Album Notes

Our upbeat rhythms and blend of unique instruments have led us to be compared to the likes of Jars of Clay, Lifehouse, Switchfoot and Dave Matthews Band. "You guys are going to go places!" said Carolee Riba, an Account Manager for WZSF-FM (106.7 the Fish) at a December blood drive in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Despite our recent increase in popularity, our main purpose has not changed: To have fun while using our gifts to reach out to the broken.


Currently we are working on gaining more exposure in order to increase the effectiveness of our message. Some ways that we are accomplishing this include: participating in battle of the bands competitions, playing benefit concerts and promoting our website (www.rufustree.com). We recently embarked on a tour in Japan where we gave several performances for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.


Our first album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee during the summer of 2001. Russ Long was the engineer who worked with us on the project. Other artists that Russ has worked with include: Sixpence None the Richer, DC Talk, and Newsboys. Michael Aukofer was the producer for the album. Michael has also worked with Alathea, Ryan Long, and Beggarman. Our second album entitled, "Dying to Live", was released in June. We were blessed to have guitar legend, Phil Keaggy, and Dove award winner, Mitch McVicker, record on two songs each.


We are constantly growing and working to improve our music, stage presence, and our fan base. Many ideas that we've put into practice we've learned from more experienced artists. Since Rufus Tree's inception in 1998, we've had the privilege of opening for Sonicflood, Derek Webb, The Normals, Satellite Soul, Mitch McVicker, Rusted Root, Bill Mallonee, and Lifehouse.


The media in Chicago and its surrounding areas has begun to take notice of our growing popularity. The Chicago radio stations 104.7 WCFL and 106.7 WZSF have interviewed us on the air while helping to promote our music. In addition, the Fox Valley Daily Herald featured us in a full-page spread entitled "Playing on Faith" during June of 2002.


Through the use of uncommon instruments such as the accordion, mandolin, harmonica, and hammer dulcimer added to the standard guitar, bass and percussion norm, we've managed to create our own sound and spark interest in places that we never thought were possible.


"...but now that I'm awakened from an empty dream, I see the light I smothered with the things that I don't need."
-Rufus Tree