Joe Crookston

I have Joe Crookston's album Fall Down as The Rain. It's so good. When I listen to it, I think, "This song is really good." Then another song comes on and I think, "This song is really good too!" Sometimes I can name my favorite song on an album, but in this case, I think all but about two are tied for my favorite.

He wrote the songs while he was dealing with the illness and death of his mother. Knowing that gives depth even to songs that aren't explicitly about that. For example, in one song he says, "I can feel my heart beat....If I say yes to the beat in me, I will set my spirit free." His joy in being alive becomes more meaningful with the knowledge that he has experienced the death of a loved one.

I usually like songs about longlasting loves, and "Dance and Sway" is one such song. It is about a couple who are old and have been through hard times, but they still love each other, and he stills enjoy playing the fiddle and watching her dance to the music he makes.

Based on this album, Joe Crookston seems exceptional. I hope to see him live some day.