Ruth Bloomquist Guitar, Vocals, and Songwriting.
Max Bloomquist Stand Up Bass, Vocals,
Frequently joined by John "Sky" King" Guitar and Daniel Seabolt Fiddle
Influences
Joan Baez, The Beatles, John Denver, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Crosby Stills & Nash, Gordon Lightfoot, The Eagles, Flat and Scruggs, Hazel Dickens, Rem Wall, John Hartford, Margaret Sherman, Cheryl Wheeler, Claire Lynch, Laurie Lewis, Lynn Morris, Marshall Wilborn, Tim O'Brian, Missy Raines, Paul Kirchner, and anybody else we've ever listened to and loved.
Sounds Like
"contemporary bluegrass at its finest"--Bluegrass Unlimited, April 2007-www.bluegrassmusic.com, Kathy Mattea, Anne Murray, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt, Dale Anne Bradley.
Ruth and Max Bloomquist have been making music together since they met in 1975 and discovered a common love for practically any music that features acoustic instruments and lyrics that touch the heart. Contemporary folk, bluegrass, traditional country, the country and folk rock so popular at the time – Ruth and Max were excited by it all.
Ruth was playing solo gigs at the time, singing her favorite folk tunes and a few originals accompanying herself on guitar, and had already played an extended tour with a former duet partner. Max loved to play guitar and sing, too, and soon was showing up at Ruth’s gigs, first as a spectator and, not much later, begging to play along. That same year the couple met another talented guitarist and singer, Steve Reeths, and the band Amaryllis was born. The trio was soon playing festivals and clubs across Western Michigan. Feeling the need to broaden their sound, Reeths took up the 5-string banjo and mandolin with tremendous success, and Max took up the bass and never looked back. Amaryllis toured regularly for nearly 20 years, sometimes taking long hiatuses when day jobs or other opportunities arose, and the three remain friends and occasional musical collaborators still. Ruth and Max married in 1977 sealing their partnership forever.
Ruth Bloomquist, singer/songwriter, has since released three CDs supported by Max and a host of their beloved musical friends. Ruth and Max have recently devoted themselves to making music full time. Performing as a duo or with occasional collaborators, they have experienced increasing success. In 2003, Ruth was a winner of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest held annually at Merlefest, arguably the nation’s leading festival of acoustic and Americana music. Previously, she had showcased as a songwriter at the IBMA’s annual World Of Bluegrass convention and business conference. In 2006 the couple played an official showcase at the Midwest Regional Conference of the Folk Alliance (FARM) and Ruth was named among December’s top 5 vocalists by Singer Universe Magazine.
Now music takes Ruth & Max wherever it will. Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas have been host to their talents, and their plan is to continue that journey together sharing music with as many audiences as possible.
Thanks for the add Ruth and Max! We really love your sound together. "Michigan Girl" hits very close to home, all your music is lovely! love from Linda and Tom
Well, thank you for the compliment! I truly appreciate it. As for shooting people, let's just say that I'm better with a camera than a gun!! I actually haven't done much people photography except for your run-of-the-mill candid shot but it is definitely something that I would like to get better at so if you want to be my "guinea pigs", I'd love to try. You never know...I tend to trip and fall into some decent shots.
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<br />If you want to see more of my photography, check out my webpage on: www.barbl.redbubble.com
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<br />Also...if you have some time, the West Shore Camera Club (which I just joined recently) is having an exhibit at the Betty Clark Cannon Gallery (upstairs at the Frauenthal) and I have two photos in there. There is a reception being held Thursday night, April 9th from 5 to 8 p.m. with punch and cookies. If you have nothing else to do (yea, right) would be fun to see you there!
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<br />Off to shopping....need new clothes that fit!! Have a great weekend...
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<br />Barb
Grazie a voi, siete bravissimi!, Vi trovato perchè ho visto il contrabbasso, e così vi ho ascoltato.
<br />Tanta fortuna per la vostra musica, un saluto dall'Italia Sergio
Likewise, It was so nice to meet you and check your performance at FA09. We've met so many new friends, it is an honor to have you as our new friends! All the best to you and please stay in touch! Sabrina & Tony
Saw you crossing Broadway headed to the convention center (probably after dinner) last night, but couldn't yell loud enough to get your attention. See you this afternoon!
Thanks for the comment. Tim is an awesome musician and person. It was a honor to work with him. Counting the days until IBMA!!! We will come and catch your show!! Austin
Wow you guys sound lovely! We look forward to hearing you in person at IBMA! We have never been before so it is very exciting!! Warmest Wishes, Katy Rose and The Maybelles!
Thanks for listening. Unfortunately, due to drought (good gracious, country musicians who farm? what next?) and ensuing financial stuff, chances are that a couple of us might be performing in a side-project format down in Nashville. We can keep our fingers crossed, but be sure to say hello either way. Some of us will be there.
