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Ruthie Foster
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NEW CD AVAILABLE NOW!



AUSTIN, Texas
United States

Profile Views:  247217




Last Login:  11/20/2009
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   Ruthie Foster: General Info
Member Since7/10/2006
Band Websitewww.ruthiefoster.com
Band MembersRuthie Foster
Samantha Banks
Tanya Richardson

Players featured on "The Truth According to Ruthie Foster":
Robben Ford
Jim Dickinson
Larry Fulcher
Rock Deadrick
Memphis Horns
Jack Hale
Tom McGinnley
Wayne Jackson
Charles Hodges
Jimmy Roberts
Gina Murrell & Jiji

Produced by Chris Goldsmith
Recorded and mixed by Jimmy Hoyson
Influences










Sounds LikeYou can order our music online at http://www.ruthiefoster.portmerch.com/stores/home.php !!!!!!!!!

Media/Press Requests - Please direct towards Sue Schrader:
sue@blindambitionmgt.com

Booking: Please direct towards Blind Ambition Management:
info@blindambitionmgt.com
Record Labelwww.bluecornmusic.com
Type of LabelMajor


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   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Nov 20 2009 8:00P
Antone’s with Seth Walker Austin, Texas
Nov 21 2009 8:00P
House of Blues with Seth Walker Houston, Texas
Jan 23 2010 8:00P
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise - JANUARY 23 - 30 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jan 24 2010 8:00P
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jan 25 2010 8:00P
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jan 26 2010 8:00P
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jan 27 2010 8:00P
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jan 28 2010 8:00P
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jan 29 2010 8:00P
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jan 30 2010 8:00P
Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Feb 12 2010 8:00P
Berger Performing Arts Center with Eric Bibb Tucson, Arizona
Feb 13 2010 8:00P
Lensic Performing Arts Center Santa Fe, New Mexico
Feb 14 2010 8:00P
KiMo Theatre with Eric Bibb Albuquerque, New Mexico
Feb 17 2010 8:00P
Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center - An Evening with Ruthie Foster Huntsville, Alabama
Feb 20 2010 8:00P
The Library Theater Birmingham, Alabama
Feb 21 2010 8:00P
The Library Theater Birmingham, Alabama
Feb 25 2010 8:00P
Hollins Theatre Roanoke, Virginia
Feb 26 2010 8:00P
The Clayton Center w/ Eric Bibb Clayton, North Carolina
Feb 27 2010 8:00P
High Point Theatre with Eric Bibb High Point, North Carolina
Mar 6 2010 8:00P
Holland Performing Arts Center Omaha, Nebraska
Mar 11 2010 8:00P
Second Street Live - An Evening with Ruthie Foster Fort Smith, Arkansas
Mar 12 2010 8:00P
The Sooner Theatre Norman, Oklahoma
Mar 20 2010 7:00P
Charles Morris Center - Savannah Music Festival Savannah, Georgia
Mar 21 2010 7:00P
Charles Morris Center - Savannah Music Festival Savannah, Georgia
Apr 7 2010 8:00P
The Barns At Wolftrap Vienna, Virginia
Apr 8 2010 7:00P
On Patriot’s Stage Trenton, New Jersey
Apr 23 2010 8:00P
McDowell Mountain Music Festival Scottsdale, Arizona
Apr 24 2010 4:45P
Baton Rouge Blues Festival Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Ruthie Foster's Latest Blog Entry  [Subscribe to this Blog]

Ruthie Foster Mentioned in Billboard Magazine!  (view more)

NPR Review: Ruthie Foster on Mountain Stage  (view more)

Off to Europe  (view more)

Foster Delivers Soul, 'Truth' to Utah Event  (view more)

RUTHIE FOSTER FEATURED IN VANCOUVER SUN & TIMES - Click Here for Article  (view more)

[View All Blog Entries]

   About Ruthie Foster



"The truth, according to this remarkable album, is that Ruthie Foster if one of America's finest soul-blues artists."

-Blues Revue, 2009

“a songwriter and singer as good as Foster doesn’t fit in genres - She creates her own."

-James Porter, Time Out Chicago


RUTHIE FOSTER

BIO

“Everybody ought to have a stone love”

So says Ruthie Foster on the opening cut of The Truth According to Ruthie Foster. And when Ruthie lays it down, you’d be well advised to listen.

This extraordinary songwriter/performer tackles life’s big issues throughout her sizzling new album. On it, Ruthie repeatedly testifies to her core message – that through all of the ups and downs of living, you must stay true to yourself. The pain as well as the joy of love, the strength it takes to weather life’s challenges, the hope that grows from seeds of faith and wisdom: All of this breathes inspiration and celebration into The Truth According to Ruthie Foster.

And the music brings it to life. Truth be told, Foster could sing the phone book, jam on a laundry list and send everyone home happy. But the combination on The Truth According to Ruthie Foster of uplifting lyric and electrifying vocals, backed by a band of world-class players bristling with soul, proves impossible to resist.

Even fans who have followed her trajectory from her self-released debut through the aptly-titled The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster in 2007 will find something different in The Truth According to Ruthie Foster – namely, the summing-up of the various influences in this artist’s growth.

The music of The Truth According to Ruthie Foster is in fact the soundtrack of a young but remarkable life. From her beginnings in the Brazos Valley of Central Texas, she was launched by a strong mother and a large supportive family down a path whose pitfalls Ruthie learned to avoid and whose destination she charted on her own, with talent, faith and determination lighting her way.

On her previous albums and gigs that have taken her from choir lofts to folk bistros and onto stages in Europe and Australia, Foster has raised the multiple flags of American music. There’s Southern blues in her groove, rock in her rhythm, a blend of gospel redemption, country poetry and jazz elegance in her singing. But not until The Truth According to Ruthie Foster have all the pieces fit into a picture this powerful.

For all the facets of this album, the heat of soul music burns at its core. That’s what drew her to Memphis, where she set up shop at the legendary Ardent Studios with a stunning assembly of musicians. There, symbolically on the day of Isaac Hayes’ funeral, they began working to convey the energy of Ruthie’s performances, cutting almost everything live, going for feeling above all else…and making their own kind of history.

With a sound that ignores demographic lines and a charisma that can ignite any audience, Foster emerges on The Truth According to Ruthie Foster as an artist of all-encompassing appeal. This was only a matter of time. Even as a young girl, she was taking in a wide variety of music, whether through the hymns her mother taught her, the Beatles songs she analyzed in a book given by her guitar teacher, the 45s her truck-driving uncle would drop off during his visits, the old-school country she heard while watching various country variety shows with her grandfather, or the pop songs that crackled through the family radio.

“It didn’t matter to me what genre it was,” she remembers. “I just took it all in as great music – music that moved me.”

Even before her debut at age 14 as a soloist in the choir her uncle conducted, Foster knew that her life would revolve around music. After moving to Waco to attend McClennan Community College, she mixed classes in music and audio engineering with visits to clubs at night, where the curriculum wasn’t based not on textbooks but on the power of performance. After a while she was fronting a blues band in biker bars and other venues from Dallas to San Antonio.

Foster immersed herself so deeply in music that eventually she decided she needed to step back and regain a little real-world perspective. “For years, all I did was eat, talk, dream and live about music. It got to the point that I wanted to find out if I could even hold a conversation about anything else,” she recalls, laughing. “But I was also curious about what was going on with the rest of the world. So I joined the Navy.”

Even there, music tracked her down. At a Christmas party for her helicopter squadron, she couldn’t resist sitting in with the band to sing a few choruses of “Red House.” It was a short step from there to being signed up by Pride, a Navy ensemble that played the Top 40 and funk hits of the day at recruitment drives, mainly throughout the Southeastern states.

“There were seven of us, and I was the only woman in the band,” she recalls. “That’s where I learned how to work and hold my own on the road, and that was huge for me too.”

From there, Foster’s path led to New York, where she absorbed more influences by performing at folk venues and collaborating with some of the city’s better songwriters. Supported at the time by a contract with Atlantic Records, she expanded her lyrical and musical range.

But it became apparent that she wasn’t the mainstream power-ballad singer the label wanted her to be, and that her writing was veering away from commercial pop and drawing instead from the roots that had nourished her personally and artistically in her youth. Then, her duty as a daughter called her to look after her mother during her final illness, and Foster took that as her cue to pack up and head back home to Texas.

Since that time, Foster has progressed through five albums and a steady regimen of hard work, whether fronting a full band or working solo, writing at her digs in Austin or taking it to the people. Her shows have inspired a string of reviews in which the essential points are made repeatedly: Ruthie Foster merits comparison to the legends that inspired her, even as her unique contributions stake out a place of her own in the spotlight.

“Ruthie’s drawn comparisons to Ella and Aretha, but musically neither is really close,” observed the Philadelphia City Paper in one such rave. “What she does have in common with Fitzgerald and Franklin is the irresistible blaze. It’s impossible to look away, even close the eyes, for one second.”

That becomes truer still on The Truth According to Ruthie Foster, where a group of superlative musicians brings Foster’s music to fruition. With roots-music producer Chris Goldsmith (Blind Boys of Alabama, Charlie Musselwhite) overseeing the proceedings, all of the essentials – the hard-edged blues of guitar icon Robben Ford (the Yellowjackets, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, countless others), the Memphis magic conjured by keyboardist Jim Dickinson (Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin) and organist Charles Hodges (Al Green, Ann Peebles), the rock-steady rhythm anchor of bassist Larry Fulcher (Taj Mahal, Los Super Seven) and drummer Rock Deadrick (Tracy Chapman, Ben Harper) – settle into their unique pocket, with trumpeter Wayne Jackson and the legendary Memphis Horns adding a distinctive coup de grace.

It’s a diverse lineup, able to reflect the universalism of Foster’s music: the raw punch of “Nickel and a Nail,” the urban strut and affirmative lyric of “Dues Paid in Full,” the aching romance buoyed by a bubbling reggae beat on “I Really Love You” and all of the other bases touched throughout this tour de force.

If any one song can encapsulate the cascade of emotions of The Truth According to Ruthie Foster, it would be “Truth!” This track gave the album its name and enforces its essential message. After a slash-and-burn guitar intro by Ford, Foster sums it all up in one line:

“Truth is right where you are,” she proclaims. So it is throughout The Truth According to Ruthie Foster, Ruthie Foster’s greatest triumph to date. And that is as true as truth can get.

www.ruthiefoster.com
www.bluecornmusic.com

PRESS QUOTES:
"The truth, according to this remarkable album, is that Ruthie Foster if one of America's finest soul-blues artists.
...a full-on blast of soul and blues...
The combination of a talented band, powerful songs, and Foster's roaring gospel-inspired vocals leaves Truth with no weak spots among its dozen tracks. If this one doesn't elevate Foster to the next level of popularity, it's impossible to imagine what will."
- Blues Revue, Feb/March 2008

"Foster’s deeply soulful vocals dip into gospel and swing toward contemporary folk with R&B panache. When she sings a cappella, the heavens part.”
- Margaret Moser, Austin Chronicle

"Considering the Aretha Franklin comparisons getting tossed her way, it’s safe to assume the A&R folks at Atlantic are kicking themselves right about now. “Phenomenal” is no idle boast."
Christopher Blagg, Boston Herald

“The energy she brings with just voice and guitar is stunning. Ruthie’s drawn comparisons to Ella and Aretha, but musically neither is really close. What she does have in common with Fitzgerald and Franklin is the irresistible blaze – it’s impossible to look away, even close the eyes, for one second.
Philadelphia City Paper

"Her new CD...gutsily named "The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster," will convert those hungry for some real, hot soul."
Ann Powers, Los Angeles Times

“…clear-voiced affirmations…”
Jon Pareles, New York Times

"The album takes its name from ....Phenomenal Woman,'' a Maya Angelou poem set to music by Amy Sky and David Pickell, but Foster's voice would earn the superlative anyway."
Shay Quillen, The Mercury News

“She’s got a right to brag. Foster is a natural-born singer with a voice that is potent, unfussy, and, at times, deeply moving.”
-Renee Graham, Boston Globe

“Braggadocio titles were big back in the day. (Remember "The Genius of Ray Charles" and "The Fabulous Johnny Cash"?) And "The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster" is pretty fabulous. ... The arrangements are spare, but this is about Foster's rich, robust voice...”
-Jon Bream, Minneapolis Star Tribune

“The spiritual indestructibility is conveyed through the power of Foster's voice --a clear, sterling instrument sparkling with elements of a young Tina Turner and Joan Armatrading. ... a knockout album.”
-Rashod Ollison, Baltimore Sun

“her talent is universal with no pretense. ...she is a holy Anita Baker ... as bold as Nina Simone... The evocations go on and on...”
-Roberta Penn, Seattle Post Intelligencer

“a songwriter and singer as good as Foster doesn’t fit in genres- She creates her own.”
-James Porter, Time Out Chicago

“The disc serves up 57 varieties of soul... In Ms. Foster's wailing voice, "Fruits of My Labor" is the greatest tune Sam Cooke never recorded.”
-Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News

“The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster is a fitting title.”
-Dave Gil de Rubio, Barnes and Noble.com

"Foster has a deep gritty voice with a little Janis and some Aretha that will please discerning soul and rock fans. Her cover of Lucinda Williams' 'Fruits of My Labor' tops the original."
-Dan Aquilante, NY Post "New Faces For '07"

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Ruthie Foster's Friends Comments
Displaying 25 of 730 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Cobra Caine

Cobra Caine



Oct 22 2009 8:55 PM

Thank you for your music...smile too :)
Rich Cloud

Rich Cloud



Oct 22 2009 8:55 PM

You and your music are both pretty cool and that's the truth. Thanks
Cristiano Mattei

Cristiano Mattei



Oct 22 2009 8:55 PM

I discover your page occasionally...
It is a fate's present! You have a beautiful voice!!
Thank you for friendship
and guitar greetings from Rome...
Cristiano
Ian Robinson

Ian Robinson



Oct 22 2009 8:55 PM

Hi Ruthie,

what else but "expressive" and "impressive" could I say?
You sound wonderful!

krzysm

Krzysztof Melder



Oct 22 2009 8:54 PM

Thanks For The Friendship And Thanks For Your Great Talent.
Best wishes from Kaszuby (Poland)

Hey Hey, have a wonderful ole week. Be happy and keep smiling.
God Bless
Krzysztof
David Korn

David Korn



Oct 22 2009 8:54 PM

Hi! Thank you very much for your friendship! I love your music very much. Your songs have a harmonic melody and your voice is fitting well to your songs. Music must go into the heart. And by your music I have to say yes it touches me. I wish you much success for the future!!!

For a good friendship! You are always welcome on my site. By the way I would be very happy if you could leave a comment on my page.



Rock on!!!




Best wishes

;-)
David
krzysm

Krzysztof Melder



Oct 22 2009 8:54 PM

Thanks For The Friendship And Thanks For Your Great Talent.
Best wishes from Kaszuby (Poland)
Krzysztof
DJ Baltimore Boogie Man

DJ Baltimore Boogie Man



Oct 22 2009 8:54 PM

Peace and Blessings...

Elhannan

Elhannan Keller



Oct 22 2009 8:54 PM

So appreciate it you come to my space.
Howling Dale And The Hound Dogs

Howling Dale And The Hound Dogs



Oct 8 2009 11:45 PM

You have a great voice and a real good groove!!. Best wishes from Sweden
BLUE MOON BLUES BAND

BLUE MOON BLUES BAND



Oct 8 2009 11:45 PM

Hi Ruthie. Thank you so much for your performances at the Wheatland music festival. We were blessed with you and your bands talent. Wow, what a voice. Peace and much respect. billy
Rebecca Annah Arscott

Rebecca Annah Arscott



Oct 8 2009 11:45 PM

Hi Ruthie, love your songs..Thx for the ad..Have an awesome weekend..

Peace,
Rebecca

www.myspace.com/rebeccaannaharscott

www.rebeccaarscott.com

Digital Geek

Digital Geek



Oct 8 2009 11:45 PM

Hello Ruthie Foster

Big Up : )

i Definly Like your Music

Keep Up !
Mark May Band

Mark May Band



Oct 8 2009 11:45 PM

Hey Ruthie,


Great seeing you out at the Tavern. Thanks for bringing the crew. When are going to come out and jam? You need to come out and see the whole band soon.

Keep on rockin the blues,
Mark May
Digital Geek

Digital Geek



Sep 24 2009 8:22 PM

Hello,
Big Up : )
i Love your Music

Keep On !
Ron

Ron



Sep 24 2009 8:22 PM

Thanks for the add---notice you are headed this way---great!
ggdavies

ggdavies



Sep 24 2009 8:21 PM

sO hAPPY...tHANX fOR tHE aDD...tRULY gRATEFUL...
J-weze[F.B.L.A]Ifresh Graphix™(official Public PG)

Ifresh Graphix



Sep 24 2009 8:21 PM


(:hey:)
Stopin by to say whats up


Sare

Sare Jee



Sep 24 2009 8:21 PM

Thanks for the friendship
not the average joh

Bombios'Raju Mohamet Liadi



Sep 24 2009 8:21 PM

YOU'RE A STAR DONT GIVE IT UP... YOU CAN AND WILL ENSPRIE MUCH AND MANY PEOPLE... YOU FOR SURE HAVE MY SUPPORT AND RESPECT
miss faRRah

miss faRRah



Sep 24 2009 8:21 PM

it was spectacular to see and hear ya in telluride.
the trip from AZ was very much worth it :)
Digital Geek

Digital Geek



Sep 24 2009 8:21 PM

Hello Ruthie Foster
Big Up : )
i Love your Music

Keep On !
SARA JO

SARA JO



Sep 17 2009 8:39 PM

Love & appreciation for your wonderful music!

SARA JO
Neal

Neal Barbieri



Sep 12 2009 4:55 PM

Ciao,Ruthie
Thank you for the add and the friendship.
you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice.
compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis,
I feel great admiration for you,
be really one whom is worth rather a lot!
I hope to listen soon to you, in italy ..
talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music
all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day
neal
Very Independent Pluggers

Very Independent Pluggers



Sep 12 2009 4:55 PM

Thank you!
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