River of God is Rick’s debut album and at age 54 he is, no doubt, a ways downstream. Even so, these lyrics betray wisdom beyond years, a faith acquired from life itself. From the depths of the Eucharist to reminiscing on the porch in late afternoon, [+]River of God is Rick’s debut album and at age 54 he is, no doubt, a ways downstream. Even so, these lyrics betray wisdom beyond years, a faith acquired from life itself. From the depths of the Eucharist to reminiscing on the porch in late afternoon, Rick covers all his topics with the same unique lyrical brush. Michael and Lisa Brady’s vocal backings provide a depth not heard on many recordings. The sometimes-haunting, sometimes-whimsical arrangements by Michael Brady complete the appealing package. Says Rick: “the emotion in these songs ranges from hopeful to awe-full to pensive and back again. They draw from 50 years of life and hopefully speak to people where they are”.
Hailing originally from Minnesota (still a Gophers fan), Rick has resided in Southern California for 35 years.
He began writing songs at age 17 but looks back on those efforts now as “mostly mush”. Says Rick, “I kept up my minimal guitar skills over the years and never quit writing but never really progressed. Six years or so ago, my wife and I joined with friends in a Bible study which still meets weekly. During that time, with those influences, these faith-filled songs began to come through. A few involve actually sitting and putting pen to paper but most come through an inspiration process, usually while I’m driving to work and so on.”
Raised in a Catholic family, Rick nevertheless fell away in his late-teens not to return for some 25 years. During that time he studied philosophy in all forms and now credits Reason with bringing him back to Faith. He says that, upon his return, “ I was amazed at the depth of thought and mysticism within the early church, things I had never seen nor bothered to look for.”
Rick believes it to now be his calling to bring that experience and insight to fulfillment by sharing it in song.
Rick has been married to Charlene for 20 years. They have two sons, Carl and Daniel. Though he finds no end of growth within the church, Rick admits that “There’s not one friend I have who is not a better Catholic or Christian than I. So I tell what truth I have and leave it at that.”
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