Born in Greenwich, South East London, England,[2] Rutherford initially played saxophone but switched to trombone.

In 1970, Rutherford, guitarist Derek Bailey and bassist Barry Guy formed the improvising group Iskra 1903, which lasted until 1973.

[2] The formation was documented on a double album from Incus, later reissued with much bonus material on the three-CD set Chapter One (Emanem, 2000).

[1] In November 2007, a memorial concert for Rutherford took place at the Red Rose Club in North London, at which musician friends played free jazz.

[3] With Iskra 1903 With Lol Coxhill With Elton Dean With Paul Dunmall With Globe Unity Orchestra With Barry Guy With George Haslam With Tony Oxley With Spontaneous Music Ensemble With John Stevens With Mike Westbrook With others