Ric Flauding: Composer-Guitarist-Music Director: Press

REGARDING "ESCAPE" ALBUM:
Sound/Style: skillfully rendered and stylistically varied instrumentals

By Steve Morley

(UMCom)—Question: What distinguishes music as inherently "spiritual" or "non-spiritual"? (Hint: It can’t be definitively answered…) Considerable controversy has sprung up from time to time around this inquiry, relevant here as this writer prepares—for the first time ever at UMC.org—to address the merits of an instrumental album.

Some may question whether music without lyrics can speak to issues of Christian life. That argument rapidly escalates, though, when you consider the mention of Jesus Christ in a song doesn’t necessarily make that song "Christian" any more than the mention of the devil renders a song satanic. Ultimately, it’s the spirit one senses in music – a divine gift in itself – that says the most about its "spiritual value."

Anyone who has heard guitarist Phil Keaggy’s The Master And The Musician or Beyond Nature is well aware of this (admittedly, it helps to know the artist has a Christian foundation, though this can result in narrow-minded "profiling" if the listener requires such information to find a piece of music acceptable).

Composer and multi-instrumentalist Ric Flauding is one of many who have submitted recordings for review in this forum, designed specifically for independent Christian artists. His prodigious catalog contains CDs of hymns and predominantly sacred Christmas music, yet his less classifiable album, Escape, is an artistic statement that veers from the path of pleasant yet unremarkable works by indie acts, whether secular or sacred in intent.

Often, collectors of meditative, atmospheric music must settle for the work of artists whose faith orientation is foggy, licentious and clearly not aligned with their own, as is the case with much "new age" music, despite the quality it may contain. This is hardly the case with Flauding, who puts his work in perspective in the CDs liner notes: "My goal has always been to (express) love for God, serenity and simplicity (and) to provide an escape from the everyday events that can prevent us from seeing the beauty around us." For most people, that would constitute a ministry.

Flauding delivers on his promise of an aural excursion, with spaciously produced compositions featuring acoustic guitar flanked by flutes, saxophone and auxiliary textures both rhythmic and ethereal. His classical-influenced guitar style is clean and precise yet as free and emotive as that of a beret-topped troubadour. He alternately evokes the cinematic ("A Gentle Thunder," "Braw Bricht Moon"), the South American ("Brasilia," "San Juan") and the wistful on cuts such as the Celtic-influenced "My Love Awaits." On more ambitious pieces like "Above The Clouds" and "Rejoice" he mixes the above mediums, turning unexpectedly jazzy corners and uniting the exotically romantic with the celestial.

To his credit, the skilled guitarist doesn’t call undue attention to his six-string prowess, letting his songs be the canvas upon which he and his guest musicians paint soothing and evocative hues. The rising and falling soundscapes on Escape, despite their sedative tendencies, stop just short of the snooze-inducing nature of much "quiet time" music, often enchanting and occasionally invigorating the senses with imagination and finesse.

Steve Morley is a freelance music journalist living in College Grove, Tenn.

This review was developed by UMC.org, the official online ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Regarding "Alexander University eLearning".
SEE PAGE "7".

Regarding "Alexander University eLearning".

“Consistently enjoyable work sparkles with Flauding’s beautiful arrangements…”

“Flauding’s albums of contemporary jazz reveals a genius…(Ric) plays guitar with controlled restraint. He is no show off: his music is so good he does not need to dazzle you with pyrotechnic playing.”

“Ric is, as multi dimensional of an artist as you will find anywhere online. Perhaps best known for his complex and rhythmic jazz compositions Ric is equally as comfortable in settings that run the gamut from orchestral to acoustic finger style guitar. This artist has an amazing catalog of music available to the listener and just about anyone can find something to meet their needs on his page. If Jazz is what you seek then Ric Flauding will surely deliver the goods. With Contemporary arrangements featuring the acoustic guitar and built upon layer after layer of rich and harmonious sound Ric will leave you spellbound by his fluid mastery over the guitar. Without having to utilize the speed demon tactics of so many other guitarists Ric weaves intricate melodies throughout his work that is as clean and concise as any guitarist I have ever heard. As good as the jazz of Ric Flauding is where this artist really shines is on his simple yet complexly beautiful acoustic arrangements of such classic traditional tunes as “Amazing Grace”, and “O Come All Ye Faithful”. Many play and record these timeless classics but few manage to give them new life or make them their own. Ric does both. With understated class and beauty Ric displays his mastery over the classical guitar in a way that would leave David Wilcox or Flamenco great Esteban envious. A true talent hidden among the masses Ric Flauding is the consummate musicians, musician and an artist who’s CD’s would be a cherished addition to any collection of fine music. Don’t let the Jazz title throw you while he is as fine a Jazz artist as you find his diversity runs much deeper and his other works should not be overlooked. Filled with passionate emotion this artist will carry you on musical journey after journey on the wings of some the most beautiful guitar melodies you will ever hear.”
(CMAP voted Ric “Best Online Jazz Artist”).

“To a year filled with stellar acoustic albums, Flauding adds another smooth melodic gem…The result is truly joyous-a nearly perfect pop jazz collection.”

“Ric Flauding’s album “Love Was…”, continues to define Flauding as a major talent, a driving force toward a more accessible and meditative synthesis of jazz, new age and classic melodic communication...a very radio-friendly project.”

“Ric Flauding’s musical offerings are as rich and varied as the jazz spectrum itself-passion, power, creativity!”

“The listener can thoroughly enjoy and hum along with the stellar melodies Flauding has crafted here.”

“With soaring melodies, rich harmonies, a wonderful arrangement, and many other beautiful, soothing elements, this piece hit’s the mark dead center. I’m left feeling enriched and enlightened, with a renewed sense of self. Like a friend of mine once said, “It’s therapy with notes”.
A nearly flawless nylon string adventure through rolling melodies and a mere chord solo like comp. I can especially appreciate the execution of the string and harp sections that open up the gateway to the meadowlands of flutes the guitar is well pronounced and lays the foundation for the rest of the piece. Very well done”. - regarding “Rejoice” from the “Escape” CD.

“There are some very interesting, very exciting sounds in this album by Ric Flauding. Flauding offers provocative music that would be suitable for dancing-or as nifty background theme music for motion pictures.”

“Ric has a definite flair for melody!”

“Ric shows his skill…like a woodcarver might lovingly show off a favorite carving—with a sense of humility and a great big, ear-to-ear grin. He evokes moods bright and brassy in the title cut, to mellow and thoughtful…”Refuge” almost demands one’s undivided attention.”

“Discover the genius of jazz guitarist Ric Flauding. The best kept secret in Christian music!”

“If you play classical guitar, then you need this excellent book of Christmas solos. Each one of these solos is arranged for classical guitar by Richard G. Flauding. This is one of our best selling classical guitar books, and we highly recommend it.” - (regarding Ric’s book of arrangements distributed by Hal Leonard and Columbia Pictures Publications).

“Some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz join with Ric to help paint “Jazz Portraits”. Ric, together with Eric Marienthal, Greg Vail, Russell Ferrante and others, render a colorful, instrumental landscape filled with soothing guitars, alto sax, keyboards, bass and percussion. “Jazz Portraits” is an excellent purchase for any soft-jazz lover and a must have for every Ric Flauding fan!”

“Your home and your heart will be peaceful and relaxed as you listen to this outstanding collection of favorite Christmas songs…arranged and recorded in an easy and comfortable style. Ric Flauding, with his tender and sensitive touch on guitar , brings new life to some beloved carols”

“SoundScape-South California” will transport you, mind - heart - and spirit - to those beautiful areas in California…not Southern California with its traffic congestion…but to South California, a place of picturesque beaches, colorful sunsets and peaceful, rural highways .Take a musical ride with the outstanding composer/guitarist Ric Flauding…escape with “SoundScape”…explore and experience the mood and melodies of South California”.

"Bands Who Use Studio Musicians On Their Albums":
"In a recent interview in a French magazine, (Dave) Mustaine (Megadeth/Metallica) told he was not playing all guitar parts in his albums, but the ones that are too difficult to play, are made by other musicians....
On "The System Has Failed", some acoustic parts are played by Ric Flauding, and most of chorus by Chris Rodriguez".

“The music was outstanding, it played a very important role in a very important series.”
- (regarding Ric’s score for “For Safety’s Sake” starring Gary Coleman, Rance Howard and others. Ric won an award for his score).

“What sets “Say It” apart from other Gospel recordings is Lewis’ powerful combination of punches. For example, songs like “One Step Of Faith” and “Drink Of Me” are supported with authentic string arrangements that computers and synthesizers could hardly rival. These songs could be the opening tracks to the Christian’s soundtrack of life…Don’t get us started on “Be Unto Thee” unless, in a word: “Oooooooooooooo!” - review regarding Kecia Lewis’ “Someone’s Gotta Say It”. Ric arranged & conducted the orchestra on this album. Kecia has appeared on Broadway and is on the television show “The Hughleys”.