge listeners to serve beyond Sunday morning ("Remedy," "Surely We Can Change")....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a glance … a simpler and more accessible album than A Collision was, Remedy still impresses thanks to David Crowder Band's unique vision of worship and their increasingly confident sound.
I know what you're wondering, so let me say it off the bat: Remedy is not A Collision … and that's probably a good thing.
It was almost two years ago to the day when David Crowder Band released their highly acclaimed magnus opus. Those familiar with the album recognize there's never been anything quite like it in Christian music (or beyond) with the truly unique mix of modern worship, alternative pop/rock, and bluegrass. Over the last four years, David Crowder Band has gone from a mere worship band to quite possibly the most innovative band operating within the established Christian music industry today. Impressively enough, even mainstream outlets like MSN seem to recognize it.
Casually sidestepping the B Collision EP (for devoted fans only), how can you possibly follow-up something so wildly creative and varied as A Collision? For Crowder and company, it means doing the exact opposite. Whereas A Collision was epic and almost unwieldy in album length (as well as length of song titles), Remedy seems downright tame with just 10 songs (of which the longest title is a familiar hymn). The sound incorporates all the band elements—acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, programming, DJ turntables, and violin—without shifting wildly between genres like before. Leave it to David Crowder Band to simplify their process and make it seem like a progression by offering their most accessible album since Can You Hear Us? in 2002.
Just because the album is more straightforward, don't assume it comes without a theme. As you might guess from the title and the medical cross on the cover, Remedy focuses on God's constant presence as the answer to our hurts while challenging listeners to be the balm needed in the lives of others. Indeed, the Texas band's 2007club tour is part worship experience, part rallying cry to inspire change in local communities. At the same time, one could view this album as the band's personal healing in response to the tragic death of their friend and pastor Kyle Lake shortly after the release of A Collision.
Worship remains at the heart of these songs, as always, which explains to some extent why Crowder rarely goes deep with his lyricism. From the unconventionally quiet opener "The Glory of It All" and the heavy dance-rock groove of "Can You Feel It?" through the beautiful piano-based tranquility of "Never Let Go," Remedy is a meditation on God's love and unfailing presence. As the album progresses, Crowder takes the message slightly further. The title track acknowledges how God heals his people when they come together in worship, and the acoustic closer "Surely We Can Change" isn't as much a prayer for internal transformation as it is for external influence on the world.
In this way, David Crowder Band challenges our fundamental understanding of a worship album. The majority of these songs are unlikely to make it into the standard repertoire of the average church, though there's plenty for youth bands and alternative worship services. Collectively, however, Remedy works together as its own worship service, with calls to worship ("Can You Feel It?"), prayerful reflection ("Never Let Go"), a hymn of praise (a straightforward contemporary spin on "O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"), a rallying cry ("We Won't Be Quiet"), and a message to challenge listeners to serve beyond Sunday morning ("Remedy," "Surely We Can Change")....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
David Crowder*Band - B Collision (The Eschatology of Bluegrass)
Less than a year since David Crowder Band's hit release A Collision (3+4 = 7) comes their follow up EP, B Collision (The Eschatology of Bluegrass). Between 2003's Illuminate and last year's A Collision, David Crowder Band offered fans The Lime CD - a live EP – and the experimental Sunsets and Sushi. B Collision is a collection of both stripped back versions of songs from A Collision, live songs featuring special guests, and even a couple of new songs.
“I've Had Enough” sets the tone for the start of the EP. The stripped down feel gives the studio songs a raw feeling and draws even more attention to Crowder's powerful lyrics. “Beautiful Collision” and “Wholly Yours” are beautifully crafted acoustic B Variants, and a full-length version of “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven” is a special treat.
While none of these songs are particularly bluegrass, the album begins the transition with David Crowder's semi-electric rendition of “I Can Hear the Angels Singing.” At the end of the song, the EP transitions into live mode for “ Be Lifted,” with special guests Shane and Shane and Robbie Seay Band joining in the bluegrass fun for the last half of the song, as well as for the album closer “I Saw the Light.”...
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“I've Had Enough” sets the tone for the start of the EP. The stripped down feel gives the studio songs a raw feeling and draws even more attention to Crowder's powerful lyrics. “Beautiful Collision” and “Wholly Yours” are beautifully crafted acoustic B Variants, and a full-length version of “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven” is a special treat.
While none of these songs are particularly bluegrass, the album begins the transition with David Crowder's semi-electric rendition of “I Can Hear the Angels Singing.” At the end of the song, the EP transitions into live mode for “ Be Lifted,” with special guests Shane and Shane and Robbie Seay Band joining in the bluegrass fun for the last half of the song, as well as for the album closer “I Saw the Light.”...
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David Crowder*Band - A Collision or (3 + 4 = 7)
When modern worship giants such as Delirious, Matt Redman, Darrell Evans, and Hillsongs took the Christian music industry by storm ten years ago with music that was both worshipful and musically relevant, the industry took notice. Since then, almost every top ten CCM artist has either contributed to or released a worship project, or has one in the works. Christian record labels continue to churn out new worship artists and new compilations. The genre has become over saturated with sound-a-likes and look-a-likes, and innovative, original worship music has been hard to find.
That being said, David Crowder Band's latest release A Collision is one of the most innovative and experimental worship projects in recent years. With a whopping 21 tracks broken down into four parts, A Collision is very much a collision of styles and genres of music. Songs like "Hope Rising (Or Be Lifted)" go from old gospel to an almost grungy rock and then to square dance country, while "Do Not Move" fuses techno and rock together. Sometimes it works, and well, sometimes it doesn't.
The problem with experimentation is that it doesn't always achieve the desired result. While A Collision is fresh and original, it is also scattered all over the musical spectrum. Although this approach is artsy and innovative, it can also be distracting when a song goes from rock to hillbilly. But for the most part, the experimentation pays off, and in an over-saturated genre of musical clones, any musical experimentation is welcome, and greatly appreciated....
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That being said, David Crowder Band's latest release A Collision is one of the most innovative and experimental worship projects in recent years. With a whopping 21 tracks broken down into four parts, A Collision is very much a collision of styles and genres of music. Songs like "Hope Rising (Or Be Lifted)" go from old gospel to an almost grungy rock and then to square dance country, while "Do Not Move" fuses techno and rock together. Sometimes it works, and well, sometimes it doesn't.
The problem with experimentation is that it doesn't always achieve the desired result. While A Collision is fresh and original, it is also scattered all over the musical spectrum. Although this approach is artsy and innovative, it can also be distracting when a song goes from rock to hillbilly. But for the most part, the experimentation pays off, and in an over-saturated genre of musical clones, any musical experimentation is welcome, and greatly appreciated....
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David Crowder Band - Sunsets & Sushi
David Crowder made quite an impact in 2003 with his groundbreaking project Illuminate. While his band's debut album was noteworthy, it was this second effort that really began to catch substantial attention. What's unique about Crowder and his band is that they don't simply stick with generic worship songs, they branch out to create an experience different from any other worship band today.
This has never been truer than on the band's latest project, Sunsets & Sushi. This disc basically has eight songs from Illuminate completely remixed with all sorts of interesting titles (i.e. "Pneumatic Mix" and "Antidromic Mix"). Most of the songs sound like they belong on a dance mix rather than a worship album, but that's not necessarily bad. The thing that hurts this album most is that many of the songs don't turn out as well in reality as they might have in theory. While "Intoxicating" works exceptionally well and has a very catchy bass beat, songs like "O Praise Him" and "Open Skies" simply don't seem to fit the techno sound they've been given.
Another thing that makes this disc lose some of its appeal is the fact that these are all songs from Illuminate, which came out in 2003, before Crowder's Lime CD was released. While Lime was a fairly well-timed live project, none of its songs were from Illuminate, (excluding a bonus demo at the end of the CD; I won't count that) and it lost a bit of its appeal due to that fact. Consequently, the timing of all of these releases seems a bit off. Had Lime been released before Illuminate, with Sunsets & Sushi next in line, the order would have made more sense. At this point, with the project having no new material and containing songs released a year and a half ago, Sunsets is a valiant effort, but nothing brilliant....
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This has never been truer than on the band's latest project, Sunsets & Sushi. This disc basically has eight songs from Illuminate completely remixed with all sorts of interesting titles (i.e. "Pneumatic Mix" and "Antidromic Mix"). Most of the songs sound like they belong on a dance mix rather than a worship album, but that's not necessarily bad. The thing that hurts this album most is that many of the songs don't turn out as well in reality as they might have in theory. While "Intoxicating" works exceptionally well and has a very catchy bass beat, songs like "O Praise Him" and "Open Skies" simply don't seem to fit the techno sound they've been given.
Another thing that makes this disc lose some of its appeal is the fact that these are all songs from Illuminate, which came out in 2003, before Crowder's Lime CD was released. While Lime was a fairly well-timed live project, none of its songs were from Illuminate, (excluding a bonus demo at the end of the CD; I won't count that) and it lost a bit of its appeal due to that fact. Consequently, the timing of all of these releases seems a bit off. Had Lime been released before Illuminate, with Sunsets & Sushi next in line, the order would have made more sense. At this point, with the project having no new material and containing songs released a year and a half ago, Sunsets is a valiant effort, but nothing brilliant....
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David Crowder Band - The Lime CD
Sounds like … energetic and worshipful modern rock that blends elements of Delirious, Charlie Hall, and Sonicflood.
At a glance … this little souvenir is primarily geared to serious fans, though the tremendous live energy between audience and artist shine through here more than the usual worship concert recording.
The Lime CD gets its name by combining the material of two previous "quasi-unreleased EPs," recorded live from Passion worship tours: The Green CD and The Yellow CD. Mix the two colors together and voila. Although it's a tad surprising that David Crowder Band has released another recording just six months after last year's Illuminate, which is still going strong, you can't say that you don't get your $8 worth with more than 40 minutes of music over 8 tracks.
Things begin with the funk/disco-flavored medley of "Make a Joyful Noise" and "I Will Not Be Silent," one of the band's better arrangements. They offer a superior version of "Every Move I Make," as well as a raucously fun cover of Matt Redman's classic worship rocker "Sing Like the Saved." Redman's similarly lively "Undignified" from DCB's Can You Hear Us? album is also included, as are originals like the gently flowing "You Alone" and the thunderous surrender of "I Need Words/God of Wrath." Additionally, there are two b-sides from the Illuminate sessions: "End of October" is a forgettable instrumental used for the computer-enhanced portion of that album, but an acoustic demo version of "Heaven Came Down" more clearly reveals Crowder's strong acoustic guitar skills....
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At a glance … this little souvenir is primarily geared to serious fans, though the tremendous live energy between audience and artist shine through here more than the usual worship concert recording.
The Lime CD gets its name by combining the material of two previous "quasi-unreleased EPs," recorded live from Passion worship tours: The Green CD and The Yellow CD. Mix the two colors together and voila. Although it's a tad surprising that David Crowder Band has released another recording just six months after last year's Illuminate, which is still going strong, you can't say that you don't get your $8 worth with more than 40 minutes of music over 8 tracks.
Things begin with the funk/disco-flavored medley of "Make a Joyful Noise" and "I Will Not Be Silent," one of the band's better arrangements. They offer a superior version of "Every Move I Make," as well as a raucously fun cover of Matt Redman's classic worship rocker "Sing Like the Saved." Redman's similarly lively "Undignified" from DCB's Can You Hear Us? album is also included, as are originals like the gently flowing "You Alone" and the thunderous surrender of "I Need Words/God of Wrath." Additionally, there are two b-sides from the Illuminate sessions: "End of October" is a forgettable instrumental used for the computer-enhanced portion of that album, but an acoustic demo version of "Heaven Came Down" more clearly reveals Crowder's strong acoustic guitar skills....
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David Crowder Band - Illuminate
Sounds like … Dave Matthews Band meets Sonicflood, blending acoustic jams with driving modern rock and DJ effects.
At a glance … though some of the album is clichéd modern worship, Crowder and company also demonstrate genuine creativity and artistic growth.
In the year-and-a-half since the release of their best-selling national debut Can You Hear Us?, the David Crowder Band has enjoyed remarkable success, reaching new audiences through their particular style of modern worship. The band from Baylor University was one of 2002's most successful debuts—Sparrow's biggest selling debut ever, in fact. David Crowder is undoubtedly bewildered to some degree by all the attention, overwhelmed by the opportunities with which God has blessed his music ministry. Others are bewildered over how incredibly well-received the album was, as though it was the most revolutionary work in modern worship since Delirious' Cutting Edge.
If the buzz is to be believed, and it was right the first time, then Illuminate will generate similar, if not greater acclaim from fans and critics. And why not, since the album has more promotional gimmicks than the typical album. Most notable is the inclusion of the nifty M-Audio Reason software by Propellerhead, which allows fans to see and mix the album's tracks on their own computer. (Now that's interactive!) Illuminate also includes a song named by fans via a poll on the band's website. The results were a tie, reflected by the title "O Praise Him (All This for a King)," and it is the first radio single. Infectious in its driving rock sound while carrying lyrics of joining the heavenly praise chorus of angels, the hoopla is fun but a little puzzling—all this to name such a simply worded worship song?
Then there's the presence of Zach Lind, drummer of the Platinum-selling secular rock band Jimmy Eat World. A fan of the David Crowder Band, Lind e-mailed Crowder, formed a fast friendship and leaped at the opportunity to play drums and produce for one of the album's tracks, "How Great." The rest of the album is ably produced by the great Charlie Peacock (Nichole Nordeman, Switchfoot) and Mitch Watkins (Joe Ely, Abry Moore).
One of the things I appreciate most about Crowder is the desire to be creative and innovative with his art. The opening rocker, "Revolutionary Love," combines acoustic rock with techno dance, expressing the need for us to come together in worship as a community of believers with simple phrases that speak volumes: "Reparation leads us here … Liberation meets us here … Jubilation brings us here." Even better is the Dave Matthews-styled alternative funk of "Intoxicating," which features poetic lyrics and impressive production effects; there are some excellent changes in rhythmic feel during the song, with some great interaction among the musicians. The same could be said of the densely layered and intricately performed "Heaven Came Down."
Another standout is the thrilling rock worship of "How Great," a humble song of praise for God's grace. Featuring strong melodic hooks, guitar riffs, and an attention-grabbing rhythmic interlude before the bridge, the song builds tension in the verses and releases it gloriously in the chorus. At the other end of the spectrum is a beautiful, stripped-down guitar ballad called "Only You," sure to be a classic in churches because of its simplicity. Rich and darkly colored ambience is created with "Deliver Me," a song popularized by musical theater pop star Sarah Brightman in recent years....
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At a glance … though some of the album is clichéd modern worship, Crowder and company also demonstrate genuine creativity and artistic growth.
In the year-and-a-half since the release of their best-selling national debut Can You Hear Us?, the David Crowder Band has enjoyed remarkable success, reaching new audiences through their particular style of modern worship. The band from Baylor University was one of 2002's most successful debuts—Sparrow's biggest selling debut ever, in fact. David Crowder is undoubtedly bewildered to some degree by all the attention, overwhelmed by the opportunities with which God has blessed his music ministry. Others are bewildered over how incredibly well-received the album was, as though it was the most revolutionary work in modern worship since Delirious' Cutting Edge.
If the buzz is to be believed, and it was right the first time, then Illuminate will generate similar, if not greater acclaim from fans and critics. And why not, since the album has more promotional gimmicks than the typical album. Most notable is the inclusion of the nifty M-Audio Reason software by Propellerhead, which allows fans to see and mix the album's tracks on their own computer. (Now that's interactive!) Illuminate also includes a song named by fans via a poll on the band's website. The results were a tie, reflected by the title "O Praise Him (All This for a King)," and it is the first radio single. Infectious in its driving rock sound while carrying lyrics of joining the heavenly praise chorus of angels, the hoopla is fun but a little puzzling—all this to name such a simply worded worship song?
Then there's the presence of Zach Lind, drummer of the Platinum-selling secular rock band Jimmy Eat World. A fan of the David Crowder Band, Lind e-mailed Crowder, formed a fast friendship and leaped at the opportunity to play drums and produce for one of the album's tracks, "How Great." The rest of the album is ably produced by the great Charlie Peacock (Nichole Nordeman, Switchfoot) and Mitch Watkins (Joe Ely, Abry Moore).
One of the things I appreciate most about Crowder is the desire to be creative and innovative with his art. The opening rocker, "Revolutionary Love," combines acoustic rock with techno dance, expressing the need for us to come together in worship as a community of believers with simple phrases that speak volumes: "Reparation leads us here … Liberation meets us here … Jubilation brings us here." Even better is the Dave Matthews-styled alternative funk of "Intoxicating," which features poetic lyrics and impressive production effects; there are some excellent changes in rhythmic feel during the song, with some great interaction among the musicians. The same could be said of the densely layered and intricately performed "Heaven Came Down."
Another standout is the thrilling rock worship of "How Great," a humble song of praise for God's grace. Featuring strong melodic hooks, guitar riffs, and an attention-grabbing rhythmic interlude before the bridge, the song builds tension in the verses and releases it gloriously in the chorus. At the other end of the spectrum is a beautiful, stripped-down guitar ballad called "Only You," sure to be a classic in churches because of its simplicity. Rich and darkly colored ambience is created with "Deliver Me," a song popularized by musical theater pop star Sarah Brightman in recent years....
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David Crowder Band - Can You Hear Us?
Looks can be deceiving. At first glance of David Crowder, your last guess might be that he were a worship leader. First might be a mad scientist. Heard live and on such projects as unstoppable Passion albums, Crowder releases his first project to call his own, Can You Hear Us? under the moniker David Crowder Band.
Crowder's tame and fragile vocals carry each track from delicate ballads like the opener "I Hear Words" to joyous pop tunes like the traditional sounding "Our Love Is Loud." "You're Everything" presents an interesting composition consisting of primarily acoustics occasionally accompanied by synths all the while complimenting Crowder's vocals. David's voice bares a strong resemblance to the lead singer of UK act Split-Level. While Split-Level had a completely different lyrical direction, it's clear where Crowder's heart is and he doesn't have a problem getting his feelings across to the listener.
One slight problem the album tends to suffer from is the fact it may seem all too familiar to the listener. Like Redman, Tomlin, and at times even Delirious?, Crowder band continues the worship musical compositions that make the songs so appropriate for leading live worship, but may be a little monotonous on record. "You're Everything," "God of Creation," and "Wonderful King" all have a relatively similar sound. "All Creatures of Our God and King" begins nicely with a hymn feel before an electronic pulse debuts to slightly add a freshness to it. "God of Wrath" introduces a restrained guitar riff intro but the band hold it back from being the full-fledge rock song it sounds like it should be. Lyrically, the song serves as a simple reminder of how great and vast our Creator is as he cries, "God of wrath, God of love/ God of earth and God Above/ God of hope, God of peace/ God of you and God of me..."...
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Crowder's tame and fragile vocals carry each track from delicate ballads like the opener "I Hear Words" to joyous pop tunes like the traditional sounding "Our Love Is Loud." "You're Everything" presents an interesting composition consisting of primarily acoustics occasionally accompanied by synths all the while complimenting Crowder's vocals. David's voice bares a strong resemblance to the lead singer of UK act Split-Level. While Split-Level had a completely different lyrical direction, it's clear where Crowder's heart is and he doesn't have a problem getting his feelings across to the listener.
One slight problem the album tends to suffer from is the fact it may seem all too familiar to the listener. Like Redman, Tomlin, and at times even Delirious?, Crowder band continues the worship musical compositions that make the songs so appropriate for leading live worship, but may be a little monotonous on record. "You're Everything," "God of Creation," and "Wonderful King" all have a relatively similar sound. "All Creatures of Our God and King" begins nicely with a hymn feel before an electronic pulse debuts to slightly add a freshness to it. "God of Wrath" introduces a restrained guitar riff intro but the band hold it back from being the full-fledge rock song it sounds like it should be. Lyrically, the song serves as a simple reminder of how great and vast our Creator is as he cries, "God of wrath, God of love/ God of earth and God Above/ God of hope, God of peace/ God of you and God of me..."...
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David Crowder Band - All I Can Say
There are very few album projects that transport the listener into an attitude of profound worship. Rich Mullins' The World As Best As I Remember It is one. John Michael Talbot's The Lord's Supper is another. Twila Paris' Cry For The Desert is yet another. All of these artists achieved these classic expressions of contemporary worship relying primarily on acoustic/traditional instrumentation and music forms. David Crowder Band, however, has achieved something infinitely rarer, and just as profound: the first truly modern great worship album. Far surpassing the efforts of the new spate of revved-up folk-rock worship bands, David Crowder Band's All I Can Say effortlessly and unselfconsciously blends modern and ambient rock with deeply poetic, spiritual lyrics. Sporting music that would easily fit stylistically into the programming of any modern rock radio station, the instrumentation forms a seamless sonic pastiche that provides a perfect backdrop for Crowder's impassioned vocals. All I Can Say is vital listening for any rock fan (modern or otherwise), but especially for the prospective listener who seeks to enter the Presence of God through the medium of today's music....
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David Crowder Band - Pour Over Me
Classic Praise Songs With a Modern Musical Sensibility., August 29, 2004
By tvtv3 "tvtv3"
To be completely honest, there really isn't a lot of great praise music being written today. Christian music, including most of those who write praise and worship songs, copy the culture or even worse yet, remake previously culturally-imitated "praise" songs. There isn't a whole lot of Christian music being created that's worth listening too, let alone praise God with. There are only a handful of artists who, like the great hymn writers of old, are writing music and lyrics that isn't addicted to mediocrity and is actually intelligent, passionate, and spiritually meaningful. David Crowder is one of those few.
I was introduced to Crowder's music for the first time this past summer. I was amazed. Here was an artist who was creating music full of passion that didn't copy the culture, yet was full of intelligence and purpose. In short, praise music that someone outside of the Church might actually become interested in as well. It's a rare feat in today's post-modern "Christian" culture.
I purchased ILLUMINATE because it includes the song "O Praise Him (All This For a King)". I find that song to be the most powerful piece of music on the album and it has yet to not bring me to tears. However, there are lots of other tunes that are just as powerful. I especially like "Deliver Me" and "Stars".
If you're looking for some praise music that's better than most of the contemporary stuff out there, check out the David Crowder Band and get illuminated.
Fresh Non-Talent on the Christian Music Scene, March 31, 2004
By A Customer
I tried to give this band a chance, I really did. After playing in a Christian rock band in the past and attending Ichthus on occasion I think I know a bit about the genre. I learned about this band from a friend of mine who attended one of their concerts and picked up this CD at Best Buy. After the first five songs listening to it on the way home, I realized that these guys were just playing up their religion to become popular. The songs seem to have no real meaning behind them, just repeating the words "Lord, Savior, and Jesus" many times in a horribly nasal voice. To those with a discriminating ear, listening to basically the same songs over and over with the key barely changing is abominable. Since when did these no talent bands become and showing your love for the Most High with screaching become popular? If you're a true fan of contemporary Christain Rock, you'd be better off listening to other bands....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
By tvtv3 "tvtv3"
To be completely honest, there really isn't a lot of great praise music being written today. Christian music, including most of those who write praise and worship songs, copy the culture or even worse yet, remake previously culturally-imitated "praise" songs. There isn't a whole lot of Christian music being created that's worth listening too, let alone praise God with. There are only a handful of artists who, like the great hymn writers of old, are writing music and lyrics that isn't addicted to mediocrity and is actually intelligent, passionate, and spiritually meaningful. David Crowder is one of those few.
I was introduced to Crowder's music for the first time this past summer. I was amazed. Here was an artist who was creating music full of passion that didn't copy the culture, yet was full of intelligence and purpose. In short, praise music that someone outside of the Church might actually become interested in as well. It's a rare feat in today's post-modern "Christian" culture.
I purchased ILLUMINATE because it includes the song "O Praise Him (All This For a King)". I find that song to be the most powerful piece of music on the album and it has yet to not bring me to tears. However, there are lots of other tunes that are just as powerful. I especially like "Deliver Me" and "Stars".
If you're looking for some praise music that's better than most of the contemporary stuff out there, check out the David Crowder Band and get illuminated.
Fresh Non-Talent on the Christian Music Scene, March 31, 2004
By A Customer
I tried to give this band a chance, I really did. After playing in a Christian rock band in the past and attending Ichthus on occasion I think I know a bit about the genre. I learned about this band from a friend of mine who attended one of their concerts and picked up this CD at Best Buy. After the first five songs listening to it on the way home, I realized that these guys were just playing up their religion to become popular. The songs seem to have no real meaning behind them, just repeating the words "Lord, Savior, and Jesus" many times in a horribly nasal voice. To those with a discriminating ear, listening to basically the same songs over and over with the key barely changing is abominable. Since when did these no talent bands become and showing your love for the Most High with screaching become popular? If you're a true fan of contemporary Christain Rock, you'd be better off listening to other bands....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Friday, September 19, 2008
Trivia
* "A Collision" first existed as a Microsoft Word document that Crowder had put together from discussions with Kyle Lake. [5]
* David Crowder has been known to use a keytar, an instrument made famous in the 80's by bands like Devo, which has become a point of mention in DC*B's concerts.[citation needed]
* During live performances of the hit single "Foreverandever Etc.", David Crowder often prompts the keyboardist to play the theme song from Super Mario Bros. as a nostalgic reference to the 1980s.[citation needed]
* In recent live performances of the song ...neverending...[6] from Remedy, Crowder plays a modified Guitar Hero controller, in which the buttons trigger guitar chords for the song. The guitar also has a small button on the side which triggers the Mario coin sound. They have also started to perform "We Won't Be Quiet" by singing through bullhorns.[citation needed]
* Members of David Crowder Band are fond of using Wikipedia as a resource and Crowder & Hogan expressed surprise in the book "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven..." at how accurate the information about the band is found on Wikipedia. [7]
* The band has a long-standing relationship with Tom Anderson of Anderson Guitarworks [1], who made a guitar specifically designed for and named after Crowder, known as the Crowdster.
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* David Crowder has been known to use a keytar, an instrument made famous in the 80's by bands like Devo, which has become a point of mention in DC*B's concerts.[citation needed]
* During live performances of the hit single "Foreverandever Etc.", David Crowder often prompts the keyboardist to play the theme song from Super Mario Bros. as a nostalgic reference to the 1980s.[citation needed]
* In recent live performances of the song ...neverending...[6] from Remedy, Crowder plays a modified Guitar Hero controller, in which the buttons trigger guitar chords for the song. The guitar also has a small button on the side which triggers the Mario coin sound. They have also started to perform "We Won't Be Quiet" by singing through bullhorns.[citation needed]
* Members of David Crowder Band are fond of using Wikipedia as a resource and Crowder & Hogan expressed surprise in the book "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven..." at how accurate the information about the band is found on Wikipedia. [7]
* The band has a long-standing relationship with Tom Anderson of Anderson Guitarworks [1], who made a guitar specifically designed for and named after Crowder, known as the Crowdster.
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Name
According to Crowder himself, it is improper to refer to the band as "The David Crowder Band". The group prefers to omit the article, as they do not want to make the band appear so
definitive and concrete as "The David Crowder Band". The group may revisit this issue if other groups named "David Crowder Band" begin performing and may in fact, should that
eventuality occur, insert "The Original" in front of the band's present appellation.
The addition of the asterisk (*) to the name (rendering David Crowder*Band) is a common occurrence evoking much mystery; however, the band uses this convention only in some
logos. In text on their website and other media, the asterisk is omitted, which only adds to the lore. It is uncertain what the asterisk denotes reference to, or what metaphorical
annotation is intended. The asterisk, however, can be seen on the David Crowder*Band music video "Foreverandever Etc...". No opinions on the asterisk's purpose are reliable at this
point and time, although theories arise from time to time. One theory is that it helps slow readers find their place if, while reading the name of the band, they must leave and then come
back and somehow try to pick up where they left off.
Astute observers concerned with said asterisk have pointed out the similarity of the band's name to Dave Matthews Band, and along with Crowder's Matthews-influenced acoustic
guitar riffs, have suggested the asterisk alludes to a long-standing joke about the band's creativity. This is consistent with the band's writings, which have long-employed witty, subtle,
and self-effacing humor. And while somewhat conjectural, yet the most convincing piece of evidence to surface pointing to the truth in this is the fact that the UBC Band's All I Can Say
has thirty-four tracks, with tracks twelve through thirty-three serving as silent filler tracks leading up to an acoustic rendition of "Come Thou Fount," an oft-overlooked mimicry of Dave
Matthews Band's album Under the Table and Dreaming, which also has a total of thirty-four tracks, with tracks twelve through thirty-three serving as silent filler tracks leading up to the
song known as "#34."
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definitive and concrete as "The David Crowder Band". The group may revisit this issue if other groups named "David Crowder Band" begin performing and may in fact, should that
eventuality occur, insert "The Original" in front of the band's present appellation.
The addition of the asterisk (*) to the name (rendering David Crowder*Band) is a common occurrence evoking much mystery; however, the band uses this convention only in some
logos. In text on their website and other media, the asterisk is omitted, which only adds to the lore. It is uncertain what the asterisk denotes reference to, or what metaphorical
annotation is intended. The asterisk, however, can be seen on the David Crowder*Band music video "Foreverandever Etc...". No opinions on the asterisk's purpose are reliable at this
point and time, although theories arise from time to time. One theory is that it helps slow readers find their place if, while reading the name of the band, they must leave and then come
back and somehow try to pick up where they left off.
Astute observers concerned with said asterisk have pointed out the similarity of the band's name to Dave Matthews Band, and along with Crowder's Matthews-influenced acoustic
guitar riffs, have suggested the asterisk alludes to a long-standing joke about the band's creativity. This is consistent with the band's writings, which have long-employed witty, subtle,
and self-effacing humor. And while somewhat conjectural, yet the most convincing piece of evidence to surface pointing to the truth in this is the fact that the UBC Band's All I Can Say
has thirty-four tracks, with tracks twelve through thirty-three serving as silent filler tracks leading up to an acoustic rendition of "Come Thou Fount," an oft-overlooked mimicry of Dave
Matthews Band's album Under the Table and Dreaming, which also has a total of thirty-four tracks, with tracks twelve through thirty-three serving as silent filler tracks leading up to the
song known as "#34."
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Awards
| Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by 3 Dove Awards | MSN Artist of the Month July 2006 | Succeeded by MSN Artist of the Year - 2006 (against the competition: INXS, Prince, Christina Aguilera and Kenny Chesney) |
| Preceded by 3 Dove Awards | Worship Album of the Year - Remedy 2008 | Succeeded by Recorded Music Packaging of the Year - Remedy |
2007
David Crowder Band received another Dove Award for their participation in Special Event Album of the Year - Passion: Everything Glorious
2006
David Crowder Band received their first Dove Awards at the 37th Annual Gospel Music Awards:[3]
* Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year - A Collision
* Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year - "Here is Our King"
* Special Event Album of the Year - Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia
Christian Music Links!
Discography
Albums
1. Pour Over Me (1998)
2. All I Can Say (1999)
3. Can You Hear Us? (2002)
4. Illuminate (2003)
5. A Collision (2005)
6. Remedy (2007)
7. Remedy Limited Edition (2008)
8. Remedy Club Tour - Live (2008)
EPs
1. The Green CD (2002)
2. The Yellow CD (2003)
3. The Lime CD (2004)
4. Sunsets & Sushi (2005)
5. B Collision (2006)
Also heard on...
* Thoughts Of You - Robbie Seay (2000)
* The Road to One Day - Passion Worship Band (2000)
* Our Love is Loud - Passion Worship Band (live, 2002)
* Sacred Revolution - Passion Worship Band (live, 2003)
* Passion: Hymns Ancient and Modern - Passion Worship Band (2004)
* How Great Is Our God - Passion Worship Band (live, 2005)
* Live from Austin Music Hall - Chris Tomlin (live, 2005)
* Everything Glorious - Passion Worship Band (live, 2006)
* Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia (compilation, 2005, Sparrow Records/EMD)
* Ultimate Music Makeover: Michael W. Smith (compilation, 2005)
* X Worship 2006 (compilation, 2005)
* X Worship 2007 (compilation, 2006)
* WOW Christmas: Green (compilation, Christmas)
* Music Inspired By the Motion Picture Amazing Grace (compilation, 2007, Sparrow Records)
* Glory Revealed (compilation by Mac Powell, 2007)
* Passion: Live from Passion07, Part 2 - Passion Worship Band (2007)
* "Here Is Our King" can be heard on WOW Hits 2006
* "Wholly Yours" can be heard on WOW Hits 2007
* "Everything Glorious" can be heard on WOW Hits 1
* God of This City - Passion Worship Band (2008)
The band also created the theme music for Dr. James MacDonald's radio program Walk in the Word
Christian Music Links!
1. Pour Over Me (1998)
2. All I Can Say (1999)
3. Can You Hear Us? (2002)
4. Illuminate (2003)
5. A Collision (2005)
6. Remedy (2007)
7. Remedy Limited Edition (2008)
8. Remedy Club Tour - Live (2008)
EPs
1. The Green CD (2002)
2. The Yellow CD (2003)
3. The Lime CD (2004)
4. Sunsets & Sushi (2005)
5. B Collision (2006)
Also heard on...
* Thoughts Of You - Robbie Seay (2000)
* The Road to One Day - Passion Worship Band (2000)
* Our Love is Loud - Passion Worship Band (live, 2002)
* Sacred Revolution - Passion Worship Band (live, 2003)
* Passion: Hymns Ancient and Modern - Passion Worship Band (2004)
* How Great Is Our God - Passion Worship Band (live, 2005)
* Live from Austin Music Hall - Chris Tomlin (live, 2005)
* Everything Glorious - Passion Worship Band (live, 2006)
* Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia (compilation, 2005, Sparrow Records/EMD)
* Ultimate Music Makeover: Michael W. Smith (compilation, 2005)
* X Worship 2006 (compilation, 2005)
* X Worship 2007 (compilation, 2006)
* WOW Christmas: Green (compilation, Christmas)
* Music Inspired By the Motion Picture Amazing Grace (compilation, 2007, Sparrow Records)
* Glory Revealed (compilation by Mac Powell, 2007)
* Passion: Live from Passion07, Part 2 - Passion Worship Band (2007)
* "Here Is Our King" can be heard on WOW Hits 2006
* "Wholly Yours" can be heard on WOW Hits 2007
* "Everything Glorious" can be heard on WOW Hits 1
* God of This City - Passion Worship Band (2008)
The band also created the theme music for Dr. James MacDonald's radio program Walk in the Word
Christian Music Links!
Members
Current members
* David Crowder - vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, programming, theremin, keytar ("Foreverandever etc"), electric guitar ("We Won't Be Quiet," "Can You Feel It"), Guitar Hero controller
("neverending") (1996 - present)
* Jack Parker - electric guitar, vocals, rhodes piano, noise box ("Can You Feel It"), and banjo ("I Saw the Light") (1996 - present)
* Mike Dodson - bass guitar, programming and keys (2000 - present)
* Jeremy Bush, aka "B-wack" - drums, percussion, circuit bending and programming (1996 - present)
* Mike Hogan - violin, vinyl dj and programming (1996 - present)
* Mark Waldrop - electric guitar (2007 - present)
Former members
* Jason Solley - electric guitar,background vocals and mandolin (1996 - 2006)
* Taylor Johnson - electric guitar, mandolin (dec 2006 - mar 2007)
Christian Music Links!
* David Crowder - vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, programming, theremin, keytar ("Foreverandever etc"), electric guitar ("We Won't Be Quiet," "Can You Feel It"), Guitar Hero controller
("neverending") (1996 - present)
* Jack Parker - electric guitar, vocals, rhodes piano, noise box ("Can You Feel It"), and banjo ("I Saw the Light") (1996 - present)
* Mike Dodson - bass guitar, programming and keys (2000 - present)
* Jeremy Bush, aka "B-wack" - drums, percussion, circuit bending and programming (1996 - present)
* Mike Hogan - violin, vinyl dj and programming (1996 - present)
* Mark Waldrop - electric guitar (2007 - present)
Former members
* Jason Solley - electric guitar,background vocals and mandolin (1996 - 2006)
* Taylor Johnson - electric guitar, mandolin (dec 2006 - mar 2007)
Christian Music Links!
Band history
The band began when David Crowder from Waco, Texas, realized that almost half of the students at Baylor University were not attending church, which he found surprising since it is a
Christian university. He and Chris Seay started University Baptist Church in 1995 while he was still a student. Crowder led worship there and continued to do so throughout the year.
The church's congregation grew, as did the band's lineup.
Crowder began writing songs to incorporate into the worship times at the church and eventually the church released an independent CD, Pour Over Me, followed by All I Can Say in
1999. These CDs brought the band to a wider audience and invitations to festivals and events followed. The band was signed to sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records and has released
six more albums to date (see discography). The band tours the United States continuously, but make it back to their home church in Waco, Texas, almost every Sunday. It has been said
that Kyle Lake, University Baptist Church's former pastor and also longtime friend of the band, had a strong influence on the band's music in terms of content and inspiration both during
his life and after his tragic death.
With their September 2005 release, A Collision, David Crowder Band explored a new realm of musical diversity. The album houses a mix of bluegrass, folk, alternative, and worship,
woven together with a touch of electronic ambience. This release landed them the #2 spot on the iTunes Music Store and the #39 spot on Billboard 200 only one day after its release.
On the same day as the release of A Collision, their song "Turkish Delight" was released on the Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia compilation CD. This song, which is a
reference to the magical Turkish Delight in C. S. Lewis's book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, has an old-school disco feel.
On March 19, 2007, the band officially started recording its newest album. Titled Remedy, the band also revealed the album's website, http://www.remedyiscoming.com/, which allows
fans to follow the band via live webcams, and discover more about the album. Famously controversial rock musician Ted Nugent made a special guest appearance on the album, on the
song "We Won't Be Quiet".[1] Remedy was released on September 25, 2007. The day after its release, it reached #4 on the iTunes Music Store.
On July 16, 2008, the band announced via its website that it would be releasing a brand new live album and DVD set on August 19, 2008. The title was announced as being 'Remedy
Club Tour - Live', and the cover art was released along with a trailer for the DVD.
Christian Music Links!
Christian university. He and Chris Seay started University Baptist Church in 1995 while he was still a student. Crowder led worship there and continued to do so throughout the year.
The church's congregation grew, as did the band's lineup.
Crowder began writing songs to incorporate into the worship times at the church and eventually the church released an independent CD, Pour Over Me, followed by All I Can Say in
1999. These CDs brought the band to a wider audience and invitations to festivals and events followed. The band was signed to sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records and has released
six more albums to date (see discography). The band tours the United States continuously, but make it back to their home church in Waco, Texas, almost every Sunday. It has been said
that Kyle Lake, University Baptist Church's former pastor and also longtime friend of the band, had a strong influence on the band's music in terms of content and inspiration both during
his life and after his tragic death.
With their September 2005 release, A Collision, David Crowder Band explored a new realm of musical diversity. The album houses a mix of bluegrass, folk, alternative, and worship,
woven together with a touch of electronic ambience. This release landed them the #2 spot on the iTunes Music Store and the #39 spot on Billboard 200 only one day after its release.
On the same day as the release of A Collision, their song "Turkish Delight" was released on the Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia compilation CD. This song, which is a
reference to the magical Turkish Delight in C. S. Lewis's book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, has an old-school disco feel.
On March 19, 2007, the band officially started recording its newest album. Titled Remedy, the band also revealed the album's website, http://www.remedyiscoming.com/, which allows
fans to follow the band via live webcams, and discover more about the album. Famously controversial rock musician Ted Nugent made a special guest appearance on the album, on the
song "We Won't Be Quiet".[1] Remedy was released on September 25, 2007. The day after its release, it reached #4 on the iTunes Music Store.
On July 16, 2008, the band announced via its website that it would be releasing a brand new live album and DVD set on August 19, 2008. The title was announced as being 'Remedy
Club Tour - Live', and the cover art was released along with a trailer for the DVD.
Christian Music Links!
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