Ruthie Foster’s Hallelujah return to Johnny D’s

On September 18, 2014, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times
American roots music artist Ruthie Foster will be celebrating her latest record release at Johnny D’s this coming Friday evening.

American roots music artist Ruthie Foster will be celebrating her latest record release at Johnny D’s this coming Friday evening.

By Jim Clark

Gifted with a phenomenal singing voice and equally impressive songwriting skills, Texas-based songstress Ruthie Foster is once again hitting stages across the USA, this time in support of her latest release, Promise of a Brand New Day.

She will be performing and celebrating the release of the new album at Johnny D’s this coming Friday, September 19, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Foster is no stranger to Johnny D’s. She says that she enjoys the large space and the warmly receptive crowds that she has performed for there in the past.

She wants everyone to come to the show ready to have a “Hallelujah time!”

Foster’s style of music is eclectic and, to a certain degree, tends to defy efforts to pigeonhole it. At one instant she soars loftily in full gospel mode, and in another moment takes a sultry bluesy tone, while at any given moment bursting through as powerfully as any contemporary pop diva. Versatility is here forte, and she holds nothing back, either on record or in live performance.

Her new record, Promise of a Brand New Day, boasts a widely divergent mix of styles and moods. The album’s producer, Meshell Ndegeocello, a musical phenomenon in her own right, definitely set out to make the most of Foster’s talents with this recording.

ruthie_2_web“I wanted this album to highlight Ruthie’s voice and also communicate her vibe, give a fuller picture of her artistry and ability,” Ndegeocello said. “She really trusted me with the music and I think we’ve made something that complements and holds its own alongside the power of her voice.”

Ndegeocello also plays bass on the album, alongside a cadre of top-notch musicians whose skills and artistry helped to bring about the polished brilliance that shines through every track of the album.

Foster grew up in the tiny Texas town of Gause, where she was steeped in the sounds and culture of gospel music, while simultaneously soaking in the energy of pop and folk that flowed in from the outside. Those early influence are still an important part of her “grounding” and keep her connected to the true roots of the kinds of music she loves best.

After serving in the Navy, where she spent a lot of time playing and singing in a band, she landed in New York, gradually gaining her footing as a performer, working in small clubs and assorted informal venues.

A major record label soon took notice and asked her to sign with them as an emerging pop artist, but she opted to stick to what was familiar and most satisfying for her, the Americana roots genre that has represented the core of her musical orientation from the beginning.

Finding her own way, she was eventually able to record the kind of music she loves on her own terms. Her first release, 1997’s Full Circle was self-produced and provided Foster an opportunity to reach out to a wider audience. Shortly thereafter, she connected with Blue Corn Music, with which she recorded seven albums to date, included her latest effort, Promise of a Brand New Day.

Somerville music lovers have a rare opportunity to enjoy the dynamic artistry of Ruthie Foster this week at Johnny D’s. Come and have yourself a Hallelujah time!

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Ruthie Foster at Johnny D’s, Friday, September 19, 7:30 p.m., at Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant & Music Club, 17 Holland Street, Somerville.

 

 

 

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