Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Back in CR58, Rufus commented, “The whole of creation demonstrates how marvellous God is.” Equally marvellous is how a black singer/songwriter/guitarist like Rufus can record music so impossible to classify. Here this exceptionally talented songsmith returns with another hugely impressive and highly original album. Again diversity rules. One second Rufus brews up turbulent rock funk like on the propulsive title track, next he’s gliding through a wistfully delicate praise song. The intricate vocal arrangements and layers of harmony he carefully builds up create an air of wistfulness while his apocalyptic lyrics, on the moody “Love In What You Do” are poetically memorable. If you’re looking for music that carries considerable spiritual weight and fits into no stereotypical marketing niche, investigate this album.
Reviewed by Tony Cummings - Cross Rhythms Magazine
Take a pile of soul, a pinch of pop, some lush harmonies and turn it all over to God and what do you get? A debut album from Rufus Harris. On top of being a very soulful singer, Harris is also an exceptionally fluid guitar player so whether he's raising his voice or playing his guitar, there's plenty of melody throughout. Vocally a great deal of this reminds me of '80s band The Christians and the mix of pop'n'soul is a refreshing vehicle for Rufus to sing worship lo his creator or simply exhort listeners. Highlights include the extended mix of "2BePraised" with its guitar workout and the opening psalmlike "Who Is Like Him?" with its rock guitar energy colliding with the funky rhythms of the track. "Captain" has a storming groove, twin guitar solos and once more the trademark Harris soul as he reminds us that Jesus is the captain we follow. "Risen" gets bluesy whilst "U Must B Born Again" and "The Worship Song" both inhabit inspirational territory without getting bland. There are limitations here even when considering Harris' wide musical skills as producer, writer and player. For example, live drums would have added an extra punch, but these are just quibbles when you consider the overall achievements on this debut. Skilful and soulful, Rufus Harris is one to watch!
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer - Cross Rhythms Magazine
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Incredible live music with a relevant and positive message not only exists in Metro Detroit: it's thriving. You may not find Rufus Harris playing a smoky bar downtown, in a trendy jazz club, or even at a hip downtown concert venue, but you don't have to go to church Sunday morning to see him either. “I first heard Rufus in Dearborn at a monthly concert series called 4thFridays, he and his band astounded our whole group. The quality of the music and message surpassed most anything I've heard over the radio lately. Though Rufus and his band presented a variety of rock, jazz, blues, with each melody I felt like I was time traveling back to the positive and exciting Motown days we all loved so much.” says Rev. Richard Dalton of Christ our King Mission. Many legendary Motown acts have roots in our local African American churches, drawing from their upbeat melodies and good news messages. Rufus Harris believes that Detroit has limitless deposits of rich spirit and talent, and he proves it in every performance, and also through his helpful encouragement and collaborations with many other performers throughout our metro area.
Rufus Harris will appear "unplugged" with his superb voice and fluid guitar playing in Royal Oak on June 6th, at 4:00 p.m. at 4000 Normandy (13 % Mile) just west of Woodward Ave in the sanctuary of Emmanuel Bethel Church. Admission is free, but pantry food donations for inner city missions are welcomed. "Whether in Royal Oak or Dearborn or his other venues coming to hear Rufus in concert will prove to be a joyful discovery you will want to repeat. With Rufus and the various artists he works with, you will find exceptional and uplifting talent just waiting to be enjoyed by more Detroiters" says Dalton. Come discover Rufus Harris for yourself, for a music sample, area events and other links on the Web visit www.firstatfour.com or call First at Four at 248-656-4864 for further information.
- Richard Dalton
Discography
Come and Listen, Songs of the Savior 2006
How Do You Read It? 2003
Rufus Harris 1999
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Rufus has taken his music to new heights with his sophomore release - How Do You Read it? Its unforgettable melodies, driving rhythms and candid lyrics create a visionary journey that captures an honest yet hopeful look at the state of the Western church. The album challenges the listener with spiritually mature lyrics. Songs like Believe, Not Black or White, No Compromise, and Love in What You Do deliver a non-compromising message designed to build up the church in a state of crisis while My Life, Left with Questions and the title cut How Do You Read It? address commitment and practical reasoning.
The creative melodies and heartfelt words on his freshman release entitled – rufus harris - have won over many music lovers. Songs like Who Is Like Him? and 2Bpraised reveal the glory of God’s creation while Captain, We Long to Glorify, 1INeed and U-R illustrate the relationship one can have with the Father. The album also addresses the resurrection of Jesus, true worship, and the Christian testimony.
Rufus’ music illustrates his creativity and varied musical influences. Each song possesses a cradle of sound that reveals Rufus’ rock edge without neglecting his soulful style or his varied musical influences. He thrills listeners with an array of compositional styles set into a smooth contemporary pop format.
His new Christmas Album entitled - Come and Listen: Songs of the Savior is set to be released this Fall.
At any of Rufus’ performances, the listener will be drawn in by the powerful words every song exudes. The message is presented with clarity that’s fresh and rooted in the Word. Take a journey with Rufus and many others have.
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