Album Notes

Stages\" is the first live album from the dynamic Ruthie Foster. Ruthie\'s reputation for scorching live performances has spread across the country as she and percussionist Cyd Cassone have toured in support of her Blue Corn debut \"Runaway Soul\". \"Stages\" is an aptly titled album as it features songs from all stages of Ruthie\'s career and was recorded in a variety of musical settings. In addition to Ruthie\'s usual performance setup, which features her vocals and guitar and Cyd\'s percussion and harmonies, \"Stages\" finds the duo working with an expanded rhythm section on several songs. The Austin-based chamber group Will Taylor and Strings Attached joins in on a few numbers including a haunting version of Stephen Foster\'s \"Oh! Susannah\". Ruthie\'s infectious stage personality comes through loud and clear on \"Stages\", making it a \"live\" album in every sense of the word. If you\'ve seen Ruthie and Cyd in person or on their Austin City Limits appearance, \"Stages\" lets you bring that magic home! If you haven\'t had the pleasure yet \"Stages\" is a great introduction to the magic of Ruthie Foster LIVE!