Ruth & Gary began performing as a duo after the demise of the celtic rock band GAELFORCE in the late 90's. They performed at most of the major venues and Festivals all over Europe and released 2 highly respected albums (Stoirm and Pay The Reckoning).
They have become well respected performers on the Yorkshire and national acoustic music scene for their arrangements of contemporary songs by other artistes as well as their own compositions.
They have a hand in running the Acoustic Lounge most Sundays at the Sandygate Hotel in Wath-Upon-Dearne and for the last 10 years or so both are integral members of the Dearne Culture Trust which stages the annual Wath Festival (now in it's 35th year) - www.syfolk.co.uk/festival
Ruth & Gary have also released 2 well recieved albums in their own right, the first .....Secret was released in 2002 and was followed by Counting Down the Days in 2005
Here's a review from Ruth Palmer @ Folking.com
"Having seen the duo that is Ruth and Gary Wells before, I honestly do believe that they are one of the best examples of a traditional folk act around at the present time, beautifully covering fantastically-selected songs and writing their own timeless classics. The mix of Gary..s bass playing, Ruth..s acoustic guitar and amazing voice, creates a unique sound that has to be heard live to be appreciated fully. The duet began their set with a wonderful take on Louis Armstrong..s ..What a Wonderful World..; to be followed by an amazing sounding version of Natalie Merchant..s: ..Motherland..; which greatly emphasised the outstanding clarity of Ruth..s voice. Their set continued with a mix of covers and the couple..s own songs. A particular highlight for me was a take on Martyn Joseph..s ..Strange Ways.., having seen Joseph perform this track, solo many times, to hear it performed by two people and to be sung by a female voice proved to be a welcomed variation. Completing their set with the well-loved Pogue..s ..Fairytale in New York.. couldn..t have been more ideal."
And here's what Allan Wilkinson had to say about them "Ruth and Gary Wells provided support for the evening, with a half hour set which simply flew by. It's always great to hear Ruth's own songs and their eclectic pick of the best songs on the block. Natalie Merchant's Motherland is a firm favourite, and Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World was a great choice; you don't often hear that in a folk club! It's also always good to hear Fairy Tale of New York at anytime of the year, but particularly in December; the song is just as good, but with that added flutter of seasonal cheer. Lovely
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Just stopping by to say hello and give you some news. The new album 'Coolgilly and the Freakshow' from Centascope is now available worldwide from CD Baby and directly from the merchandise page of the official website. You can also get the album from Apple iTunes, MSN Music, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon and many more.
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
Just to let you know that we've recently changed our booking proceedures so that dates and booking info can be obtained by emailing a blank enquiry to:
redhouseenquiry@gmail.com
Since we're booking up now for the summer and September I wanted everyone who's taken the time to seek us out on Myspace to have a chance to get a gig booked.
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
The new album 'Coolgilly and the Freakshow' from Centascope is now available worldwide from CD Baby and directly from the merchandise page of the official website.
You can also get the album from Apple iTunes, MSN Music, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon and many more.
It's a place for bands to explain how they book shows. Comes along with news on web technologies, recording gizmos as well as music industry trends and anecdotes.
Hiya guys... just to let you know I've just posted two videos of you guys playing at The Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican's Acoustic Circus gig from last Saturday at the Academy Theatre. Go to: www. youtube. com/mrfluxcapacitor All the best Scott and Danny
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS CHARITY FUND-RAISER FOR BARNSLEY HOSPICE...
LINE-UP FOR THE ACOSUTIC CIRCUS NIGHT: THE BAR-STEWARD SONS OF VAL DOONICAN RICHARD KITSON STEPH SHAW TREEBEARD RUTH & GARY WELLS JONATHAN FRANCIS STEVE HAYTHORNE & HIS AMAZING PERFORMANCE POETRY SIDESHOW CHARLES HINDMARSH THE YORKSHIRE MUSICAL SAW PLAYER
SATURDAY 19TH APRIL TICKETS £7 (£5 concessions) ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BARNSLEY HOSPICE CALL 01226 744442 FOR BOX OFFICE
The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican's Acoustic Circus at the Academy Theatre, Birdwell 19th April 2008... all proceeds to Barnsley Hospice. Featuring Steph Shaw, Richard Kitson, Ruth & Gary Wells, Treebeard and Steve Haythorne
Hi Ruth and Gary. Your songs are great on here. Lovely voices and great playing. Would love to see you live some day. Good to have you as new friends. Hope you are both well. Fele free to drop by my page and say hello any time. Best Wishes from Glasgow Fiona
Hi there. Thanks so much for the friend request. I was so looking forward to listening to your tracks and the bloody computer won't play anything on anyones page at the moment. Don't know what's going on there! I'll be back to listen another time. Take care and have fun. Jo
