Love Will Rise, is the completed collection of this artist's 5th recording. Mitch previewed six of these songs on MM: The 2006 Limited Release - EP. Mitch also was generous and posted each new song at one time or another on his myspace giving listeners a taste of his musicianship. When I ordered this project; the sounds were familiar, but the studio mastering brought new crispness and energy to the music. The lyrics and vocals burst galaxies of amazing life and power on this recording project. Mitch is a gifted artist was befriended by Rich Mullins back in college, and the two created a musical Canticle of The Plains. I mention this because from song 1 recorded to the new songs still spinning in his soul; Mitch always IS talent expressed. Brilliant wordsmith abilities are matched with a range of vocals that deliver the message with passion. Beautifully written melodies flow in every channel of the songs. Passion, purity and poetic delivery are trademarks of his music. He was given a canvas of gifts by his beloved God, and continues to paint music beautifully. The only thing his heart desires to emulate in his music, is the love of Jesus and that is evident in each one. 1. Hallelujah: Energetic, full tank of wordsmith abilities, dance around the music that is pleasantly infectious . Hallelujah: Energetic, full tank of wordsmith abilities, dance around the music that is pleasantly infectious to the soul. If this song doesn't get you into the start of a good day ahead... not much will. before the sun floats to the top and the clouds open up before dawn's dew burns off hallelujah 2. Party Song: Celebratory track that says it all. Innovative, eloquent imagery of what awaits us in Heaven. Joyful and yes, there is a party going on. The infectious grooves Just cannot wait for you The roof is on fire, a holy fire And everybody gonna love the dance you're gonna do The red carpet's rollin' out And they're sinngin' so loud You're the invited guest, the long-awaited for guest And you thought that heaven didn't wanna mess with you Mitch McVicker on: Party Song: This song came about after I spent a couple days on a "personal retreat" in a hotel room in Missouri. It was holy week, I had a couple of open days, and for some reason, I thought it was important to be by myself and read and meditate on the first 10 psalms. From my readings and prayer, I discovered that the celebration the Lord is having, and will be having, is what was impressed upon me. I found myself longing to be a part of it, both today and someday. With the next day being Easter, I suddenly got the notion that I needed to be with my grandma on Easter. In order to do that, it meant leaving right then and driving through the night. As I drove, my mind was filled with thoughts of the Lord's celebration. Soon, a melody formed. I think it was about a.m. when I pulled over, at a rest area, and got out my guitar to make up this song. Some hours later, my grandma was the first person to hear the finished result. 3. Strap My Hat On: Soul penetrating with the low, low vocal sounds telling the story that the lyrics deliver. As a painter of words, part of the author's essence is revealed. With Mitch's music you can take any 30 seconds and find a chapter to write about it. Personalized echos of his faith drive the story along. The music composed to meld with this ballad are a perfect fit. Let this song wash over you and feel the drive and determination of a strong walk with confidence in Jesus. Embrace it and strengthen your own relationship. because everytime arrows fill my fragile skies veiled behind neon flash disguises love will rise to my defense so I strap my Hat On and I lift my eyes when my king goes by.. 4. Precious Blood: Sparkling with energy, this album illustrates what an excellent songwriter he really is. Precious Blood has a simply cord intro that flows intro to the lyrics that wrap around it snug and tight. Velvet smooth vocals with a range to falsetto that he always pulls off with ease. His conversations and prayers turned into music is a joyful experience for the soul to sink in. Though my storage sin has stopped paying rent It makes itself at home So let this distress move me closer to You In the midst of regret i can't, i can't forget CHORUS Your precious blood shed for me Your gracious love wiping my slate clean Copyright © 2007 Out of the Box Records White Plastic Bag Music Mitch McVicker on: Precious Blood: This song came from discovering jazz inversions of a couple chords in one of my favorite song writer's, Tom Waits, songbooks. I started playing around with a melody to fit with the chord progression that came from this discovery. And the lyrics that spilled out of me talked about how the Lord does not count my past and or my tarnished record. Why? Simply because of his doing ... because of his sacrifice. 5. Wounded One: First appeared on the DVD: Live At The Off Center Garage. Poetry set to music crafted by an artist who knows his savior. As with most of his music; the audience he writes to is Jesus.. listeners and concert friends are invited on that journey. Enjoyment is found in the craft displayed and shared by Mitch in songwriting. His music is firmly rooted in scripture. Arrangement instrumentally is very pleasing on this ballad. Jesus, Coming King, Savior, My Hope of Glory Lord of Lords, Son of God, I love You Wounded One, so beautiful Bruised One, so meek Pierc-ed One, so faithful Sacrifice for me Lyrically, he knits the words around the music with such ease. You need to read them to see the full beauty of this project. Mitch McVicker on: Wounded One: I wrote this song with a great friend of mine, Kevin Galloway. We were sitting in a hotel room in Austin, Texas. Kevin is a great praise and worship style of song writer. I was wanting to write a song that was a response to the Lord's activity in our lives. This is what came about. 6. Come To the Well: Every word, weaves beautifully into the next. This is a marvelous reflection of what the tapestry of this gifted songwriter looks, sounds and feels. It makes me cry for joy to experience his poetic storytelling. Sharon Rose of Israel every gapping hole is filled every mountain leveled plain every curve laid straight covered by the love that pours from your heat forever.. Notes: I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. comes from Solomon 2:1 Nowhere in the New Testament is Jesus actually referred to as the rose of Sharon. However, He is "symbolically" referred to as the rose of Sharon. 7. Along with the Rocks: Also appeared on the DVD: Live At The Off Center Garage. His stunning vocals shine and illuminate; lighting up the lyrics and message entwine into this wonderful song. Indescribable.. you need to hear it for yourself. My words, pale the experience. I'm just a crashing gong I'm just a clanging cymbal I could speak in tongues Or talk like an angel But still be freezing out in the cold Still be covered up by the snow If I don't love, I am nothing Mitch McVicker on: Along with the Rocks: If I don't love, I am nothing. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul are pretty clear about that. The scriptures are also pretty clear about all of creation being in a constant state of praise. And the scriptures tell me that, as a part of creation, I was created to love. So, it's just a mathematical equation. My most praise filled act is to love. That is how I can join the song that all of creation is singing. So, this song just combines the love chapter of corinthians and the "rocks cry out" passage in the psalms. 8. Wonderful: Conventional share with a compelling musical arrangement bring us this wonderful ballad to enjoy. Wonderfully buoyant and rhythmically satisfying. Wonderful is just that.. wonderful. nothing is as wonderful as knowing You'll return until You come to take me home I can see You shine from Your place on high. 9. Honest of Heart: This artist's songwriting heart is always in the right place. His songs have varied significantly from album to album; yet when you listen, you always hear a soul chasing after Jesus. With each project, more of his soul is revealed in the lyrics. Musical arrangements are powerful and unstrained. Honest and insightful lyrics flow and unite with the melodies. By the soul, drug through shadows But I'm the one to blame I'm so full of shame now So empty me, pour me out.. Mitch, condensing a novel into a handful of words.. cutting to the heart of the story.. leaving you fulfilled are trademarks of his musical talents. Mitch McVicker on: Honest of Heart: Many times I view honesty as a matter of my will. But, I am hoping that my will and discipline are transformed as the Lord molds and changes my heart's desire. As this happens, what spills out of me will be an overflow of what is actually in my heart. It will come naturally, from my innermost and truest self, rather than my gumption. so, I tried to put that to lyrics and music. 10. Send Your Shower: His vocals often change with his wide range and he steps out on this one with pleasant results. Strong grooves and smooth musical jamming, give this song addictive qualities. As always, the lyrics compliment the melody. This desert sky dry clouds overhead that fill the night like the stars went to bed and the milky way is such a long ways off but your presence stays with me and that's enough 11. Walking on Air: The music crafted here is proof that the song of the moment is the song to get into. Incredibly many say that of Mitch's music. They can not choose a favorite. He doesn't have a few per album that deserve repeat spins.. they all do. I love that the harmonica came out on this one. the rising haze all ablaze like a branding iron Your energy flows out to me fueling my soul gone tired when warm sands of circumstance are not lasting You love has whitecaps it keeps on crashing.. 12. Upon Further Inspection: This song sweats the joy of knowing God's boundless love. Mitch allows these songs to take him.. and often the results are amazing. Deep vocals cradle most of the lyrics, but he carries them high to the stars with the chorus. Well crafted and masterfully engineered. Upon further inspection, I gotta make an objection With myself, and the ways My faith slips outta phase I guess I gotta dark misperception Of what it means to follow and trust and maybe even leap Into to this vast kingdom scheme of things Mitch McVicker on: Upon Further Inspection: Whenever I "inspect" myself, I wish that numerous things were different about the way I am. It becomes hard to swallow reality, and instead, I begin making plans of all the things a will do to correct and change myself. So this song is just a cry of resignation. It is a decision to take my eyes off of myself and, instead, look at Jesus ... and what he will do. 13. Magnificent: Combine the experience of firework finals bliss.. and celebration of wonderful family gatherings.. and you will get the flavor and feeling of this song. Wonderful. Beautiful. nothing in the universe like your endlessness You're magnificent magnificent Your gorgeous heart is my covering.. This project contains diverse keenness for supreme music with a tight and focused sound. Indisputable and gifted songwriter. As with all of his projects, there is a plethora of music in Love Will Rise awaiting discovery. NOTE FROM MARGARET BECKER: WHO IS CREDITED AS PRODUCER OF: TRACKS 3, 8, 11 & 12. First off Mitch is brilliant. His writing is unencumbered and full of fresh imagery. He has a way of presenting simple familiar concepts, with depth through the use of simplicity- (a tongue twister I know-but true) I think he is one of the rare gems in our business-artistic, driven and brave. I loved working with him.