From houses of worship to The House of Blues, Ruthie Foster has always been a rafter-rattler. With a soul-filled voice honed in Texas churches, she can move audiences to tears or ecstasy — sometimes in a single song.
Foster's blend of blues, soul, folk, and gospel make her a unique force in today's music scene. Her newly released album, "Promise of a Brand New Day," was produced by renowned musician, composer, and vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello. 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 album, released on Blue Corn Music, could make her a contender once more. Ndeocello played bass on the project as well as enlist her regular guitarist, Chris Bruce (Sheryl Crow), and keyboardist Jebin Bruni (Aimee Mann), in addition to drummer Ivan Edwards and backing vocalist Nayanna Holley.
In support of her new album, Ruthie will be appearing in Cincinnati on Thursday October 16th at the 20th CENTURY THEATER at 8pm.
We had a chance to speak with Ruthie about what makes her style so captivating and find out a little bit more more about this Austin-based rising soul star.
How would you describe the Ruthie Foster live show experience for those that haven't had the pleasure of attending one of your performances yet?
It’s a hallelujah good time!
What was it like working with Meshell Ndegeocello as a producer and instrumentalist on your latest album, Promise of A Brand New Day?
She’s amazing to work with. It was a totally cool time, and more relaxed than I have been in a long time in the studio. She just had it all there and let me lay back and sing.
What, if any, differences did you notice recording in New Orleans versus recording your latest album in L.A.?
Well LA has some CRAZY traffic! Anytime I’m in New Orleans I’m really moved by the spirit that city has, and LA is a much bigger place. They’re both great cities, just very different from one another.
What might we be surprised to find on your personal music playlist?
I do like my country music, so there’s George Jones on there. I also like my Shakira for my work outs.
What's your favorite song of yours? What makes it your favorite?
I couldn't even think about picking a favorite song of my own. It’s like choosing your favorite child. I’m loving playing the new stuff live, it’s really fun.
As an experienced touring artist, do you feel that the latest economic crunch has hurt the music industry? If so, what has help you to maintain support for your music through hard times?
I've been very blessed to have been able to keep working during all the ups and downs and twists and turns the economy has taken. I’m very lucky and grateful for that.
When you look back over the course of your career, what was the biggest opportunity or break you experienced that has afforded you to be where you are today?
So many people have been here over the years and today, supporting me, there isn't one incident over any it’s all little things that added up to where we are now. I think this business is as much about who you know as it is about how good you are.
For more information, music, and video please visit her website:
www.RuthieFoster.com
