Featuring the music of Rich Mullins performed by Audrey Assad, Andy Gullahorn, Jars of Clay, Matt Liechty, Mitch McVicker, Leigh Nash, Andrew Peterson, Jill Phillips, Sidewalk Prophets and Derek Webb. Plus, two bonus, never-behind-heard demos from Rich Mullins!
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A Ragamuffin's Legacy| Posted June 30, 2014
Recently released movie Ragamuffin takes us into the life of famed Christian songwriter Rich Mullins, whose richly creative career, often tumultuous personal life and early death in a 1997 car crash has left an indelible mark on the lives of Christian music artists and listeners worldwide. Suitably, a movie release like this comes accompanied by songs from voices who have been influenced by Mullins' extensive legacy. In the accompanying soundtrack, a diverse range of artists take on their favorite Rich Mullins songs and perform their own take on them.
Although most of the songs on this collection take a fairly reserved, orthodox approach appropriately respectful of some of the best-loved songs in the Christian songwriting tradition, there are also distinctive characteristics each artist brings to the table that gives the classics a new twist. Derek Webb's "Creed" (previously featured on his fan voted cover collection Democracy) utilizes Webb's almost playful blend of singer/songwriter and classic rock techniques, providing one of the more instrumentally complex offerings on the album.
Similarly, "I See You" by Audrey Assad takes the song and recaptures it in her ethereal vocal tones built from a calming piano foundation. "Calling Out Your Name" by Andrew Peterson (previously heard performed live) layers atmospheric instrumentation laden with the same anticipation of a storm found in the song's lyrics.
Another album highlight is Jars Of Clay's take on the intensely poetic "Land of My Sojourn." Dan Haseltine's voice is perfectly suited for the melody, and the band shows their customary artistry in knowing exactly how to scale things back to the lyrics and scraping acoustic guitar to achieve the maximum impact. "Ready for the Storm" by Leigh Nash is an example of how a very different vocal sound can still carry the lyrics with the same kind of power.
Two rarely heard Rich Mullins demos are also featured, "Now" and "Never Heard the Music." Both are raw enough to feel deeply intimate, and Rich's trademark poetic and personal songwriting make the songs sound immediate despite being nearly two decades old. "Never Heard the Music" beautifully sums up much of the songwriter's story: "I never heard the music until the day I met You, Lord. Now I bless You for the songs that each day brings."
Closing Thoughts:
This is a beautiful addition to the collection of any Rich Mullins fan wishing for some new echo of his incredible work, and also serves as a fantastic introduction to his gifted work for a newer generation of Christian music fans. It's a simple, sonically scaled back collection that truly allows the rich layers of Mullins' songwriting to shine.
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