BAND BACKGROUND

Footprints and More was officially launched in September of 1995 as a letter from Bruce R. Brunk inviting nine other musicians to join him in doing a recording of some original music. The letter was accompanied by a home recorded "demo" tape, and the goal of putting together a good home studio recording. The first "test" was to see if any of these musicians were open to this music and to this type of project. With differing degrees of commitment, all nine responded, "Yes". With that "Yes", the Footprints and More project was initially begun. Two years and a dozen concerts later, "Songs from Life's Journey" was released on September 20, 1997. The "home studio" recording had expanded into a full fledge commercial studio recording effort, and the journey to share this music as a ministry to an ever wider community was begun.

As this journey continues, two important components of the Footprints and More ministry have become increasingly clear - an eternal message and a new sound.

An Eternal Message. Musicians featured on the "Songs from Life's Journey" album are from 5 different churches and 4 different denominations. With this wealth of diversity, the Footprints and More music ministry is focused on presenting a clear, consistent, and convincing testimony to God's love and presence in our daily lives. This is a message of encouragement for believers and a message of invitation for non-believers. This is the eternal Good News message of Jesus.

A New Sound. The actual arrangements and musical presentation of the Footprints and More songs is born out of a simple desire to bring together some of the best classical, Christian contemporary, and gospel quartet components. From the classical genre comes elaborate instrumental orchestrations with the flute picking up the 1^st violin's lead role. From the Christian contemporary world comes some of the guitar, synthesizer, and piano stylings. Finally, folk/gospel harmonies and traditional 60's drum work adds yet another layer to the mix. The end result has lead to a wide range of responses from both fans and critics alike. However, there is one point of universal agreement, "it is different, unique, and new/old".

In response to fans and critics alike, Bruce explains. "I didn't start out to create a new style of music. My focus was really on presenting a message. For me each song is a gift from God that I enjoy sharing with anyone and everyone for whom it has value. My style of arranging is simply a result of my own musical journey. Growing up in a traditional Mennonite congregation, I enjoyed singing traditional 4-part a capella hymns. I studied pop organ as a child, and classical pipe organ as a high school and college student. While doing a summer of Voluntary Service work in North Philadelphia, I sang with an African American church choir. That was a great experience for me. Later exposure to Latin American music (in Costa Rica) and European music (in The Netherlands) seem to further round out the mix. While in seminary I was able to study the full history of Christian music. Currently I play regularly with a Vineyard worship team. Somehow all this comes together in this recording. Frankly, I'm always amazed (and thankful) when someone comes up to me and really seems to connect with my music. My prayer continues to be that these songs, above all else, will point to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."