Hi Rich fans,
Rick Elias was interviewed August 5th by David Pierce on the morning show of K-LOVE Radio. Rick talked about Rich and the The Jesus Record, and you can hear a RealAudio version of the interview at http://www.klove.com/audio/ondemand/interviews/eliasint.ram. In the meantime, Patty Mitchell took some notes, and shares a bit with us.
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 12:29:48 From: Patty Mitchell [snip] Rick talked about the recording of the album. He said it wasn't morbid or morose, although bittersweet. He said it was *fun* and that Rich would have loved it because he (Rich) had always been uncomfortable in the studio. When Rick had listened to Rich's demo (prior to Rich's death) he had taken notes and regarding My Deliverer had written down "don't mess this one up." So he was really pleased with how it turned out. -My Deliverer- Rick talked about Rich's ability to weave things through his songs... and that a typical Rich Mullins song was an atypical CCM song. He said his music was "anthemic" (??not a word in my dictionary so maybe I got this wrong); My Deliverer starts out in the 1st person, draws the listener in during the chorus where we can't help joining in, and then makes it personal for all of us. -major break with news, Crystal Lewis song (sorry, she bugs me a bit) and Randy Stonehill (Rick produced his latest)- Talked about That Where I Am. In the studio they had put on Rich's demo and Rick told Aaron to just play along (I guess just to get a feel for it or something), and then they realized that that actually worked well.... Talked about Amy and Smitty being honorary ragamuffins and then said something about actually being the *ragamuffin band* and that there were a whole lot of ragamuffins "out there"... (that includes us folks!) -That Where I Am- Of course with Rich's laugh at the end they mentioned that and Rick said he did have such a unique laugh or something of that nature. He mentioned Rich's passion for life, that he was a complex man yet his faith was quite simple and down to the bone. He didn't hide behind pseudo intellectualism (aargh... Patty feels like the charlatan in her is being exposed)... he was a passionate man. He said (and I appreciated this) that you *did* get a glimpse of him if you knew his music. That, unlike some others, he *was* what he seemed to be. They talked about the worship aspect of his programs and the interviewer mentioned Rich's well known disappearance at the end of a concert while we would be singing and worshipping. Rick said Rich was less comfortable with the audience, that he loved them but attempted to divert them to Jesus. Then he talked more about the album, that it wasn't a tribute to Rich, but to Jesus. -Jesus- Rick spent some time raving about Ashley. This recording apparently was done "live" (what he means, I imagine, is that Ashley sang it through and that was a "take"... I'm sure that the instrumentals weren't all done at the same time). He talked about the depth of emotion. Used the words "palpable moment" and talked about the "meekness" of the song (singer) which shows a "bridled strength." -break and a Point of Grace song- (I can't quite figure out why they put in music that seemed so "unRich" to me. Couldn't they have at least played songs by Amy and Smitty just to keep with the TJR? Ah well, only my prejudice showing. Rick told a story about how when Rich was on tour with Amy (1985 or so) she had asked Rich to join them at the pool at the hotel and he had said he wasn't at the same hotel. (While Amy was a big name and got a big hotel, he got some dive I guess.) She immediately had him moved to their hotel. He had told that story to others, and had always thought highly of Amy. -Nothing is Beyond You- Then Rick talked a bit about the tour, how TT and the ragamuffins would be doing some concerts but nothing like a big tour, and that on occasions Amy, Smitty, or Ashley would be joining them. ...and that was about it. Patty
From: Chris Childress Subject: Rich Mullins Laser Light Show Date: Sat, 15 Aug 1998 17:19:59 Just a quick note to let you know about a wonderful experience I had last Saturday. Our family went to the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center http://www.cosmo.org in Hutchinson Kansas to see the Rich Mullins Laser Light Show in the Justice Planetarium Theater. Before the show we were told by a staff member from the Cosmosphere that this show had been running for 1 1/2 years now and continues to be a popular event. He said there has only been one show that has run for a longer period of time at the Cosmosphere. He told us to feel free to sing along, clap or whatever. We had seen the show prior to this one and there wasn't much happening with the crowd, but when the Rich Show began it was real cool sitting there in the dark, watching the laser lights and listening to the crowd sing along to Creed, Step By Step, Awesome God, Alrightokuhhuhamen, Calling Out Your Name and others. We were also told by the Cosmosphere staff that they will continue to run the Rich Mullins show as long as the crowds appear to be having a good time and enjoying the show --at this time there is no date set for the last showing. It was a wonderful time of worship (as are most times spent listening to Rich's music). I would strongly recommend anyone that can to visit the Cosmosphere and see this show. It is being shown daily at 7:00 p.m. and runs for about 45 minutes. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children. You can call the Cosmosphere (800-397-0330) and purchase your tickets w/ a bank card over the phone and have them waiting for you at the ticket counter on the day of your arrival. (It would probably be a good idea to do this since the show could be sold out when you arrive). Remember to get there early since there is no reserved seating. Chris Childress
As mentioned in a previous post, Rich's ministry is continuing with the formation of a new foundation. The Legacy, which will have it's national kick-off fundraising event this weekend in Wichita, has also just launched it's official web site.
Go to http://www.legacyministry.org.
Contact the Legacy at kidbros@legacyministry.org
The web page was designed by Dave Sprinkle, friend of Kid Brothers, and also a musician out of Indianapolis. Dave may be contacted be email at CraxyDog@aol.com, or by phone at 800-297-1905, and is available for performance in the midwest states around Indiana.