Ruthie Foster **OLD**
9-22-2016
From houses of worship to houses of blues, Ruthie Foster has always been a rafter-rattler. And with a soul-filled voice honed in Texas churches, she can move audiences to tears or ecstasy - sometimes in a single song. Her last two albums, 2009’s "The Truth According to Ruthie Foster" and 2012’s "Let It Burn," moved the Recording Academy to deliver Best Blues Album Grammy nominations; her latest, "Promise of a Brand New Day," releasing August 19 could make her a contender once more.
For this album, Foster put Meshell Ndegeocello in charge as her producer and then got out of the way, letting the lauded singer and bassist call the shots regarding players, takes, and mixing. “I wanted this album to highlight Ruthie’s voice and also communicate her vibe, give a fuller picture of her artistry and ability,” explains Ndegeocello. “She really trusted me with the music and I think we've made something that complements and holds its own alongside the power of her voice.” Ndegeocello played bass and enlisted her regular guitarist Chris Bruce (Sheryl Crow) and keyboardist Jebin Bruni (Aimee Mann), plus drummer Ivan Edwards and backing vocalist Nayanna Holley. Foster did request two special guests: guitarist Doyle Bramhall II and singer Toshi Reagon.
Ruthie is mostly considered a blues singer and sometimes a folkie, but if you've seen her, you know her as one of the most soulful singers out there today no matter what she sings. Her shows will lift you up and her spirit will carry you away. A Grammy nominated artist with multiple awards to her resume, she is admired by many of her peers in the musical community. Mavis Staples says, "I love Ruthie Foster. That's my little sister. A phenomenal woman, yes indeed. She's great." And seal of approval from Miss Mavis, is enough for me....
VIDEO: "It Might Not be Right" - VIDEO: "Brand New Day"
From houses of worship to houses of blues, Ruthie Foster has always been a rafter-rattler. And with a soul-filled voice honed in Texas churches, she can move audiences to tears or ecstasy - sometimes in a single song. Her last two albums, 2009’s "The Truth According to Ruthie Foster" and 2012’s "Let It Burn," moved the Recording Academy to deliver Best Blues Album Grammy nominations; her latest, "Promise of a Brand New Day," releasing August 19 could make her a contender once more.
For this album, Foster put Meshell Ndegeocello in charge as her producer and then got out of the way, letting the lauded singer and bassist call the shots regarding players, takes, and mixing. “I wanted this album to highlight Ruthie’s voice and also communicate her vibe, give a fuller picture of her artistry and ability,” explains Ndegeocello. “She really trusted me with the music and I think we've made something that complements and holds its own alongside the power of her voice.” Ndegeocello played bass and enlisted her regular guitarist Chris Bruce (Sheryl Crow) and keyboardist Jebin Bruni (Aimee Mann), plus drummer Ivan Edwards and backing vocalist Nayanna Holley. Foster did request two special guests: guitarist Doyle Bramhall II and singer Toshi Reagon.
Ruthie is mostly considered a blues singer and sometimes a folkie, but if you've seen her, you know her as one of the most soulful singers out there today no matter what she sings. Her shows will lift you up and her spirit will carry you away. A Grammy nominated artist with multiple awards to her resume, she is admired by many of her peers in the musical community. Mavis Staples says, "I love Ruthie Foster. That's my little sister. A phenomenal woman, yes indeed. She's great." And seal of approval from Miss Mavis, is enough for me....
VIDEO: "It Might Not be Right" - VIDEO: "Brand New Day"