RITA HOSKING: Are You Ready?

Rita Hosking

Are You Ready?

© 2005 Rita Hosking (678277095427)

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True stories of mountain life sung with rare conviction and beauty, reminiscent of early bluegrass and country.

notes

Hailed as one of the top roots albums of the year, Rita Hosking's "Are You Ready?" presents true stories of mountain life sung with rare conviction and beauty. A dozen originals and one Hazel Dickens tune feature Rita, her band "Cousin Jack", and acoustic music stars such as Joe Craven and Rob Ickes. Stunning "Are You Ready?" signals the emergence of a powerful new voice that commands respect in folk, bluegrass and country.
Rita Hosking was raised in the mountains of Shasta County, Northern California, where she internalized dusty woodsheds, the scent of springwater, forest fires and the troubles of rural economies. Her musical experience began as a child at church, and under the wings of an old time jug band made up of seasoned mountain characters. A descendant of Cornish miners who sang in the mines, Rita grew up with deep regard for folk music and the power of the voice.


About Rita:

"Rita Hosking is the best bluegrass songbird in Northern California"
--Eric Rice, host of the 20+ year old County Line Bluegrass Show on KVMR

"Rita Hosking has one of those perfectly imperfect voices necessary to do folk music right. An overtrained or flawless vibrato can ruin a good tune about broken lives or crossing over or prison wardens who are happiest when the jailhouse is full. But Hosking keeps it beautifully raw and real in the pitchy tradition of Emmylou Harris or Lucinda Williams. Musically, her bluegrass-tinged performances hearken back to the best of American music without mimicking the greats. Close harmonies and strong backup provided by her band, Cousin Jack, round out a sound rooted firmly in traditional music but distinct to an artist with a particular lyrical love for the mountains and the lives they envelop."
--Adrienne van der Valk for the Eugene Weekly

"What I appreciate about Rita's music is that she has the innate ability to take the listener back to a simpler and better time in American music."
--Michael Leahy, a.k.a. "Cornelius" of the KDVS "Cool As Folk" show

"Rita Hosking is an up and coming songbird with a style of her own, combining the best of Gillian Welch, Hazel Dickens and Iris DeMent with a delivery that calls for an encore every time."
--Dennis Brunnenmeyer, host of KVMR's "Nevada City Limits"

"From the first time I heard Rita sing, her voice gripped me and did not let go; a voice whose beauty speaks from a deep place of honest and raw and powerful emotion. Rita's messages are immediate yet patient and her quiet conviction most strong. Her sound is real, reflective and compassionate... and just beginning. I'm excited to see her music flow out of her and into all of us."
--Joe Craven

"Cousin Jack", Rita's quartet, is composed of Rita on rhythm guitar and lead vocal, Bill Dakin on upright bass, rhythm guitar and vocals, Sean Feder on banjo, lead guitar and vocals, and Andy Lentz on fiddle. They may be playing near you soon! Some highlights of Spring 2007--Spring Strawberry Music Festival, and new CD release, "Silver Stream", at the Palms Playhouse in Winters, CA. For more info. on summer and fall shows, please go to the schedule page at www.ritahosking.com.

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reviews

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  • Powerful, haunting.
    author: Ellen

    Do yourself a favor and buy Rita's CD. I'm on my second copy, since I wore my first one plumb out. Rita and friends have done a fine job with solid songwriting and crisp performance.

  • Great CD! Incredible songwriting and wonderful vocals.
    author: hanna sue

    Rita Hosking shines in this tremendous CD. Her songwriting is strong and her vocals are pure and soulful. The content of her songs is varied and original.

  • Wonderful Stuff!
    author: Grace Smith

    What a wonderful,raw quality Rita Hosking has to her voice. There's some really beautiful,powerful music here.

  • Wow! This CD will be a favorite for years to come.
    author: Karen Goodell

    I'm not a professional music reviewer, but I felt compelled to write a comment about this one. As a longtime fan of accoustic music, the most accurate word to describe this CD is: WOW! What a voice and what beautiful, lyrical and haunting songs. I can play this one over and over and find something new there each time. This CD will be a favorite for years to come. Nice job, Rita. You're on your way!

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