Throughout his career, Rich Mullins contributed recordings that rank among the best in CCM, and although he left a legacy of studio recordings, what was missing from his catalog was a proper live album. His talent as a songwriter and musician is well documented on disc, yet his true gift would shine through at his live performances, where his engaging spirit spilled out over a captivated audience through music and stories. Here in America is a collection of studio demos and various live performances that provide a small sampling of Mullins' natural ability to perform, entertain, and relate to his audience. Performances on the CD are from 1987, at a time when his career was blossoming and he brimmed with energy, while the DVD features a more reflective and reserved Mullins in a 1997 television concert taped mere months before his tragic auto accident. Without healing any of the bumps and bruises through studio trickery, the live tracks on the CD are presented in their original recorded state from different sources such as a handheld tape recorder, which makes certain songs sound like a recording made by proud parents of their child's band concert. Permeating the hiss with his frenetic personality, Mullins teaches an audience to sing, shares humorous asides, and recklessly accompanies himself on the piano through songs like "Verge of a Miracle," which almost careens out of control. With his guitar and a little accompaniment he rips through a rockin' version of "It Don't Do," surpassing the tepid album version, while the a cappella song "Screen Door" blows away the audience as Mullins and his group create beats with a choreographed cup routine on a tabletop (as seen on the DVD). Scattered throughout the disc are piano/vocal studio demos that include the title track and the jubilant original "O Come All Ye Faithful," a majestic yet obscure song recorded by Debby Boone in 1983 that somehow failed to find its way onto a Mullins album. Sounding more like a bootleg than a formal release, this disc, along with the DVD, is a genuine treat for fans and a nice supplement for followers who want to learn more about Mullins; however, those who are just beginning to discover this talented singer/songwriter would be better served by listening to 1996's Songs, the best-of package. Here in America is not the definitive missing live album, but it does lovingly document the gifts of an artist whose voice, music, and message have been missed. ~ Aaron Latham, All Music Guide