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CMN: When you see a Catholic priest, you think Latin or Gregorian Chants;
Why have you turned to Bluegrass as a way to praise God?
FR. RICHARD: I love all things Catholic. And I like older Catholic hymns.
I like Latin plainsong. I love the great organ sound. As a seminarian, I was in
a chant group that sang at various celebrations. But, I played Bluegrass long
before I ever thought about becoming a priest. I was already practicing law (JD,
LSU 1983) before I decided to answer the call. Even so, in my ignorance I had
resolved that if the Lord wanted me to be a priest and give up Bluegrass, I
would have done so. Instead, it's been just the opposite. He has always
encouraged me, providentially, to play, and Bluegrass hymns have inspired me to
love Him more. Everything just seems to happen at the right time. I am so
grateful to God. I praise Him for His Majesty, and I am overwhelmed with
gratitude that I have been given this joy. If it all ended today, I would still
be grateful for what I have had these years. |
CMN: Have you seen a growth in your audience since the film "O Brother
Where Art Thou"? Since the Soundtrack has been a number one seller for months
now - do more people take your music to heart?
FR. RICHARD: No question, we Bluegrass musicians now have a much wider
audience than before "O Brother..". More people are interested. Recently, I went
back to my home in Louisiana and played at a Gospel music show in a local music
venue. We were the only Bluegrass group, but many of the people there were
getting into our sound and into the spirit of our music. I am sure that O
Brother had a lot to do with the reception we received there.
My base is still the same, though. Those are the people who have been there all
along and the majority of them ARE CATHOLICS WHO HAPPEN TO LIKE COUNTRY MUSIC!
They are the people in the parishes and churches who have been my support and
inspiration. I wanted to do something for them, to give them something that they
could feel at home with. It's still new though. There isn't a large offering of
Catholic bluegrass.
I haven't seen many others.
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CMN: Was there much differences between the making of your first CD "Do
Whatever He Tells You" and Jimmy Brown- the Newsboy?"
FR. RICHARD: There were several differences. First, I decided that since
I am an unknown artist, I should package the thing better. You will never know
what's inside if the outside doesn't appeal to you enough to want to know what's
in there. I asked Henning Communications in St. Louis to design the cover. Pat
Henning and his company did all of the graphic design for the publications for
John Paul II's visit to St. Louis in 1999. They did an excellent job. The
surprise there is that my sister, Dusty, did the photography and the people at
the Railroad Station are locals dressed up in period dress. My nephew, Myles, is
the newsboy on the track.
Secondly, musically, I have been playing with Ron Yule, Louisiana Champion
Fiddler, and Clifford and Sue Blackmun for a good many years. I recorded a
number of the songs with them this time because I was comfortable with their
style.
Third, I took more control over the recording, mixing, and mastering. I have a
lot to learn in those areas, but I know what I want. It's not the best way to do
it. I actually did some of the digital recording and mixing myself. The first
time through the studio, I felt rushed and I was unsure of how the process
worked. After I got involved in the mixing, and took more time with it, I made
the choice that this would not just go along a schedule and then, voila,
finished product. I decided to take the time I wanted. I also decided, in the
process, that I could add more variety to the sound and not just settle for your
standard 5-piece Bluegrass arrangement.
I learned a lot this time, too. Hopefully, the next one will be even better. |
CMN: Is it hard to write while balancing time with priestly duties and
prayers?
FR. RICHARD: I love being a priest and I wouldn't be doing what I am
doing now if I weren't. Realistically, I can devote very little time these days
to writing music. I am the Academic Dean of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and the
Director of the Paul VI Pontifical Institute of Catechetical and Pastoral
Studies in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. I continue to teach Moral Theology in
the Seminary and I give a number of conferences in the US and a few abroad. This
year I flew to New Zealand to speak and play at the Wellington Eucharistic
Convention. My goal in music writing is to try to put a few new songs on each
new recording. Song writing happens fairly quickly for me and the original
inspiration for each song comes usually in a flash, often in prayer or when I am
being prayerful. An "Ocean of Mercy" came all at once while walking in a park. I
believe the more I pray the more music I will write.
Right now, I have an idea brewing for a song about Mass and the book of
Revelation. I am so unworthy to think about these things, to know these great
mysteries. Yet, it is wonderful to be caught up into Heaven for the celebration
of the Lamb's Supper. My song on that will have a lot to do with the Saints, I
hope.
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