By Andy Argyrakis

COREY CROWDER CARVES OUT NICHE

The last name may look familiar, but just for the record, Corey Crowder grew up in Georgia, and David Crowder is a Texas native. With that out of the way, the Crowder at hand drops Gold & the Sand on Tooth & Nail following a successful indie career (where he often performed under the moniker A Farewell To Arms). On this particular collection, the singer/songwriter merges folk, jazz and country that falls somewhere in between Tom Petty and the Allman Brothers. Of course, faith is an essential component toward the relative newcomer’s lyrics, so expect each literate turn of phrase to come from a faith focus.

DANIELS VS. “THE DEVIL”

As the iconic singer/fiddle player behind “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Charlie Daniels has sold out stadiums all across the globe and earns daily airplay on a variety of country, pop and classic rock radio stations. Rather than releasing a new CD, the legend turns in a DVD entitled Preachin', Praying, Singin' (KOCH), which revolves around the mainstream entertainer’s unabashed Christian faith. Expect to hear several songs from his 2005 bluegrass/gospel project Songs From the Longleaf Pines, along with behind-the-scenes interviews.

SEAL COVERING SPIRITUALS?

By no means is Seal to be considered a contemporary Christian artist, but the secular superstar who influenced Michael Tait is showcasing a handful of old-time spirituals on his latest CD, Soul, produced by David Foster (whose credits include gospel greats Yolanda Adams and Deniece Williams, not to mention Michael Jackson, Cher and Celine Dion). Amongst the many track listing standouts are Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” The Impressions’ “People Get Ready” (also covered by Kevin Max, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Trin-i-tee 5:7 in the past), plus the Reverend Al Green’s “Here I Am (Come And Take Me).”

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