The olive tree has a history almost as long as that of Western 
civilization, with their cultivation considered among man's first 
great horticultural achievements.  Both the Bible and the Talmud 
make many references to olive trees as symbols of peace,
fruitfulness, longevity and renewal.

As they are primarily grown in Mediterranean climates, olive 
trees are seldom seen in the United States.  But there are 
olive trees in the Bluegrass state.  Headed up by husband & 
wife team Stephen and Karen Spanbauer, olive trees is a 
4-piece band with a unique alternative rock/country sound.

College sweethearts, Stephen and Karen share a lifelong love 
of music, citing diverse influences ranging from bluegrass to 
techno-trance.  During the 90's they played in cover bands 
(Early Jack, The Sleestacks), performing alternative rock
favorites for their stage-diving audiences.  After Stephen 
graduated from medical school, they returned from a European 
backpacking vacation with original songwriting aspirations: 
olive trees was born.  They quickly released a two-song
demo which received airplay on WFPK and was included in the 
1998 WQMF "Homegrown" cd.

The duo has since expanded to a full band with the addition 
of bassist Jerry Hackworth (Callahalt), drummer Tony Schnell 
(Gigolo Gypsy), and percussionist Kerry Coleman (Carlos Zentina).  
Pressures from Stephen's busy schedule as a board-certified 
internist and nationally ranked cyclist are reflected in a few of 
the songs chosen for their full length album - Water Vision, 
self produced at DSL Studios with engineer Mike Baker.

Like the fruit of the olive tree, which requires careful curing and 
seasoning, olive trees' melodic sound demands contemplation.  
Water Vision is the first message.