Rich Mullins "Pursuit of a Legacy"
by April Hefner
CCM Magazine May 1994
To get inside the brain of a man who thoughfully ponders the mysteries of God, and does so with logic and wonder, has its privileges and dangers as it serves to both enlighten and challenge. Precious few artists can claim to be such effective poets, though Rich Mullins certainly can be regarded as a leader on that list. In this 30-minute video, the viewer has the opportunity to not only view four single-song videos from Rich's newest ablum, A Liturgy, A Legacy and a Ragamuffin Band, but also can simply dwell upon the words of this talented lyricist and philosopher. There is so much quotable material in this video that your pen will run dry and your journal will be full of new ideas on the magnitude of God's unfathomable love and grace. (Wait 'til you hear his ideas about "I'd rather be on the verge of falling...").
Rich has a gift of bringing the intangible to life to see and to touch, and does so with great success on these videos where his songs find homes in scenery, faces and frame after frame of legacies. Produced by Ben Pearson and Steve Taylor, Pursuit... was filmed on location in Colombia, New York City, The Flint Hills of Kansas, the home of Rich's friends, and in Rich's own attic flat in Wichita, Kansas. Pearson and Taylor are gaining quite a reputation for capturing the essence of a song with video footage that is edgy and unique, stark and colorful, moving and symbolic. Basically, it's just really cool!
The video, which includes clips for "Here in America", "The Color Green", "Creed", and "Hold Me Jesus", releases this month and retails for $9.98. It's sure to become a favorite for Mullins fans, but will more likely give all Christian music listeners a thing or two to ponder about life and faith. Stay tuned after the credits are over to hear about the work of Compassion International and see a bonus clip for the song "Peace".
Rich Mullins "Pursuit of a Legacy"
by Vanessa L Crooks
The Lighthouse Electronic Magazine July 1994
The video collection of Rich Mullins' latest album, A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band could easily be a routine, stale, or self-indulgent presentation were it not for the quality of the production and the humility of the artist.
The production of this project was masterfully handled by Ben Pearson and Steve Taylor. Using a variety of locations, including Columbia, New York City, The Flint Hills of Kansas, Ireland (often), and even the homes of Mullins' friends, as well as his own abode as their backdrop, they created complimentary visual imagery for four of the album's songs: "Here in America," "The Color Green," and "Hold Me Jesus" (watch for addition footage after the credits of "Peace," which endorses the work of Compassion International).
Woven in between the song videos are the musings and insights of Mullins himself, giving background for lyrical inspiration as well as his own unique brand of sagely insight and exhortation. His humor is captured wonderfully. His ability to laugh at himself and be candid about his faults and weaknesses show forth as true avenues of God's grace and wisdom.
Pursuit of a Legacy definitely takes Christian videos to another level. It's full of thought-provoking content and edge.
