Ricardo Brings Multicultural Flair To The Modern Worship Scene With Unmerited
New Waymaker Records recording artist Ricardo made his nationwide debut yesterday with the release of Unmerited – an unabashed celebration of Praise & Worship, set to catchy and memorable adult contemporary music. With English lyrics interspersed with an occasional chorus-her-or-bridge there in Spanish, the CD’s thirteen songs – the majority written by Ricardo – speak to an expansive, demographically diverse group of people, but always of the love of the One True God.
"Often people get wrapped up in the idea of 'religion,' but lack a real saving knowledge of who Jesus truly is - just like I had been," explains Ricardo. "I hope to carry the message of truth that Christ is more than mere religion and encourage people towards a deep and personal relationship with Him."
Producer Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, LaRue), whose work in mainstream and CCM markets has sold over 5 units, brings musical muscle and a shimmering polish to Ricardo’s expressive voice and natural knack for melodies and hooks, delivering both uptempo songs and tender ballads with passion and profound anointing.
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The album’s first Inspo single "I Call Your Name,” is currently garnering adds on radio stations nationwide. The second single, "Come Down," will be serviced to AC stations in the next few weeks and is poised for summer airplay.
Ricardo is currently the minister of music and worship leader at the 1,700-member First Assembly Dream Center in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona, and has been both a youth and worship leader at a number of large churches across the country. He has also served as a touring musician, songwriting partner and co-worship leader with his long-time friend Israel Houghton - one of today's most successful and sought-after worship leaders and recording artists. Now, fresh from his stint on the "So Natural Tour" with Salvador and By The Tree, Ricardo finds himself on the verge of a major national platform of his own.
"Ricardo's ability to communicate relevantly to young and old through great musical skill with transparent cross-culture worship makes him such a refreshing gift to Christian music," says Israel.
"I feel really settled in my spirit that I'm where the Lord wants me to be," reflects Ricardo. "I love talking to people and discipling them. And I love playing and singing and leading worship." Ricardo loves the mystery that is God and comments that, "I'm still not sure where God's going to take me, but I'm ready to be and do whatever He wants."
Unmerited is available on Waymaker Records, a division of Arizona-based Waymaker Music, and is distributed by Word Distribution. Additional information about Ricardo and his music can be found at http://www.ricardomusic.com
