I noticed that too and wasn't hoping for the same thing. It seems like it's about time for something new.
Didn't know there was a banjo version, but just looked it up and your are right, it's great. I kind of hope he strips his sound back down again for his next release.
Based on "River" and "Time Of The Blue" I think he might. Btw, banjo version of "Honey, won't you let me in" is great too.
Heads up: If you're looking for this on Apple Music, you have to go into his whole list of albums because it's for some reason listed as having been released in 2005.
I could listen to Kristian talk (and sing of course) for hours. Everything that comes out of his mouth is poetry, beauty and therapy smashed into one.