"A wonderful new singer, reminiscent of great Irish singers like Niamh Parsons and Dolores Keane, with an extremely strong talent and a pure, ethereal voice that reflects the soul of Irish music. The best Celtic singer in Canada." (Tom Coxworth, CKUA)
"A remarkable young singer with a crystal clear voice." (Steve Edge, Rogue Folk Club)
"The pure and sweet vocals of singer, Ruth Moody reminds me of great singers like Dervish's Cathy Jordon." (Steve Winick, Dirty Linen)
Australian born, Ruth grew up on the Canadian prairies, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She comes from a musical family and has been singing, playing, and performing since she was a child. Her mother a music teacher and orff-specialist, and her father an English teacher with a passion for Shakespeare, it is no wonder Ruth ended up a professional singer-songwriter who spends most of her time on the stage.
Like her siblings, violist Richard (The Bills), violinist Rachel (Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra) and cellist/psychiatrist Jane (keeping the family sane), she was trained classically, beginning with piano lessons at the age of four. Unlike the rest of her family, she was never drawn to learn a stringed instrument, and when she reached her mid-teens and found herself the odd-one out, she decided to study voice instead. Somewhere along the way she discovered a passion for folk and traditional music, and while still interested in the classical side of voice training, she built up a repertoire of folk songs. She was particularly drawn to Irish and Scottish songs, and learned to sing them in the 'Sean nos' style. It was this love and affinity for the Celtic tradition that eventually led her to decide on a career in folk music.
In 1996, after 3 years at university studying English and French literature and a year's pilgrimage to her 'home-land' of Australia, Ruth abandoned the practical idea of becoming a teacher and turned to her growing interest in folk music. Serendipitously, she discovered elementary school play-mate, Leonard Podolak, living across the street, and within weeks she was jamming with the boys from celtic/roots band Scruj MacDuhk. In March, 1997, she officially joined the band and her widely-praised vocals became a prominent feature in the group's sound. She spent five years as their lead singer, playing theatres, folk clubs, and folk festivals across Canada, the United States and Europe. The band's studio album, 'The Road to Canso', was nominated for a Juno for best roots and traditional album of 1999, and earned two Prairie Music Awards for outstanding roots recording and outstanding independent release of 1999.
In 2001, Scruj MacDuhk broke up and Ruth began focusing on writing songs. She taught herself to play the guitar and quickly initiated a new project: a collaboration with fellow Winnipeg singer-songwriters Nicky Mehta and Cara Luft. In January 2002, they took the stage as The Wailin' Jennys, and soon became one of the most sought-after bands on the Canadian Folk scene. In 2004, they released their first full-length album, '40 Days', on Jericho Beach Records in Canada, Red House Records in the United States and Europe, and Shock Records in Australia. It earned multiple awards, including a Juno for best roots and traditional album of 2004. In 2006 The Jennys rejoined forces with '40 Days' producer David Travers-Smith and released 'Firecracker', which received international critical acclaim and multiple nominations and awards, including a Juno nomination for best roots and traditional album of 2006 and the North American Folk Alliance Award for best contemporary release of 2006. The Jennys, now Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta, and New York-based Heather Masse, with Jeremy Penner on fiddle and mandolin, continue to tour and captivate audiences around the world. This summer they will release 'Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House', and they will begin recording their third studio album in the fall.
Thought of by many as 'the Soprano Jenny with the ethereal voice', Ruth is becoming known first and foremost as a singer-songwriter, with her compositions being described as 'divine' (Roddey Campbell, Penguin Eggs),'awesome' (John Kendle, Uptown Magazine), and 'classically elegant' (Patrick Langston, Sing Out!). She was one of ten finalists in the folk category of the 2004 USA Songwriting Competition and a semi-finalist in the 2005 International Songwriting Competition, for her song 'One Voice'. In 2002 she released an EP of original songs called Blue Muse, and is currently working on her first full-length solo album, to be released in 2010. Her pure and stunning vocals are matched by impressive multi-instrumental skill (she plays piano, guitar, bodhrán, accordion and banjo). In addition to her collaboration with The Wailin' Jennys, she has also toured and recorded with Oliver Swain (Outlaw Social) and Jeremy Penner (The Bills) in Moody, Penner and Swain (their album is called 'South Bound'), has recorded vocals for numerous Canadian artists, and sings with Renaissance and Early music group, Camerata Nova, in her spare time.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Ruth, may the secular Yule glow hi fi. Just cobbled an upload of
"Asoka, the Loyal Voyeur," a songscape that I hoped would hint eros but
fear it glows tawdry. Please listen and advise. Most of all, be damn
good to yourself !
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..?
Hey, thanks for the ad and your friendship. Hope all is well in your world. We have released a new track on myspace, have a listen, all comments very welcome......
If You Would Like To Be A Part Of The 4 Day Music And Art Fair Please EMAIL Me Or Let Me Know On My Comments On My Page. Also Read My Page For All Information Top To Bottom Also My Blogs,Join My Blogs For Up Dates.It Does Not Madder Were In This World You Live If We Want You To Perform and Be A Part Of The show We Will Get You There. Take A Look At This Video It Will Show You What We All Have To Do To Make This Show Happen
Hello Ruth, I just wanted to stop by and hear your wonderful voice and music again. It's been a while. I just love it. You are one of my very favorite female artists. Take care.
Hey there Ruth! Honored to be among your friends. Here's hoping we meet out there in the real world. meanwhile, enjoy ...
I said ENJOY dammitt!
bright moments, M~
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.
Hi, Ruth ... thanks for the add! This is beautiful music; I can't believe I haven't looked into this (or the Wailin' Jennys) before. With a track like "Glory Bound," I can definitely hear your origins in the early incarnation of the Duhks (one of my all-time favorite bands). "Winter Waltz" is heartbreaking. I'll keep listening and probably buy an album soon too. Take care!
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