Mitch McVicker's New CD- "Love Will Rise"

Mitch is an excellent singer-songwriter on his own, but is probably best known as the co-writer of the Dove Award Winning song, "My Deliverer" with Rich Mullins, as well as Rich's apprentice of sorts who was in the accident with him almost 10 years ago that took Rich's life. Mitch was injured severely in that accident, and after a very long recovery has gone on to release several cds and tour extensively across 49 states.

I remember the first time I heard Mitch in concert. It was October of 1996, and Rich Mullins was giving an open-air concert in Cathedral Square in Mobile, Alabama. We took our blanket and got a great seat on the lawn. Rich had a new friend touring with him, and Mitch joined him on stage for a number of original songs as well as accompanying Rich. We were really impressed with such a young guy who was just out of college with such musical talent. We chatted with Rich and Mitch for a while after that concert and were anticipating Mitch's album coming out soon.

We saw them in July at Cornerstone 1997 where they performed "Canticle of the Plains" which was a play Rich wrote and Mitch starred in with Leigh Nash, Kevin Max and Michael Tate. (Those CDs are hard to come by and Mitch has them for sale as well.) 2 months later Rich and Mitch has just finished Mitch's album and were on the road from Illinois to Kansas when the terrible wreck happened that resulted in Rich's passing and Mitch's injuries. The cd went on to be released a number of months later, and it is still probably our favorite of Mitch's. Rich does some BGVs, plays piano and is basically all over that CD.

We saw Mitch in concert many many times after that, touring with Cobra Joe Curet, Brad Layher and sometimes Erik Hauk. He toured frequently in the Carolinas, and since we were childless at that point we travelled all over the 2 states to see him play. Then we moved to Memphis, which is the black hole for all music that we would like.

So, it has been many moons since we saw Mitch in concert, or heard anything new from him on disc....5 years as a matter of fact. Imagine my surprise on Wednesday the 5th to accidentally discover he would be in Memphis on Friday the 7th for a FREE concert nonetheless! Babysitter confirmed, we were on our way.

The concert was great, and was also the kickoff tour for his new CD called "Love Will Rise". (Clips and more info at his website.) He is touring quite a bit to promote the new disc, so check his website for dates and see if he is headed to your city soon.

(With the upcoming anniversary of Rich's death, expect a week of posts relating to Rich Mullins beginning on the 16th. )