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CURRENTLY IN MUSIC
Unruh’s latest CD worth the wait

Jon Unger Brandt

Remember
Rick Unruh.
Silent Planet Records.

Open my arms, let the spirit in
If we were made for anything,
We were made for this,
To believe
—“Made For This”

Varied. Melodic. Challenging. Remember, by folk artist Rick Unruh, is a delight that has been worth the wait. This CD, coming five years after his last, moves you from contemplation to conviction in just a few songs. Starting with “River’s Edge”, Unruh reminds us of the ever-presence of God.

This is a constant theme even as he struggles with our overconsuming world in “Hungry Ghost”: “There is a hungry ghost inside of me/He cries ‘The more I get the more I need’/ – Or the poverty of broken wings.”

The challenge of Unruh’s songs comes in the implicit. He does not tell us what to think or how to praise. Instead, he lets us in as he remembers the struggles, the pain and the joy of a life of faith.

Unruh wrote all but one of the songs on this album – that one being an odd, short song by George Harrison, “Isn’t it a pity”. It fits in well, and is quite a fun concert experience with Unruh’s background vocalist, Nicky Mehta.

Unruh has surrounded himself with strong players for this album, particularly Mehta and Lloyd Peterson, who also co-produced the album.

Another provocative feature of this CD is the packaging. Diana Thorneycroft, a stunningly-talented photographer and artist, worked with Unruh on a series of photographs used in the booklet. The photos add a visual dimension to an already rich audio experience.

Because of my deep affection for Wonder and Blue, Unruh’s previous CD, this album took a few listens to grab me. It has a few different sounds and a more produced feel. However, Remember is a moving collection of songs. It has definitely been worth the wait.

While the world spins around
Tumblin’ through space
We are lost and found
‘Neath a mantle of grace
And the fire that burns in every human heart
Pulls our souls toward home.

Jon Unger Brandt is a member of River East MB Church in Winnipeg.

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Last modified May 26, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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