Review

Before I give you my thoughts on this album, I need to dispel a myth about reviewers. One may think that the reviewer's house is strewn about with CDs and fancy stereo gear, with hours and hours devoted just to listening to music, along with an unlimited budget with which to purchase every new release. One would be wrong.

I say that in order to confess that, while being AWARE OF Tree63, I hadn't listened to any of their stuff. I know, I know, they've won awards and are huge around the world. I'm just saying, is all, that I have heard what I've heard, and that's it. And these guys I hadn't heard. Until now, that is. So, for you who've been into this band for many years, my apologies.

For those that don't know, Tree63 is a band that started up in 1996 so they could play the handful of songs they knew onstage at a beach band festival in South Africa. From that point to now, they have experienced many starts and stops, several personnel changes, numerous kudos and awards, and miles and miles of touring around the world. The one constant is band leader John Ellis.

This album opens with "No Other", and just the first 30 seconds of the track gives you an idea of what to expect. Drum roll, thumping bass, sonic guitar and boom, we're off and running and singing the song. You'll hear some Police/Sting influence here.

"I Stand For You" is a part studio/part live production. I really like the studio numbers, but I LOVE the live songs! This is such a veteran tour band, having played alongside many top CCM artists and festival after festival. They know how to get the crowd involved. The second song, "Treasure" comes on with drums again, crowd noise in the background, Ellis exhorting, rhythm building, feel like dancing and blast off, we're caught up in it all.

Another live one, "Joy", has a great "root/flat seventh" chord structure that rocks. In the middle of the song they break it down and the crowd sings the song, with Ellis scatting a little bit.

John Ellis writes most of the songs on the album, but they also cover two of Matt Redman's songs: "All Over the World" and "Nothing but the Blood", with Redman joining the band in the studio on the latter.

This is an album for worshipers who like to be stirred up, as it is mostly full speed ahead. Having said that, the production team did an excellent job with song placement, letting you relax every third or fourth song. Worship leaders that also play live (outside of church) will find this album an excellent model.

OK, so now I can say I am aware of, and HAVE HEARD Tree63. And as soon as the budget allows, I'll be going back into their catalog and getting their other stuff, as well!

Review By John Ausmus