September 17, 2008
By Munyaradzi Vomo
After more than 10 years of success in Christian rock, Tree63 have downed their mics and guitars "to get on with their lives". This was confirmed by the group's spokesperson, John Ellis.
"We haven't broken up, but we are at a stage where we need a sabbatical and to become other things," he said from Durban.
"I'm back to being a dad and a husband and the other two guys (Darryl Swart and Daniel Ornellas) are still in the States doing things which are not necessarily musical," he added.
It's not as if there was a fallout or altercation as when some groups come to the end of their road, but the group is taking a break for an undisclosed length of time.
Formed in Durban in 1996, the group enjoyed great success both locally and internationally. Their first US-released album, Tree63, won the GMA Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2001. Their rendition of Matt Redman's Blessed Be Your Name was an instant hit that not only had a place on 2005's WOW Hits, but was also announced the third-best praise and worship song of all-time in a US survey.
So why quit, or rather, why break up?
"It's been a long, hectic ride and we put our lives on hold for over 10 years," said Ellis.
"In the beginning we didn't even think we would come this far, so it's overwhelming to look back and see all that's happened. Wonderful as it may have been, we agreed to take time off," he explained.
"I am strongly thinking of coming back on the music scene, but on a solo trip," he confessed.
"Tree63 will always be, we are like family, but I have plans to launch an album of my own
. We will still be performing as Tree63 every now and then, but our fans shouldn't expect a new album any time soon," he added.
However, still loyal to their fans, the group has left them a present in the form of the compilation album, Blessed Be Your Name, which features their most celebrated Christian songs.
Though the group doesn't agree with their management on whether the choice of songs on the album really represent Tree63's entire career, most listeners should find it enjoyable.
Even if one didn't know the group before, chances are they have heard Treasure on the radio or in local commercials. Blessed Be Your Name and The Answer To The Question are major stand-out track as well.
Our first Gospel Digest feature, written a few moons ago, was about the band The Plain Truth. They had released a DVD, God Above the Universe, which went on to win The Best DVD Award at the Crown Gospel Awards last month.
Before the buzz dies, The Plain Truth will launch another DVD, called Only One God, on September 26 at a concert that will feature John Ellis as their guest on stage.
"I'll be doing Tree63 material and any other fun stuff," said Ellis, who last performed live in March over a year ago.
Tickets for this show are available at Computicket.
E-mail all of your gospel music-related information to munyaradzi.vomo@inl.co.za or call 012-300-2140.
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