Christian Singer, Songwriter, & Guitarist
REVIEWS
From John Standefer a phenomenal fingerstyle Guitarist, Performer and Teacher:
Said regarding Rufus' voice: His "... voice is one of humble, quiet strength".
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From a quote after performance @ Holiness Church Retreat, Eaton Rapids, MI
Dr. John Oswalt, professor and prolific author said,
"I hope I don't embarrass Rufus... As a pastor I have worked with many musicians.
They are professional, practiced... slick, and false. Rufus is competent, gifted... What
you saw here tonight is the real deal".
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Francis Frangipane - In Christ's Image
From an email:
One more thing. In reading your email this morning I noticed the links at the bottom of the email. So I clicked and got to your myspace page/music. I'm listening to your songs as I write. Let me commend you, what I've heard so far have been excellent. In fact, my wife came to my office a little while ago and had that look on her face that said, "you better give me that music and I want it now!" I mean, seriously, well done brother.
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Bob Dennis - Orthodox Deacon and Former Audio Teacher & Motown Mastering Engineer:
From an email:
Rufus,
Things went great at the Bible Study session today at the jail. It always seems that my latest lesson is always the best but today's lesson was extra special for the students. I added a 3 minute cut from OCTolbert singing the Lord's prayer before I playted your audio, and then a 2.5 minute edited talk from my favorite Orthodox Bible commentator, Fr. Lawrence Farley, towards the end of the period.
When we got to The Worship Song something happened that has never happened before. The class started to sing along with your tune! By time we got to the last chorus the room was full of sound. After it was done we had applause by most of the students!
Obviously you know exactly how to communicate to jail inmates!
Yours In Christ,
Bob
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Come and Listen Reviewed by Trevor Kirk of Cross Rhythms Magazine U.K.
On the evidence of this 10 track CD, checking in at just under 39 minutes, Rufus Harris from Waterford, Minnesota, USA, is a talented guitarist, whether electric or acoustic. On this Yuletide project from 2006, he's taken some old favourite carols, mixed in a couple of recent pieces, done some reworking and arranging, let himself go on a few axe solos and in so doing has managed to escape any accusations from me of excessive Christmas cheesiness. True, his vocals are a little lightweight, but his instrumental and sound engineering proficiency makes up for it: even the antique and done-to-death stuff ("Silent Night", "The Little Drummer Boy", "Joy To The World" et al) benefit from some very thoughtful production, and the opening track, David Crowder's "Come And Listen", has some nice synth strings and good female backing vocals. In clumsier and less capable hands, this might have been Cringe with a capital C but 'Come And Listen' is an admirable Christmas project from an underrated talent.
Click here for actual article.
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How Do You Read It? Reviewed by Tony Cummings of Cross Rhythms Magazine U.K.
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.
Click here for actual article.
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Marc McCune
Survey Results from a member of Phil Keaggy's email list that recommended a
review of the CD: Another good one: Rufus Harris - Christian music from the west
suburbs of Detroit. Think vocals like Curtis Mayfield crossed with Clapton type
guitar playing. Like him alot. Has a CD out which is very good.
Nice suggestion. I've added Rufus to my "Marc's B Side - The Guitarists" music
station on mp3.com Rufus' mp3.com site is located at
http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/96/rufus_harris.html
Very fine guitar work.
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Chris & Nancy Hazelton - Waterford, MI
Rufus' is the best CD we have ever listened to. We bought two CD's, so that we didn't have to fight over the first one any more. Every single song is awesome, and yet very different from the next. This CD combines rock, jazz, blues, and folk music into meaningful "Christian" songs. The lyrics have great meaning, and the music is extremely well written and recorded. We have recommended this CD to all of our neighbors, friends, and family. A MUST HAVE CD!!!
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Chris Kokenos - Livonia, MI
In a day when most Christian music on the radio is pretty bland musically and lyrically, Rufus' album is as they say "a breath of fresh air." Plenty of creative guitar solos, great lyrics, and a high quality recording. Love the album. I have bought several so I can give them to friends and family. I also highly recommend seeing him in concert.
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Mike Rimmer, Assistant Editor of Crossrhythms magazine (the largest contemporary Christian magazine in Europe) wrote,
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 eighties band The Christians and the mix of pop'n'soul is a refreshing vehicle for Rufus to sing worship to 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!
www.crossrhythms.co.uk
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Carl Largerholm, Music reviewer for the Musicbox - Sweden
Rufus Harris is a great discovery I found through the Net. Rufus plays guitar, keys and he has also produced the CD. The music is very soft and smooth westcoast pop with a small fusion touch. Positive lyrics. I really like the record. Rufus' voice and his guitar playing is very delightful. So, if you like George Benson etc. You will like his cd.
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Pastors Robert and Miranda Dixon of Enter Life Ministries Pontiac, MI said,
We at Enter Life Ministries feel very comfortable in recommending the music ministry of Christian Recording Artist, Rufus Harris.
Rufus Harris’ ministry ushers in the refreshing of the Holy Spirit. We have found his music ministry to be both refreshing and uplifting. The lyrics and music in songs like Captain, 2Bpraised and Who Is Like Him remind us in a practical way as to the position, faith and praise that Christ should have in our lives.. We are thankful unto God for this skilled Christian Recording Artist that is really giving it up for Jesus! We were truly blessed as we received Rufus Harris and the ministry of gospel music on Palm Sunday, along with his lovely wife Denise Strong - Harris (publicist) and recommend them to the Body of Christ and to people everywhere.
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Scott Trekas, Paradise Internet Cafe' - Sheboygan, WI
Rufus has a unique, professional sound. He is a joy to listen to. His music comes from the soul and shows his love for the Lord. Rufus is well-organized. You can tell he’s been performing in the music industry for many years. It shows in his manner and musical style. We would welcome Rufus back to Paradise Cafe anytime.
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Sidney Howard, musician, arranger, songwriter - Troy, MI
I really enjoy this CD. It is an audible tour through the heart and mind of one who has such control of his musical direction that it guides the listeners along the sturdiest path. It is pop recognizable without being too derivative. It is rock with soul that emotes without striving contrivingly to do so. Rufus Harris is a singer. He is a songwriter. He is most definitely a guitarist. He is a man of God.
