Whistlin’ Rufus “ It’s About Time “ Whistlin’ Rufus has released their premier CD titled “It’s about Time”. The album was recorded in Portland, Oregon at Herbert House Studios. Greg Paul was the recording engineer and mixing guru and co-produced the CD with Ritchie Wernick. Whistlin’ Rufus is a “live” band and the CD reflects the diversity of material the band is famous for..from Celtic to Bluegrass to their original Americana compositions, the “live" energy of the band carries through to the recording.You will find yourself dancing,clapping,and singing along with Whistlin’ Rufus after the first listen. 1.The Little Things—Written by Pat Connell & Ritchie Wernick 2.Johnny Jump Up—Traditional Irish Pub tune 3.Scandinavian Waltz—Traditional 4.McCall—written by Pat Connell and Ritchie Wernick 5.Old Home Place— Bluegrass 6.Time For Reckoning-Written by Pat Connell& Ritchie Wernick 7.Voices of the Prairie—Written by Bill Flynn 8.Washington County—Written by Kenny Baker 9.Mid-life Orphans—Written by Pat Connell & Ritchie Wernick 10.Hills of Conamara—Traditional Irish Pub tune 11.Whistlin’ Rufus—Theme song Pat Connell—Mandolin Ritchie Wernick—Guitars,Harmonica,Percussion John Hubbard—Cello Nat O’Neal—Fiddle Diana Hengerer—Fiddle Greg Paul—Bass Pat Connell is a co-founder of Whistlin’ Rufus and a catalyst for the unique energy on stage that typifies a Whistlin’ Rufus performance. Pat has played with a variety of Oregon bands including The Buffalo Chip Review, Trout Cruiser Sparkle and the Washroom Gang, and Beach Grass. Pat plays the Mandolin and guitar in the band and shares vocals with all of the band members. Pat and Ritchie have written many of the Whistlin’Rufus songs that have won praise and accolades throughout the Pacific Northwest. Ritchie Wernick is a co-founder of Whistlin’Rufus and a creative force to the music and the elegant vocal harmonies. Ritchie is the guitar player and harmonica player in the group. Ritchie has played in a variety of rock and roll bands earning his street cred. Rolling Stone might say that his guitar playing “ breaks the bounds of conventional percussive interplay between man and flattop” if they could.Need we say more? Diana Hengerer brings a lifelong love of music to share, shaped by her experience playing folk, bluegrass, country, and any songs that inspire her to learn them! Highlights of her career include a national tour of the musical “Big River” and as half of the duo “Another Roadside Attraction” playing venues from Whitefish MT to the Big Bend of Texas.A Portland area resident since the mid-90’s, she led “Diana and the SongDogs” and played fiddle in the Melody Guy Band. She recently joined “Whistlin" Rufus” as their fiddler and contributing vocalist. Cellist John Hubbard has had some colorful experiences leading up to holding down the low string parts in Whistlin' Rufus. He has toured all over Central and South America as solo cellist with the Roger Wagner Chorale. He has played opera at the Spoleto Festival in Italy,has accompanied Lou Rawls and the Pointer Sisters in Lake Tahoe California, has played chamber music on three river journeys down the Green River in Utah, and has shared the stage with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant at the Portland Rose Garden. He has played concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Oregon Symphony, and can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as Batteries Not Included and Throw Momma from the Train. John loves to teach cello at Reed College, and the Community Music Center. Now as a member of the Whistlin’ Rufus band he really gets to have some fun. Nat O'Neal has taken a leave from the band to raise her family with help from husband Seth. Nat was an original member of Whistlin'Rufus and contributed greatly to the unique sound. When you listen to Nat playing the fiddle on the CD you will know why she is so special. Greg Paul engineered, mixed and co-produced this record.Greg is an extraordinary musician as well and played bass on this CD.