About Rick Muchow and His Friends................
Although Rick was born in San Pedro, Calif.,
he spent his formative years, from age 6 to 12 growing up in Greenwich
Village, located in lower New York City. It is here, in this community
known to be rich in the arts, being traditionally inhabited by musicians,
artists and those in the acting profession, where young Rick's musical
talent and interest in music was fostered .At an early age, he studied
guitar, learned to sing and became involved in musical theater.
During his junior high years, Rick moved
back to California, and became active in musical opportunities in
San Jose, Calif. During his Senior year in high school, he performed
in the musical, GODSPELL. The Lord used this opportunity to draw
Rick to Himself, opening Rick's eyes to the truth about Jesus through
one of Rick's friends who explained what GODSPELL was based on.
The summer after Rick graduated from high school, he became a believer
in Jesus Christ, turning his life over to Him.
It is encouraging and fascinating to see
how the Lord guides, prepares and molds believers through their
life experiences, so they can be fully used for His glory. Rick's
attitude toward music, at this point of his life, was coming from
a secular mindset, instead of a spiritual one, which is needed for
a person who would be entering music ministry for Christ. He needed
to make the Lord his number one priorty, and not let other passions
like music come between him and the Lord. "Rick had always thought
of music as means of getting what he wanted. In his own words, music
was 'a god' to him. But all of that changed when his guitar was
stolen during the summer after he accepted Jesus as his Savior.
Suddenly there was a great void in his life. It was a void that
Rick eventually learned to fill with Christ. His guitar was returned
only after he clearly saw that his first priority in life had to
be God. Rick remembers: "Music was a god I worshiped, but now music
is a means to worship God." -http://www.encouragingmusic.com/rick/rick_bio.asps
While studying music at San Jose City College,
the Lord further developed his spiritual mindset. Rick had the opportunity
of touring with a Spanish Gospel group, The Gospel Expressions,
who sang only in Spanish. While Rick couldn't sing in Spanish, he
was musically contributing to the group effort to bring the Gospel
to their audience by playing his guitar. "God used this experience
to teach Rick another major lesson: a music minister does not have
to be in the spotlight to serve Christ."
For being a member of the body of Christ,
all members work together to serve and promote Jesus Christ. This
meant that the Lord is better served in a worship music ministry
when all pool their various talents to create a wonderful group
effort for the Glory of God, not for self-glory. This philosophy
has served Rick's ministry for the Lord well, as he not only uses
his own songs for services and CDs, which show "remarkable range
and depth," but also the songs written by the other musicians he
leads and works with on the worship team. Rick comments," I am inspired
by other songwriters expressing their true, authentic, relevant
relationship with God. The whole body has something to say."
After graduating from San Jose State University
where he majored in music, Rick began serving the Lord as a worship
music and youth leader for Warm Springs Baptist Church for a two
year period, where he was fully convinced and reassured that he
had been truly called to be a full-time music minister. Specifically,
he strongly felt called to be a church music leader. Along with
his musical talent, he also became aware of another gift of ministry;
a passion for people, which is an important part of being any kind
of pastor.
Rick's next ministry assignment from the
Lord found him in Gilroy, at First Baptist Church. After 4 1/2 years,
Rick left First Baptist Church in Gilroy, Calif. to try touring
America in a concert format. This approach to ministering through
music was short lived because of the stress and sacrifices this
kind of ministry demands. Rick realized quickly, as many other Christian
artists have, that touring and life on the road demands a dedication
and sacrifice which interferes with marriage and having a home life,
and didn't fit too well with his original calling; to be a local
worship music minister, personally involved with people, a gift
that he realized he had at Warm Springs Baptist Church.
Because of the above compelling reasons,
Rick and his wife decided to settle down and raise their family
in a community setting, and to serve the community through music
ministry in a church setting. In 1987, Rick Muchow was invited to
join the staff at The Saddleback Church, a congregation of 1500,
in need of a music program, and a music worship leader. So Rick
went to work in developing the whole music program from scratch.
His efforts at doing so were mightily blessed
by the Lord in his first year at Saddleback Church. The church grew
to 3000 members, partly because of the enhanced worship experience,
bolstered by Rick Muchow's unique vision for how worship music should
sound; being high quality, seeker-sensitive, user-friendly worship
music and thus inspire the audience for a closer walk with the Lord,
feeding them spiritually with music, which leads to the ultimate
goal; encouraging more involvement, producing worship of the Lord.
Rick Muchow, now a well-respected authority
on the topic of contemporary worship music, wears several hats in
his dedicated service in music ministry. As music worship leader
/pastor at Saddleback Church, which has grown to 15,000 average
weekend attendance, he's responsible for the "music for 5 weekend
services, a midweek service and other group meetings too numerous
to mention. There are 40 active supporting volunteer musicians,
and 45 ministry staff (paid and volunteer)." The
music program has also grown to having 1000 adults, youth and children
all participating in the choirs established for adults, high school,
junior high elementary school and even for the very young.
Not only is Rick the music worship leader
/pastor for Saddleback Church, he is involved in other outreach
projects to help churches be effective through music to spiritually
feed their congregations and draw seekers to the Lord. Rick is the
worship music leader for the popluar Purpose Driven Church conferences,
which are attended by over 150,000 pastors and church leaders, and
has a section on his website, www.encouragingmusic.com
where others involved in leading worship music in their churches
can e-mail any questions that they may have.
You may wonder, what is it about Rick Muchow,
his worship music choices, and his worship team that has all worked
together to meet the needs of so many people to worship and seek
the Lord so well? In the spirit of presenting user-friendly, theologically
sound, well-composed songs, Rick Muchow and his worship team "are
always looking for upbeat songs that are positive, with clear messages
of the Gospel. We want songs that inspire movement, songs of adoration,
songs of commitment and song that tie it together."
In choosing worship music for a CD project,
the songs must past some tests, which explains why the songs on
his newest effort, WEST COAST WORSHIP are so special and inspiring
to listen to. Rick explains, "The church is a laboratory where we
take a song to see if it works. If it produces worship, if it is
a tool that other churches could use, if it is a song our congregation
would enjoy listening to in their car, then it is a keeper." About
his newest, 8th Cd, WEST COAST WORSHIP .............................
"Worship happens...and when God inhabits
the praises of His people on the West Coast, worship happens in
a whole new way."
The praise and worship music so creatively
expressed on this CD is a great example of a group of musicians
acting like the body of Christ, combining their musical and song
writing talents and gifts together to bring such a collection of
songs which encourage the listener to offer their thanks and worship
of the Lord. Saddleback Church Worship Leader Rick Muchow, and his
Saddleback Worship Team crew, Jadon Lavik, Lyndsey Lloyd Wallace,
Adam Watts, Kirk Dechert and Tony Guerrero, have all contributed,
under Rick's leadership to give the listener a variety of well-done,
uplifting contemporary praise and worship songs.
The presented eleven song entries are an
inspiring love letter to the Lord, which can be a vehicle to express
our joy, sure to rise us up past our current troubles and tribulations
and help us focus on how fortunate we are to have such a loving,
merciful, faithful Lord Jesus, our Savior with wonderful character
attributes, who will see us through any trials, unhappiness that
we find ourselves in, as He is the source of our strength to endure.
Each song is a unique composition, ranging
from contemporary arrangements of three traditional hymns which
move the soul to worship, to songs that "inspire movement, adoration
and praise", and songs that "encourage commitment." This reviewer
highly recommends this truly encouraging, upbeat collection of songs
that comfort, sooth the soul and energize one's walk with the Lord,
especially over the rough spots that enter our lives. CD is also
perfect to listen to in the car on the way to work, school or on
vacation, as it will give you a spiritual mindset to face your day.
Songs on WEST COAST WORSHIP
* * * (I WILL NOT BE) SHAKEN - Words and
Music - by CD's producer Tony Guerrero - based on Psalm 62.
A favorite of this reviewer. A peppy praise
and worship song, with a captivating melody, balanced dynamics and
Christian rock beat which encourages the listener to stand firm,
and put trust in the Lord, because of the hope we have in the Lord's
good promises of always being there as a source of love. strength
and faithfulness.
Sensitive use of drums (played by Adam Watts),
which remain in background during the stanzas, supporting the catchy
beat of the song, but not overpowering the spirit of worship of
the lyrics, brought to life by the calm expressive vocals of Jadon
Lavik, harmony vocals by Lyndsey Lloyd Wallace, the nice acoustic
/ base guitar work & keyboards of Tony Guerrero which so nicely
support the melody.
Chorus - Drums increase in sound into full
rock beat, strongly supporting the catchy melody and vocals sung
by a small ensemble, making this song impossible not to move to
and feel the spirit.
Related Scriptural References: (John 14:1,
27, 3:18, 2 Cor: 1:24b)
Lyrical Samples:
Stanza 1: My soul finds rest in You, My fortress
and my rock. My hope for life, my hiding place. My refuge and my
God. In You I've found my home. My shelter from the storm. And I'll
pour out my heart to You. And lean upon your throne.
Chorus: I will put my trust in You. I will
put my hope there, too. I will stand upon Your word. And I will
not be shaken. I will let my praises show. Holding on to what I
know. Because I know You're always there. And I will not be shaken,
I will not be shaken.
Stanza 2: I will not be moved. I'm leaning
on the throne. Because You died for me. And called me to Your own.
And even when the strongest winds begin to blow. I will stand my
ground. I will not be moved. I will not be shaken
. * * * TRUST GOD - Words and Music by Rick
Muchow.
Another favorite of this reviewer. Song
starts with a really nice upbeat acoustic guitar intro. Nice guitar
work carries the lovely melody first time through the main stanza,
supporting nicely the smooth, expressive vocals by Rick Muchow.
Other instruments join at the repeat of the stanza. Composition
has nice dynamics that build to the refrain, and throughout the
song. Nice blend of instrumentation makes the song interesting to
listen to. Nice touches in Rick'svocals and harmony provided by
Lyndsey's lovely voice, and the skill of the other musicians enhance
the song.
Related Scripture References: (Phillipians
4:13 & 2:13, 1 Peter 4:11. Romans 8:28)
Lyrical Samples:
Main Stanza: Trust God from the bottom of
your hear. Don't try to figure out everything on your own. Trust
God for where your life is going. God is in control, God is in control.
Refrain: Commit to the Lord, whatever you
do. And your plans will succeed. Pray - Lord I'm available to You.
Here I am, Lord, use me. God is control, God is in control.
Hook: Trust God, Trust God, Trust God, Trust
God, Trust God.
* * + AMAZING - Based on John Newton's 1779
text, Amazing Grace. Arranged and Adapted by Tony Gurrereo.
John Newton would be insanely happy if he
knew how his one song has inspired Christian artists in every part
of our country, in every musical genre, to create really inspiring
versions of this most poplular reverent praise hymn. Tony Gurrero's
lovely version is both reverent and upbeat, resulting in an inspiring
worship song that uplifts one into a spiritual state of mind.
Reverent intro, with just strummed chords
on guitar, and introduces stanza 1 lyrics, sung in a soothing, hymn-like
style by Jadon Lavik, who sings it once through. Segues nicely into
an upbeat praise and worship song with a nice melody, with rest
of band picking up the tempo a bit, established by light drums &
cymbol taps. Nice blending of energetic guitars which support the
melody and the beat of the song, keyboards help support melody.
Smooth backup vocals by a talented group of singers.
Related Scripture References: (Ephesians 2
: 4, 7, 8, & 1:7-8, Romans 2:1, 7: 14-25)
Lyrical Samples:
Stanza: 1: Your grace is amazing, How sweet
it sounds to me. That it could save me, Simply amazing.
Stanza 2: I once had lost my way, Until
You found me. And when I could not see. You came to show me. Chorus:
Amazing, amazing, amazing, Your grace to me Repeat of Stanza 1 &
2.
Hook: Segues into first line of original
lyrics: Amazing grace, how sweet it sounds, that saved a wretch
like me.................
* * + HOW GREAT THOU ART - Original Words
and Music by: Stan K. Hine, 1953.
An older stirring prayer-worship hymn, a
favorite of many, is sensitively rearranged by Tony Guerrero / Lyndsay
Lloyd Wallace with contemporary worship band instruments (electric
guitars, bass, light symbol work, with some drums in the refrain
& organ) delicately supporting not overpowering the original beautiful
melody, carried by the heart-felt, vocals by Lyndsay Lloyd Wallace,
herself. This arrangement has the effect of preserving the hymns'
powerful sacredness and lyrics, but offers a modern accompaniment,
a blend that really works.
Related Scriptural References: (Psalm 8,
Rev.11:12 & Rev. 21:4, John 3:16)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Oh Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made. I see the stars I hear
the rolling thunder. Thy power throughout. The universe displayed.
Refrain: Then sings my soul. My Savior God
to Thee. How great Thou art. How great Thou art. Then sings my soul.
My Savior God to Thee. How great Thou art. How great Thou art.
2) And when I think. That God His Son not
sparing. Sent Him to die, I scarce can tkae it in. That on the cross.
My burden gladly bearing. He bled and died To take away my sin.
Refrain.
3) When Christ shall come. With shout of
acclamation. And take me home. What joy shall fill my heart. Then
I shall bow, In humble adoration. And there proclaim. My God how
great Thou art.
* * * + THE GREATEST MYSTERY - Words and
Music by Rick Muchow and Rick Warren
The favorite worship hymn of this reviewer.
A lovely worship hymn that invites the seeker to feel the love of
God reaching out to them, and realize that only He can fill the
emptiness inside.
Great keyboard programming (Tony Guerrero)
starts the song with a mysterious heavenly sound and continues through
the first stanza & bridge, giving the song a feeling of a heavenly,
devine Lord Jesus reaching out and waiting for our response. Smooth,
expressive vocals, sung by Rick carry the theme of the song, backed
up by the glorious Saddleback Church Choir. Very soft, expressive
musical accompaniment, with just a hint of percussion. Interesting
melody segues between a minor and a major key, which catches the
listener, and draws one into the spirit of the song. Drums become
an upbeat presence in the middle to the end of the song, as the
dynamics grow. Ending stanza returns to the style of the beginning.
Related Scripture References: (1 John 5:7-8,
John 3:16-18, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:38-39)
Lyrical Samples
Stanza 1: There is a better life, A life
of love and understanding. there is a better life. A better life
than what seems good enough.
Bridge: Close your eyes. For a minute and
feel the love of God. Reaching out to you. Realize only He can fill
the emptiness. Inside of you.
Refrain: There's a life that is filled with
meaning. A life that is freed by grace. A life to be risen in everyone.
Come alive, come alive, Come alive, come alive, Come alive, come
alive.
Stanza 2: The greatest mystery, Is that
the god of all the universe. Would even think of me. The greatest
tragedy Isn't dying, it is living without meaning. Stanza 3. What
you want. Is you want meaning...meaning. Deep inside your heart.
You know it's true. You gotta have meaning. Something's missing.
You don't know what, You don't know why. It's meaning If you need
something to live for, More than something to live on, You gotta
have meaning. Bridge and Refrain.
* * * + FAITH - Words and Music by Adam
Watts.
This reviewer's favorite acoustic praise
and worship song. Adam not only plays the drums, but can sing and
compose wonderful music as well. First fell in love with this song
when I heard a version of it done by Jill Parr on her debut CD,
ORBIT. I was really excited to hear the original acoustic version.
The lovely melody with nice variations, meaningful lyrics, fine
guitar work and expressive vocals of this song lifts the listener
out of worldly troubles, reminding all that faith in the Lord and
depending on Him will bless you with peace, inner joy and the gift
of God's love that helps us to endure.
Related Scripture References: (Romans 4:13,
16, & Romans 5:1-5, Phil.4:13, Ephesians 2:7-8)
Lyrical Samples:
1) With simple love, We can rise above. Understand
then believe. Fall into trust, He will fill you up. Letting go equals
peace. Wisdom isn't meaning. Chasing after wind. What will be has
been before. Even when you're bleeding. Stand in awe of God, He
cares.
* * Chorus: There's a path that leads through
pain. There's a freedom that awaits. And it's all a prayer away.
This gift of love that won't fade away. Is available everyday. Through
faith. Through faith.
2) No need to wait. Just to open up. Welcome
Him within. Then He will come. And His will, will be done. Brand
new life will begin. thirsty for a meaning. We all crave the Son.
A void within us seeks the One. Grace is for the living. It's easier
to breathe in love.
Hook: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
* * * INTO YOUR ARMS - Words and Music by
Rick Muchow
Another strong favorite praise hymn of this
reviewer. Enjoyed the smooth, beautiful vocals by Rick. Beautiful,
catchy melody that flows and uplifts, coupled with a light peppy
beat which immediately catches the listener, drawing the listener
into worship of the Lord. Nice dynamical quality to the whole composition.
Song begins with fine vocalist Rick and acoustic guitar playing
broken chords, with soft keyboards in the background. Second stanza
strings , piano back up vocals by Lyndsay join the Sound builds
to the chorus, when light drums and electrical guitars and full
band swell the sound. Other stanzas have soft accompaniment of nice
combinations of the other instruments, some playing a nice counter
melody, which all blends together to support melody.
Related Scriptural References: (John 14:1,
Phil. 4:6-8, 1 Peter 5:7)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Where can I go, When no one is listening.
Where can I go Above all the noise. In the days of innocence, in
days of darkness, Where can I go, Where can I go?
2) Where can I go, But into your presence.
Where can I go, but right where you are.In the days of innocence,
in days of darkness, Where can I go, Where can I go ?
Chorus: But into Your arms, Oh Father, Into
Your arms, Oh Jesus, Into Your arms, Into Your arms.
* * * SING OF YOUR LOVE - Words and Music
by Tony Guerrero
Another favorite praise song that makes you
move! Nice easy rock beat, a melodious tune, moving lyrics of praise
and worship, supported by some great guitar work and keyboards.
Vocals are well sung by Jadam Watts. Simple yet meaningful lyrics
make this one easy to learn.
Lyrical Sample
: 1). You are holy, Lord. You are awesome
in power. You are mighty Lord. You are my one deisre. Chorus: And
I will sing of Your love, Sing of your mercy, Lord, I will worship
you forever.
2).You are holy, Lord. You are worthy of
reverence. You are precious, Lord. Fill my heart with Your presence.
* * + PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME - Words and Music
by Tony Guerrero
Another great praise song by Tony, with a
hard rock beat, catchy rhythms that would appeal especially to young
people. Electric guitars really cook with sharp support rhythems,
and have some nice rift solos between chorus and third verse. Jadin
does a great job with the vocals.
Related Scripture references: (Phil. 3:7-10,
1 John 5:7, Romans 8:38) Lyrical Sample:
1) Jesus, when I think of You, Dying on
the cross. Everything I once had gained. I count it all as loss.
Jesus, I thank You, Jesus, I thank You.
2) You have been my comforter, You are my
best friend, I will lift my voice and sing. I will lift my hands.
Jesus, I praise You, Jesus, I praise You
Chorus: Oh, Praise Your holy name, Oh, Praise
Your holy name.
3) Everytime I think of You, And how You
first love me. I am filled with joy unbound. I want the world to
see that Jesus, I love You, Jesus, I love You.
* * * BE THOU MY VISION - Original Words
and Music: Traditional Irish - First translated by Mary E. Byrne,
1905. Versed by Eleanor H.Hull, 1912. Arranged for this CD by Tony
Guerrero & Lyndsey Lloyd.
Is another wonderful prayer hymn, the perfect
song to end this praise and worship CD. The heavenly, reverent vocals
by Lyndsey Lloyd Wallace are delicately supported with just piano
and keyboards, played by Tony Guerrero.
The Irish Christians of long, long ago depended
on the Lord to lead and guide them, as much as people didthrough
the centuries up to the present. People then and now have asked
the Lord for vision, wisdom, discernment, and eimpowerment to withstand
worldly temptations, such as the lure of money and praise of men,
which can get in the way of personal relationships with the Lord
and His purpose for our lives. The last verse reminds us of the
hope we have to look forward to in Jesus Christ, when we go home
to be with Him.
Related Scriptural References: (Matt. 6:33)
Lyrical Samples:
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart. Naught
be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best thought by day
or by night. Waking or sleeping, Thy presence, my light.
Be thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word.
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord. Thou my great Father, I
Thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I need not, nor man's empty praise.
Thou mine inheritance, now and always. thou and Thou only, first
in my heart. High King of heaven my treasure thou art. High King
of heaven, my victory won.
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's
sun. heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision,
o ruler of all.
Reviewed by Julie Carr // ChristianMusic.com.
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