This CD marks a new beginning for A Ragamuffin Band. After paying tribute to the late Rich Mullins with The Jesus Record, these four musical journeymen have once again taken up a creative venture. This time, with the intent to find their identity as an autonomous band, they have recorded a project of their own design. Several years of touring and recording with Mullins have left a recognizable imprint in their music, but lead singer and producer Rick Elias brings his own distinctive persona to the proceedings. At times, there is an earthiness to this CD that surfaces through a prayerful honesty about the human condition. In other moments, the songs become an exploration of the well-known prayers of the saints. This discourse on communicating with God contains several guitar-driven tracks that will cause you to move with the music, but the energy lifts up the message rather than detracts from it. The use of strings and piano, and the occasional inclusion of harmonica, accordion, organ, and chimes, ensure that every song carries a fresh musical expression to match this project's reflective nature. Although the word "ragamuffin" describes one who is disordered and unkempt, it must be said that these Ragamuffins have presented a collection of songs that is splendidly orchestrated and mindfully adorned. --Israel Button