Mosaic

Description

Mosaic is a gospel album by the American country and bluegrass singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Ricky Skaggs, released on Skaggs Family Records in 2010, distributed by Fontana Distribution. The album was recorded and mixed by Brent King with Lee Groitzsch at Skaggs Place Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee; with Ricky Skaggs and Gordon Kennedy producing for Skaggs Place Productions. Additional recording by Glen Spinner and Aaron Swihart at The Ample Room. Editing by Steve Beers. Most songs written or co-written by producer Gordon Kennedy (of White Heart and Dogs of Peace fame).

Whilst the response to this latest album from the country and bluegrass veteran has been largely favourable there has been criticism from some corners of the country community that ‘Mosaic’ is too radical and experimental. Complaints have also been made about Ricky’s new look – sure, his hair’s a little longer but it’s not like he’s sporting a Mohican. One is almost reminded of the cries of “Judas” directed towards Bob Dylan when he plugged in his Stratocaster all those years ago. In truth, what we have here is a rather fine alt country record that stops to take in the occasional Celtic or eastern influence in the same way that a Neil Young or Steve Earle album might do. The songs here are all original compositions written by Ricky and producer George Kennedy (who also contributes guitar and backing vocals). The record opens with the title track which is a soulful country rocker that Skaggs sings beautifully, his voice finding the perfect balance between sweetness and grit. Other highlights include the epic «Fire From The Sky» that closes with electric guitar and crashes of thunder (the latter are credited to God in the sleevenotes) and the delicate, piano-led «A Walk Of Love». There’s also one or two guests on the record including Ricky’s daughter Molly, rock icon Peter Frampton and, most surprisingly of all, 101 year old George Beverly Shea appearing between tracks singing a snippet of «I’d Rather Have Jesus» that he composed in 1932. A hugely listenable and enjoyable record that may just win Ricky some new fans. [Peter Timmis, Cross Rhythms, October 2010]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/mosaic-bonus-track-version/711883119)

CD tracklist:

01. Mosaic
02. Can’t Shake Jesus
03. Make God First
04. Someday Soon
05. Instead
06. Shepherd’s Voice
07. Picture
08. Fire From The Sky / I’d Rather Have Jesus
09. I’m Awake Now
10. My Cup Runneth Over
11. You’ll Find God
12. A Work Of Love
13. Return To Sender
Bonus Track:
14. Spontaneous Worship

Note: Track 8 contains a hidden song with vocals by George Beverly Shea (track 8.2). Total time for Track 8 is 6:48. George Beverly Shea was 101 years old at the time of this recording.

[youtube_sc url=”vT-USno02BQ” title=”Ricky Skaggs Talks About Mosaic” autohide=”1″ rel=”0″]