Alligator Records artist: JAMES COTTON - COTTON MOUTH MAN - New release Review - Ellis James guest contributer

Blues harmonica legend, James Cotton releases his new CD “Cotton Mouth Man” which will be available at local and online record stores beginning May 07, 2013. May is also a time in which Cotton’s 77 year old face fills the cover of the current issue of Living Blues magazine. Writer and walking Blues almanac, David White provides a 10-page look at a career spanning nearly 60 years. This CD was premiered at a live performance, Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Tupelo Music Hall in Londonerry, New Hampshire.

Cotton Mouth Man follows the trend of collaboration and featuring key players to round out the disk filled with 13 no-nonsense blues tunes. This by no means is a compromise but in this case is a certain gift to the listener. Guests as they appear in order are Joe Bonamassa, Gregg Allman, Keb’ Mo, Warren Haynes, Ruthie Foster, Delbert McClinton and vocalist Darrell Nulisch, long time veteran of Cotton's road band. The backbone of Cotton's band on this CD are the great Tom Hambridge on drums, Rob McNelley on guitar, Chuck Leavell  on keys, and Glenn Worf  on bass.The title track, Cotton Mouth Man,  features Joe Bonamassa on  guitar played with the fervor and sound of  Ten Years After at Woodstock. Next up is Midnight Train  featuring Gregg Allman. Subtle harmonica intro that kicks into a full band punch. A healthy and strong sounding Gregg Allman delivers the vocals and organ amongst great doses of Cotton’s distinctive harmonica and tasty guitar licks from beginning to end. Mississippi Mud featuring Keb Mo is next as acoustic juke joint piano lays down the solid foundation for Cotton’s harp, tasty electric guitar with Mo’s distinctive and cool vocals covering the top. This is one cut wherein there is an extra nice harmonica bridge solo that is quite cool. A none too subtle homage is given to Muddy Waters in both name dropping tip of the hat and song title inference. Something For Me wakes things up with the Warren Haynes' slip and slide which seems to fit hand and glove to the harmonica work. Touches of the ZZ Top like ‘buzzin’ and processed vocals add to an over all effect. Heartfelt female vocals from Rutie Foster gives a great change up in style in the Wrapped Around My Heart torch song.  A more complex harmonica arrangement meshes perfectly with the blistering guitar riffs and passionate lyrics.  
Saint on Sunday gives a two-for-one “Devil on Saturday and Saint on Sunday” view of two women rolled into one. This is a straight ahead driving song with prominent harp and bass line with the organ taking a more subtle back seat. Delbert McClinton lends his distinctive vocal delivery and guitar to a definite dance tune. Hard Sometimes reminds us the of difficulties of getting someone out of your mind with a funky double entendre to boot.  Drums and Bass are featured more than other cuts in the respect lent to Young Bold Women. Three words that work well together in describing what makes everything alright. Beginning with an almost a Calypso skip beat morphs into a straight up basic 4/4 blues beat only to bounce back and forth between the timing changes resulting in a song that would be easy to believe as a fun romp for the players to perform. Story telling is  key to the lucky find of a Bird Nest On the Ground. Once again a good Cotton bridge solo which stands out as my favorite example of James’ notable talent on this recording. I have to admit that Keb’ Mo is one of my favorites for vocal style and his ability to tell a story. Wasn’t My Time To Go draws in the listener with more round house piano and subtle harp with what sounds like a tasty arch-top. 
Blues is Good For You is a pleasant bass-driven walking blues with a simple story filled with references to Southern style and a strong platform for Cotton to blow his blues away. This is sure to bring a tap of the toe and a smile to your face. Bonnie Blue features Cotton on vocals and harmonica laid over a basic resonator guitar.  It’s great to hear Cottons voice both because of the texture that he gives to the song and as a testament to his right to call himself a bluesman. 

If you are a fan of harmonica blues then this is certainly a release that demands your spin time and attention. Less is more in this case. Production values are superior and a definite recommended collection!

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band! Here's James live in concert. Not a cut from his current release.

Stony Plain artist: Maria Muldaur -First Came Memphis Minnie - New Release Review

I have just received a copy of Maria Muldaur's newest release, ... First Came Memphis Minnie (available October 9, 2012). Muldaur has elnisted a virtual who's who of blues royalty including Rory Blck, Ruthie Foster, Bonnie Raitt, Phoebe Snow, Koko Taylor, Del Rey, David Bromberg, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Roy Rogers, Steve James and Steve Freund. First up is Me And My Chauffeur Blues with Muldaur on vocals and Roy Rogers on guitar. This is a really nice cover and one of Minnie's gems. Bonnie Raitt and Freund do a great version of Ain't Nothin' In Ramblin'. On I'm Goin' Back Home, Muldair teams up with Alvin Youngblood Hart for a very classic sounding duet. (Certainly one of my favorites tracks on the release). I'm Sailin' featuring Muldaur on vocals with Del Rey and Steve James on guitars shows Muladur's voice at it's best. Rory Block takes the lead on When You Love Me both on vocals and guitars. Long As I Can See You Smile, again with Muldaur, Del Rey and James is a bit more uptempo and very solid. The deliberate guitar of Del Rey on work on Lookin' The World Over is a very cool accent to Muldaur who really gets Minnie's style. Another of my favorites on the recording is In My Girlish Days performed by Phoebe Snow and David Bromberg. This track is exceptional. Muldaur and AYH are back together again on She Put Me Outdoors. Though not as effective as their earlier track together, it is still quite a nice track with addition of mandolin by Dave Earl. One of my personal favorite tracks by Minnie, Keep Your Big Mouth Shut, is performed here by one of my favorite contemporary female vocalists, Ruthie Foster, accompanied here by Steve Freund. Beautiful. The intro on Tricks Ain't Walkin' has some really nice resonator work as well as mandolin by Earl. Muldaur puts here heart into the track and it really makes the track come to life. Again a sweet guitar intro by James and Del Ray on Crazy Cryin' Blues leads to some moaning by Muldaur on one of Minnie's more soulful tracks.Koko Taylor takes it home with Black Rat Swing. This of course is a great track and features Bob Margolin on slide. Taylor lets it all hang out hear for a great conclusion toa very cohesive tribute recording.


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Fur Peace Announces 2013 Workshop Schedule!

Fur Peace Ranch Announces 2013 Schedule The Fur Peace Ranch is pleased to announce its 2013 Workshop Schedule! FPR 2013 Schedule FPR 2013 Fees & Tuition FPR 2013 Application Many of our top-shelf instructors will be returning in 2013 including: Larry Campbell, Tommy Emmanuel, GE Smith, Roy Book Binder, Woody Mann, Geoff Achison, Bill Kirchen, Chris Smither, Happy Traum and many others. The Captain of the Camp, Jorma Kaukonen, will bring his Songwriting class that has only been offered in Maui . . . back to the mainland this spring. Jorma has added a new level 3/4 workshop for those of you looking for a leg-up to his level 4 workshops. And he will be offering a new level 3 course that focuses on the Songs of Quah! The Fur Peace Ranch is also pleased to announce 4 new instructors to the roster for 2013! The drop-dead brilliant songwriter,Patty Larkin will be joining the fold with a workshop on Songwriting and Performance. Patty descends from a long line of Irish/American singers and tale tellers. A self-described "guitar driven songwriter" will pass on her imaginative lyrics and guitar wizardry to her sure to be dynamic class! The California Guitar Trio, who made their first appearance on the Fur Peace Station Stage earlier this year will return in 2013 to teach their first workshop at the Ranch. All of you players who like to use electronic gadgets, loops, and New Standard Tuning (Robert Fripp) will want to tune in for this one! Ruthie Foster will join the faculty next August to teach you Blues the Ruthie Way. Ruthie has garnered prestigous awards like the Koko Taylor Award and the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award and has been a staple in every Blues/Jazz Festival from the New Orleans Jazz Fest to Monterey Jazz Fest to the Telluride Blues Fest. Her brand of guitar playing and vocals are nothing short of phenomenal. Steve Earle makes his inaugural trip to the 2013 Season Opener. Steve is one of the most celebrated master storytellers there are. Steve will be imparting his authenticity, poetic spirit and cinematic energy to this eagerly anticipated class. Click here to check out the whole 2013 schedule and apply now before the seat you really want is gone! FPR 2013 Schedule FPR 2013 Fees & Tuition FPR 2013 Application This just confirmed . . . David Lindley will teach a level 1/2 Strictly Lap Steel for Beginners class in May. So drag out your crazy looking steels, dobros and Weisenborns and get ready for a wild class. David says "no bottlenecks please."

Fur Peace Ranch 39495 St. Clair Rd Pomeroy, OH 45701 (740) 992-2575 Monday, Wednesday - Friday 10 AM - 4 PM directorofc@earthlink.net

See the full schedule here! Enroll Here!

NEWS: Ruthie Foster CD out next week, on the road

RUTHIE FOSTER’S LET IT BURN ALBUM SHIPS NEXT WEEK

2012 U.S. tour under way, with Grammy Museum webcast

on street date and SXSW appearance.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Ruthie Foster celebrates the release of her new album, Let It Burn, on Tuesday, January 31 with an appearance that night at Los Angeles’ Grammy Museum. The performance and interview there will be available to fans throughout the world on a web simulcast < http://www.yowie.com/videochat/5lx-ruthie-foster-live>. The event kicks off a tour that continues into late spring with stops in all major cities including Austin for SXSW (March 14–16). The initial dates are co-bills with acclaimed Mississippi singer-songwriter Paul Thorn.

The Grammy-nominated, Blues Music Award- and Austin Music Award-winning artist, who calls Texas home, recorded the new album at New Orleans’ Piety Street Studios with many of the city’s venerable musicians, resulting in an infusion of fresh spices into her already rich sonic gumbo.

The New Orleans players — the Funky Meters’ rhythm section of bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Russell Batiste, guitarist Dave Easley, and renowned saxophonist James Rivers — collectively infuse the tracks with a groove-based, in-the-pocket vibe. The addition of Hammond B3 wizard Ike Stubblefield, who has toured and recorded with everyone from Curtis Mayfield to Eric Clapton, gives the album a jazzy organ-combo feel. Finally, legendary gospel singers the Blind Boys of Alabama and soul icon William Bell add extra depth to the project’s surprisingly diverse collection of cover songs and fresh originals.

Highlighting Foster’s strengths as an interpreter, Let It Burn features covers of an eclectic group of songs originally performed by the likes of Adele, The Black Keys, Los Lobos, Johnny Cash, The Band, Pete Seeger, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Martyn, Robbie Robertson. The album also includes several new Ruthie Foster compositions.

Let It Burn smolders, sizzles and ignites with an intensity born from Foster’s vibrant voice and indelible presence. In an early review in the Los Angeles Times, critic Randall Roberts noted, “To call Ruthie Foster a blues singer is to miss a big chunk of her allure as a vocal stylist, one who draws from a range of influences on her deep, soulful Let It Burn.” Texas Music Magazine called the album “not only organic but revelatory,” and Blues Revue’s online BluesWax.com said, “Let It Burn can not be overlooked.”

RUTHIE FOSTER TOUR DATES

Tues., Jan. 31 LOS ANGELES, CA Grammy Museum

Thurs., Feb. 2 PORTLAND, OR Aladdin Theater, with Paul Thorn

Fri., Feb. 3 SPOKANE, WA The Bing Crosby Theater, with Paul Thorn

Sat., Feb. 4 SEATTLE, WA The Triple Door, with Paul Thorn

Mon., Feb. 6 CHICO, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., with Paul Thorn

Tues., Feb. 7 ARCATA, CA Humboldt State University, with Paul Thorn

Wed., Feb. 8 NAPA, CA Napa Valley Opera House, with Paul Thorn

Thurs., Feb. 9 SAN FRANCISCO, CA Great American Music Hall, with Paul Thorn

Fri., Feb. 10 SANTA BARBARA, CA UC Santa Barbara, with Paul Thorn

Sat., Feb. 11 PHOENIX, AZ The Compound Grill, with Paul Thorn

Sun., Feb. 12 TUCSON, AZ Berger Performing Arts Center, with Paul Thorn

Tues., Feb. 14 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO Strings Music Pavilion, with Paul Thorn

Thurs., Feb. 16 DURANGO, CO Fort Lewis College, with Paul Thorn

Fri., Feb. 17 BEAVER CREEK, CO Vilar Center for the Arts, with Paul Thorn

Sat., Feb. 18 DENVER, CO L2 Arts & Culture Center, with Paul Thorn

Thurs., Feb. 23 THE WOODLANDS, TX Dosey Doe Café

Fri., Feb. 24 AUSTIN, TX Antone’s

Sat., Feb. 25 SAN ANTONIO, TX Sam’s Burger Joint

Tues., March 6 ANNAPOLIS, MD Ramshead, with Paul Thorn

Wed., March 7 ALEXANDRIA, VA Birchmere, with Paul Thorn

Thurs., March 8 PHILADELPHIA, PA WCL, with Paul Thorn

Fri., March 9 NEW YORK, NY City Winery, with Paul Thorn

Sat., March 10 CHATHAM, NJ The Sanctuary Concerts, with Paul Thorn

Wed.-Fri., March 14-16 AUSTIN, TX SXSW

Fri., March 17 DALLAS, TX Kessler Theater

Fri., March 23 DECATUR, GA Eddie’s Attic

Sat.-Sun., March 24-25 SAVANNAH, GA Savannah Music Fest, with Campbell Brothers

Tues., March 27 WICHITA, KS Abode Venue, with Paul Thorn

Wed., March 28 KANSAS CITY, MO Knucklehead’s, with Paul Thorn

Thurs., March 29 ST. LOUIS, MO Old Rock House, with Paul Thorn

Fri., March 30 BLOOMINGTON, IL The Castle Theater, with Paul Thorn

Sat., March 31 SCHAUMBURG, IL Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts

Mon.-Tues., April 2-3 MINNEAPOLIS, MN The Dakota, with Paul Thorn

Thurs., April 5 AUSTIN, TX Long Center for the Performing Arts

Sat., April 21 HOUSTON, TX Houston International Festival

Tues., May 2 LAFAYETTE, LA Acadiana Center for the Arts, with Paul Thorn

Fri., May 4 BATON ROUGE, LA Manship Theatre, with Paul Thorn

Sat., May 5 MERIDIAN, MS Mississippi State University, with Paul Thorn

Fri., May 11 SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center

Sat., May 12 GREEN LAKE, WI Thrasher Opera House

Fri., May 18 CHEROKEE, TX Cherokee Creek Music Festival

Sun., May 20 CHARLESTON, WV Charlie West Blues Fest

Fri., June 1 MEMPHIS, TN Levitt Shell at Overton Park

Sat., June 2 EUREKA SPRINGS, AR Eureka Springs Blues Weekend

Sat., June 16 HENDERSON, KY Handy Blues and Barbeque Festival

Sat., June 30 LAYTONVILLE, CA Kate Wolf Music Festival

# # #

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Bman's Exclusive Interview with Ruthie Foster

Bman: Hi Ruthie. I appreciate you taking the time out from your schedule to talk with me. I'm extremely embarrassed to say that I wasn't aware of your work until I heard this most recent recording, " Let It Burn". This recording is just incredible... possibly the freshest and most enjoyable recording that I've listened to all year. Have you been storing this up or are all of your recordings this great?

Ruthie: Thank you. This particular CD is a combination of songs I've been sitting on waiting for the right opportunity and the right compilation and also songs my producer John Chelew introducing great songs to me.

Bman: Well, you done a fabulous job! I need to get out and get the rest of your recordings because this one is just so soothing and enjoyable to listen to.

Ruthie: Thanks, it's always a joy to hear about what "new" fans have to say about my music, "Let It Burn" is the most mellow of all my recordings. It was enjoyable to be able to get into a soulfully soothing vibe and stay there for a while.

Bman: Here's the funny thing. I really am not that vocally oriented. I mean, I hear the voice as just another instrument and listen to the music as a whole... as a composition. I usually find people's voices a distraction from what I want to hear. There are rare exceptions. People who's voices are just over the top...of course Aretha, James Brown, Al Green, Ella, Son House, Skip James, Muddy, Janis, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, Steve Marriott, Jimmy Hall, Amy Winehouse...not really a lot more .. and some that most wouldn't think... like Courtney Love, Brody Dalle, Fiona Apple and Hope Sandoval. That isn't a lot of vocalists when I think of all of the music that I have listened to. I feel that you are in rare air! No one has likely called my attention to you because those who know me know that they will get put down for recommending a vocalist... because nobody ever measures up.

Ruthie: You mentioned a lot of vocalists here that I also consider phenomenal. I feel that a great vocalist always brings something yummy to the table. Sometimes it's in their phrasing (Ella, of course) or groove and melodic genuis (Jill Scott, Eryka Badu) or the energy and ability to lift a musical piece to another level (Son House, James Brown) or even just the timbre of their overall sound (Aretha, Al, Amy and Macy); it usually comes very naturally for the great singers. A lot of listeners are more drawn to 'over the top' voices, I have to say that there's just as much to be said and perhaps discovered about singers who are amazingly subtle in their delivery but add so much to the plate of music, singers like Shirley Horn to musicians who initially weren't even thought of as singers such as Chet Baker or Eric Clapton.

Bman: Exactly right....well said. Your new recording, "Let It Burn" is so masterfully crafted it sounds like it could have been recorded in Muscle Shoals along side of Clarence Carter , King Curtis , Aretha Franklin , Wilson Pickett , Otis Rush , Percy Sledge , Johnny Jenkins , Boz Scaggs , Delaney & Bonnie with Skyman on slide guitar. The entire piece is just so well put together. Did you check out any of these old recordings? Not trying to get you to divulge any secrets...but I'm serious. The recording is so real!

Ruthie: I have a large palette of musical taste but my early influences were definitely from the Muscle Shoals collections, Texas blues and country music, Memphis soul and a lot of gospel recordings. Though I did do a lot of channeling during this recording of great voices from Mavis Staples to Cassandra Wilson.

Bman: It definitely has "the sound". I know I've looked at the sleeve at least 5 times to see Derek Trucks name on there... is the player really Dave Easley? His playing is masterful! Did you arrange the recordings as well? I mean a good part of the recording is how well it's put together and arranged. Vocals and harmonies and soloing just at the right time!

Ruthie: Dave was a skillful add to this cd. I was also beautifully surprised at how he really nailed the atmosphere of each section of every song (and was very detailed about what he wanted to do with each one, thankfully).

Overall this was John Chelew's love child in every way, he was the director and painted a picture of what he envisioned for each song and when you have masterful musicians such as what was put together for this project then you will get what you want..and then some!

Bman: Well, I hope that you each get the notoriety that you deserve for this project! Your interpretation of Ring of Fire is unbelievable! Who would have thought that? I mean, Savoy Brown doing Al Green doing the Temptations... but you doing Johnny Cash?

Ruthie: I've always thought of "Ring of Fire" as brilliant love song and this arrangement found me late, late one night after being unable to sleep. I was truly exhausted emotionally and physically after coming to an end of a long tour as well as a relationship I was in at the time. So this came from a deep place I will not be able to comprehend or explain even to myself.

Bman: It sounds deeply personal. As I listen over and over to the recordings I hear so much and I keep coming back to that early Muscle Shoals sound... and that is a true heartfelt compliment! The overall musical arrangement and feel is just perfect... like a time capsule... that is never been opened!

Ruthie: That makes me smile. Thank you.

Bman: I doubt that you saw my review of your release because there have likely been 50,000 of them but I think that you can tell that you have a definite new fan! I am just amazed at what you have done with other artists compositions. They are all stellar interpretations of music that I would never have considered in the context that you have presented them.

Ruthie: I do hope that my arrangements open up more fans to these songs.

Bman: Everyone should hear this record. I really think it is that good. Ok. I guess that you know that I really love the recording. What are you working on now. Are you touring to support the release?

Ruthie:Yes, we will be out for the next year or so spreading the news of the new release. A tour with Paul Thorn is coming up in February 2012 along with performances in Europe and Australia. I'm looking forward to getting on the road with new songs.

Bman: I'm hoping that your tour is coming my way! I love the way you open and close the recording with the Blind Boys of Alabama. I know that you have worked with them before. Are you touring with them now or primarily on your own?

Ruthie: I have toured with the Blind Boys and enjoyed every mile and every note of the tour.

But I'll be on the road predominantly with my own band for 2012. With a trio on some shows, quartet to five piece on others. But my core is Samantha Banks on drums and Tanya Richardson (my cousin) on bass. Though I didn't play on this cd I will be covering a lot of the guitar work myself while in the trio format.

Bman: Thanks a lot for your time and good luck. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.. but good that I have 6 previous recordings to check out really soon (your previous recordings)! Do you have anything else that you would like to share with your fans?

Ruthie: Thank you. You will find a big mix of music from my first recording to the present. As any artist hopes, I trust that you'll see thru my archives that have lived, learned and hopefully grown musically.

Message for my fans and future fans, I always come to town ready to have a "halleluia time" so if you need some of that then come join us and let's all feast and get full on the awesome gift of music!
Thank you.
RF


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Blue Corn Music artist Ruthie Foster New Release - Let It Burn - Review

What a breath of fresh air!! First I have to admit that I am not primarily attracted to solo female vocal oriented recordings (with a few exceptions)but this recording is dynamite! I have listened to it about 4 times and I really like it. There are a number of familiar songs on the recording and if I were to see the titles on the cover and try to make an analysis of whether I would like it I would never give it a second look. Ruthie covers traditional spirituals, The Black Keys, Los Lobos, David Crosby, Johnny Cash, John Martyn and Pete Seeger. Well, looks can be deceiving. There is not only very strong vocals but really hot guitar riffs and very soulful grooves. This recording is absolutely terrific from beginning to end and I highly recommended it! Really!!
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RUTHIE FOSTER’S NEW ALBUM, LET IT BURN, RECORDED IN NEW ORLEANS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS, EXPANDS MUSICAL BOUNDARIES

RUTHIE FOSTER’S NEW ALBUM, LET IT BURN,
RECORDED IN NEW ORLEANS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS,
EXPANDS MUSICAL BOUNDARIES

January 31 release on Blue Corn Music features Blind Boys of Alabama, soul legend William Bell, and songs by Adele, Black Keys, Los Lobos, Johnny Cash, The Band, Pete Seeger, Crosby, Stills & Nash and more.

AUSTIN, Texas — Those who have followed Ruthie Foster’s eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. And when Grammy Award-winning producer John Chelew suggested she record an album in New Orleans — with support handpicked from the Crescent City’s overflowing pool of talent — it was an opportunity for Ruthie to infuse fresh spices into her already rich sonic gumbo. The result is Let It Burn — slated for January 31, 2012 release on Blue Corn Music — a recording that smolders, sizzles and ignites with an intensity born from her vibrant voice and indelible presence.

Ruthie’s astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride. She came from humble church choir beginnings in rural Texas, followed by a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy Band, and ended up in New York City with a major-label development deal that went sour. After she moved back to Texas to care for her ailing mother, Foster took a break from singing professionally for a couple of years. When she resumed her music career in Austin, she became a regular nominee at the Austin Music Awards, winning Best Folk Artist in 2004-05 and Best Female Vocalist in 2007-08. Broadening her sound by blending blues and soul aspects into her folk roots, Ruthie added a Grammy nomination to her list of achievements (Best Contemporary Blues Album for her last studio release, 2009’s The Truth According to Ruthie Foster). And, in a nod to her astounding range, she then won seemingly contradictory Blues Music Association awards for both Best Traditional and Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist in back-to-back years.

In addition to leading her own band and touring it around the world, Foster has also collaborated on stage and recordings with a diverse list of artists including Warren Haynes, Big Head Todd, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Bibb and Paul Thorn. She’s a regular favorite at an equally diverse list of festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Monterey Blues Festival, Merlefest and the Kate Wolf Festival.

The ingredients for Let It Burn, recorded at New Orleans’ Piety Street Studios, start with some of that city’s most respected players: The Funky Meters’ rhythm section of bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Russell Batiste, guitarist Dave Easley, and renowned saxophonist James Rivers collectively infuse the tracks with the groove-based, in-the-pocket vibe that comes naturally to New Orleans-bred musicians. The addition of Hammond B3 wizard Ike Stubblefield, who has toured and recorded with everyone from Curtis Mayfield to Eric Clapton, gives the album a jazzy organ-combo feel. Finally, legendary gospel singers the Blind Boys of Alabama and soul icon William Bell add extra depth to the project’s surprisingly eclectic collection of cover songs and fresh originals.

Besides the New Orleans location, there was another significant “first” associated with these sessions. “This is the only album I’ve done where I don’t play an instrument, which is really different. It gave me a lot more freedom vocally. Without a guitar, all I did was concentrate on singing,” Foster explains. “Sometimes I tried to channel Mavis Staples vocally, but I also wanted to bring a kind of Cassandra Wilson/Sade sultriness to some of the songs.”

The results are powerful, defining performances of Adele’s anthemic “Set Fire to the Rain,” John Martyn’s poignant and sensual “Don’t Want to Know,” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” all of which take on new vibrancy with distinctive musical arrangements and Ruthie’s commanding presence. The achingly beautiful, atmospheric ballad version of “Ring of Fire” is at the heart of this album, and potently showcases Foster as one of the finest interpretive singers of our time. “When it comes to songs, often older ones, I love it when they find me and that’s what happened with ‘Ring of Fire.’ I put myself inside of that song, which speaks to the passion of a new relationship,” she says.

Ruthie mines other tunes from a variety of sources such as the Black Keys (“Everlasting Light,” given a sparkling and righteous treatment), Pete Seeger (a dynamic, ominous swamp/jazz reimagining of “If I Had a Hammer”) and Los Lobos (the rambling, haunting “This Time”).

The church is never far from anything Foster touches as her spiritual original “Lord Remember Me” with the Blind Boys, featuring a sanctified slide solo from guitarist Easley, makes clear. The album’s opening and closing tracks also spotlight the Blind Boys and bookend the project with a devotional approach. “I haven’t lost my gospel in the way I approach a song,” explains Ruthie.

Another new Foster song is “Aim for the Heart” (a co-write with Jon Tiven), which works Porter’s funky bass, Stubblefield’s expressive organ and Easley’s snake-like guitar into a groove which supports the deeply personal motto (“Aim for the heart/And you’ll never go wrong”) that Foster has exhibited in both her life and music.

Rounding out this smoldering collection of tunes are covers of The Band’s melancholic “It Makes No Difference,” David Crosby’s politically charged “Long Time Gone” and William Bell’s classic “You Don’t Miss Your Water” (with Bell dueting on a slow, jazz/blues version of the standard, augmented by a stunning Rivers solo), all of which further display Ruthie’s uncanny knack for finding the simmering essence of any song.

On Let It Burn, Ruthie Foster takes the listener on her most personal journey yet, sounding like she is pouring her heart out late at night, and her deeply soulful vocals create a spiritual soundscape to support her testimony. This is the album her fans have been waiting for — and that the rest of the world will listen to in wonder.

RUTHIE FOSTER TOUR DATES

Sat., Jan. 14 NORFOLK, VA Attucks Theater
Sun., Jan. 15 CHARLESTON, WV Mountain Stage
Sat., Jan. 21 CROCKETT, TX Crockett Civic Theater
Tues., Jan. 31 LOS ANGELES, CA Grammy Museum (The Drop or L.A. media)
Wed., Feb. 1 LOS ANGELES, CA Grammy Museum (The Drop or L.A. media)
Thurs., Feb. 2 PORTLAND, OR Aladdin Theater, with Paul Thorn
Fri., Feb. 3 SPOKANE, WA The Bing Crosby Theater, with Paul Thorn
Sat., Feb. 4 SEATTLE, WA The Triple Door, with Paul Thorn
Mon., Feb. 6 CHICO, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., with Paul Thorn
Tues., Feb. 7 ARCATA, CA Humboldt State University, with Paul Thorn
Wed., Feb. 8 NAPA, CA Napa Valley Opera House, with Paul Thorn
Thurs., Feb. 9 SAN FRANCISCO, CA Great American Music Hall, with Paul Thorn
Fri., Feb. 10 SANTA BARBARA, CA UC Santa Barbara, with Paul Thorn
Sat., Feb. 11 PHOENIX, AZ The Compound Grill, with Paul Thorn
Sun., Feb. 12 TUCSON, AZ Berger Performing Arts Center, with Paul Thorn
Tues., Feb. 14 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO Strings Music Pavilion, with Paul Thorn
Thurs., Feb. 16 DURANGO, CO Fort Lewis College, with Paul Thorn
Fri., Feb. 17 BEAVER CREEK, CO Vilar Center for the Arts with Paul Thorn
Sat., Feb. 18 DENVER, CO Swallow Hill Music Presents @L2 Arts & Culture Center, with Paul Thorn
Thurs., Feb. 23 THE WOODLANDS, TX Dosey Doe Café
Fri., Feb. 24 AUSTIN, TX Antone’s
Fri., March 2 CARRBORO, NC Cat's Cradle, with Paul Thorn (T)
Sat., March 3 WINSTON-SALEM, NC Ziggy's, with Paul Thorn (T)
Sun., March 4 ROANOKE, VA Kirk Ave, with Paul Thorn (T)
Wed., March 7 ALEXANDRIA, VA Birchmere, with Paul Thorn (T)
Thurs., March 8 PHILADELPHIA, PA WCL, with Paul Thorn (T)
Fri., March 9 NEW YORK, NY City Winery, with Paul Thorn (T)
Sat., March 10 CHATHAM, NJ Sanctuary, with Paul Thorn (T)
Wed.-Fri., March 14-16 AUSTIN, TX SXSW
Fri., March 17 DALLAS, TX Kessler Theater
Sat.-Sun., March 24-25 SAVANNAH, GA Savannah Music Festival
Sat., March 31 SCHAUMBURG, IL Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts

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