Michael and Rich in Wichita last January
Hi Rich Fans,
One quick comment before I share this review. The percussionist that people are seeing with Rich this summer, and not catching his name is Michael Aukofer . See the [RichMailList 109]: Wichita, KS 1/31 review for pics of Michael. Like Mitch, Rich met Michael at Friends University. While he usually plays percussion for Rich when Rich is in Wichita, this tour (since it's not an "official Ragamuffin tour") is the first time Michael has toured with Rich.
P.S. Stayed tuned for some interesting news concerning Mitch and Rich, and an upcoming review of This Train's newest CD, Mimes Of The Old West.
From: Tricia Duncan Date: Mon, 21 Jul 1997 10:46:37 Subject: Rich in OKC I can't tell you how excited I was when your e-mail arrived saying the Rich would be in OKC. I had to miss the Dallas concert and the reviews were so wonderful that I was anxious to see the concert. This was my 6th time to see Rich and I have to say it was the best to date. He pretty much did the same line-up as mentioned in other reviews so I'll leave that off. I do have to mention that the cup thing with Submarine was great. I want to talk about the GREAT group of musicians he gathered for this tour. By adding Eric (a phenomenal talent) on the Cello and Mark on the Bass, alot of the songs were given additional musical richness. I did not catch the percussionist's name, but he was amazing. He played "anything you hit" the hammer dulcimer with Rich, xylophone, drums, washboard and more. Mark Robertson played electric bass or stand up bass and Joe the drummer from This Train provided additional percussion. At times, it was as if a full orchestra was on stage the music was so full. Eric's is a good story. He took a year off between college and medical school to drive across country. He met Rich in a gas station in Arizona....now he's touring with him. Talk about being in the right place at the right time and the hand of providence. This Train was hilarious. They had just that day received copies of their new album "Mimes of the West." Mimes being who Jesus meant as "the least of these." This was the conclusion that was brought to them by an extensive internet search of just who might be the least of these. Apparently this song has stepped on a few mime-toes, Mark mentioned that he has received "alot of imaginary hate mail." Both of their albums are a must have. (Subliminal message.....buy them, buy them...) I was glad that Mitch was given alot more time to do his own stuff than in the Spring tour. Boy that guy can sing. Can't wait for his album. One special treat....they made an instore appearance at the Baptist Bookstore. Only 29 people showed up, so it was a very intimate gathering. I had the opportunity to talk to Rich, Mitch and Mark Robertson (This Train). All three were wonderful. I have to admit that inside I was jumping up and down and squealing like a teenager. They greeted people and signed autographs for a few minutes than gave us a mini-unplugged-concert, playing songs that they weren't going to play that night. Rich told us the new album might just be called "10 Songs About Jesus." And Mitch will be in the studio recording his own stuff this fall. I asked Mitch if he felt overwhelmed by the turn his life has taken. He said, at first he was overwhelmed, now he's just tired. I think that getting a chance to meet Rich, Mitch and Mark, really added to my enjoyment of what was quite simply, the most phenomenal concert of the decade!