Rich Mullins’ seminal album, A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band, celebrated its twentieth anniversary, prompting a reflection on its creation with producer Reed Arvin. Arvin, now a legal thriller author, offered insights into collaborating with Mullins and making this landmark recording. Arvin’s journey with Mullins began serendipitously, orchestrated by Amy Grant’s manager, Mike Blanton. Arvin’s production philosophy prioritised capturing the emotional core of each song over technical perfection.
The initial recordings were experimental, reflecting limited experience and budget. However, Winds of Heaven‘s gold certification enabled larger budgets for subsequent projects. Arvin incorporated world music, orchestral arrangements, and unconventional instrumentation. He admits that prevailing trends sometimes clashed with the raw energy that might have better suited Mullins’ music.
Mullins wasn’t heavily involved in recording, often disappearing. While initially concerning Arvin, Mullins rarely offered musical opinions, preferring discussions on philosophy, religion, and the music industry. Despite Mullins’ soulful musicality, his free-flowing piano style, suited for solo performance, presented recording challenges. His elastic sense of time further complicated the process, highlighting differences between live and studio recording.
Producer Reed Arvin in the studio during the recording of Rich Mullins' album "A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band"
A Liturgy possesses a timeless quality. Arvin dismisses consciously striving for “classic” status. The process, he explains, involved problem-solving and fleeting moments of beauty. These serendipitous moments weren’t the focus; the primary task was fixing issues while fostering creativity. Arvin considered Mullins the finest lyricist in Christian music, possessing a rare blend of talent and fearlessness. The arrangements were collaborative, with the band relocating to Indiana. This yielded the rhythm tracks, taken to Nashville for overdubs and orchestration.
By A Liturgy, Arvin trusted his instincts and relinquished control, facilitated by increased budgets. This allowed spontaneity and transcendent moments. Had Mullins lived, Arvin believes he would have thrived despite industry changes. His independence and artistry would have transformed his concerts into sought-after events.
A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band‘s legacy lies in its artistic freedom and financial resources, a rare combination today. It stands as a testament to an era where albums were holistic works of art, resonating with fans even now. The album continues to inspire, showcasing authentic artistry and heartfelt storytelling.