RUTHIE FOSTER: The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster

Ruthie Foster

The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster

© 2006 the authors

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Motown blues.

notes

Superlatives are rare in album titles, and for good reason: unless you’re a living legend or a legend-in-the-making like the Man in Black (1958’s The Fabulous Johnny Cash) or the Queen of Soul (1962’s The Electrifying Aretha Franklin), you’re all but begging for a crash course in humility. So if you’re going to stick a word like “phenomenal” in front of your name on a record cover, you damn well better have the goods to back it up.

“Those are some big shoes!” laughs Ruthie Foster, who, just for the record, is really one of the most humble and down-to-earth artists you could ever meet, phenomenal or otherwise. She admits to initially having “quite a few reservations” about calling her fifth album The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster, crediting both her producer, noted Austin-based “swamp music” guitarist Malcolm “Papa Mali” Welbourne, and her label, Houston’s Blue Corn Records, for making that particular gutsy call. As for how they came up with it, well … just give it a listen, and you’ll understand. The big shoes just fit — so much so, that calling this particular record by this particular woman at this particular time in her life and career anything but “phenomenal” would be akin to false advertising.

If you haven’t yet been introduced to the music of this prodigiously gifted singer and songwriter from Texas, you’re in for a major epiphany. And if you’ve been following Foster’s career ever since her self-released, 1997 debut, Full Circle, or even since her 2002 breakthrough, Runaway Soul, you’re in for an even bigger surprise, because you really haven’t ever heard Foster until you hear her now. Simply put, mama’s gotta brand new bag.

“Change is kind of scary for a lot of people when it comes to music,” says Foster. “But I’ve had a lot of changes in my life the last couple of years here, both personally and musically, and it was just time to step out. Running across Papa Mali when I did was great for me, because he’d been showing up to a lot of my shows here in Austin, and he mentioned that he heard so much more in me than what was coming across. That really got my attention, because I knew that there was more, too. I’d been wanting to stretch out for quite some time. And he had a way of just saying, ‘It’s time to fly, Ruth.’”

By pretty much anyone else’s standards, Foster had already been soaring for years. Since returning to her native Texas in the mid-’90s after a period of walkabout that found her touring with the U.S. Navy band Pride (“We were bad ass!”) and even spending a few years in New York City under contract to Atlantic Records (“I think they were looking for Anita Baker meets Tracy Chapman,” she muses. “I sent a headshot to my dad, and he said, ‘Who is this white woman with my baby’s nose?”), Foster quickly established herself as one of the acoustic music world’s brightest stars. From the Kerrville Folk Festival to Austin City Limits to stages all across North America and Europe, she was winning thousands of new fans a night and selling a staggering average of 100 CDs per show. At a festival in Canada, she even broke Ani DiFranco’s record by selling 1,000 CDs in a single day. (“I love Canada,” laughs Foster.) All those records carried considerable critical acclaim, too, especially her last two, the Lloyd Maines-produced Runaway Soul and the live Stages. Both live and on disc, Foster mixed contemporary folk with old-school gospel and blues with dazzling efficiency, showcasing a powerhouse voice that drew more favorable comparisons to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin than the poor girl knew what to do with.

You can still hear traces of that Foster on her new album — most notably in the rootsy fun of “Beaver Creek Blues,” the gospel revival spirit of “Mama Said” and the dark, stomping a cappella thunder of the Son House cover “People Grinnin’ In your Face.” But Papa Mali had an entirely different kind of Ruthie Foster sound in mind when recording commenced at Austin’s Congress House Studio, and Foster was delighted to discover that his vision tapped deep into her own roots as a music lover. Together with a crack band including drummer George Sluppick (Mofro), bassist Glenn Fukunaga (Dixie Chicks, Terri Hendrix) and Hammond B3 player Anthony Farrell (Greyhounds), they set out to make an honest to goodness classic soul album. The kind that, in a different era, with a different singer, could just as easily have been called The Phenomenal Sam Cooke.

“A lot of folks don’t know this, but that really is my background,” says Foster. “I come from a deep background of old soul and blues and even R&B. Early on, long before I ever got into the folk thing, I was doing more soul on acoustic guitar than anything else. And that’s always been a part of the sound that I have.”

The difference, she says, is all in the instrumentation — and more importantly, the groove. That became apparent early in the sessions, when Foster blew the dust off an old song of hers called “Heal Yourself” that she had recorded a decade earlier for her first album. In the wake of recent events in her personal life and her continual evolution as an artist, the lyrics — a tough-love kick in her own pants — seemed timelier than ever. But when she started playing it on acoustic guitar again — the instrument she wrote it on — Papa Mali gently inquired if she’d ever tried it on piano.

“He kind of tricked me, really,” she says. “But I went over to the piano in the room, and a groove comes out of nowhere on this thing. We’re all looking at each other, and George picks up his sticks, Glenn picks up his bass, and we just go. We’re rolling.”

In addition to piano, Foster also found herself playing a lot of Wurlitzer throughout the sessions, having the time of her life. “There’s just something about getting on that Wurli, and letting the keys pop up and down wherever they wanted to go,” she enthuses. “Woo! That was fun. I found my Ray Charles when I got on that thing!”

“This CD,” she says, “is what happens when all the elements come together and you just get out of the way and let the groove go, you know? I learned a lot about just getting out of my own way.”

That goes for the subject matter, too, with Foster originals like “Harder Than the Fall” and “I Don’t Know What to Do With My Heart” revealing a level of personal vulnerability that she’d previously shied away from sharing.

“This record’s all about what I’ve been through these last couple of years here, and then some. There was a lot of emotional stuff left over from all that that I’d been carrying around with me, and I managed to write a few songs and find a few songs from other people that really say it all. But that kind of had me holding back on the whole project, because it’s hard to put your life into a record like that and really expose yourself. ‘Harder Than the Fall’ was about my last relationship, and ‘I Don’t Know What to Do With My Heart’ was about a relationship before that. You’re not so sure you want people to be able to see your vulnerability like that, but in the end it’s necessary, because that’s how you get past those things. And, by putting these songs on the record, it’s kind of a way of letting them go out and heal somebody else out there who may need to hear them.”

After the healing comes empowerment, which brings us to what is arguably The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster’s most powerful statement: “Phenomenal Woman,” a poem by Dr. Maya Angelou originally set to music by Canadian artist Amy Sky and David Pickett.

“I’m a big, big fan of Maya Angelou,” says Foster. “I grew up wanting to be a poet. So running across this poem in a song was just beautiful to me. I had to record that one, because to me, that’s the essence of where I’m at right now. I know God ain’t done with me yet, but I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve got a lot to say and a lot to share, and I’m going to keep doing it through music. And the message in ‘Phenomenal Woman’ — I think every woman should feel that.”

She pauses, then adds with a laugh, “I think every man should feel that, too!”

reviews

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  • all
    author: branko

    Crystal clear sensible voice, special when You singing clasic blues songs-excellent!

  • Phenomenal Woman
    author: Jeanne

    I've been listening to Ruthie since "Runaway Soul". I really like the new album alot. It is different in a really good way, and her old feel is still there in a couple of songs. Hats off to Papa Mali, too. The swamp vibe is in there too. The whole album has a great flow. Fruits of My Labor(Lucinda Williams penned), Heal Yourself, and Harder than the Fall, are my favs.

  • author: jmac

    Not to revel in anyones misery but I'd love to shake the hand that broke your heart. If you are keeping score... You win. Truly Phenomenal - You have to her this woman sing live!

  • The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
    author: Natalie McGregor

    Fabulous. Good memories of Port Fairy Folk Festival 2008. Best song is Phenomenal Women

  • The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
    author: Rebecca

    What a treat to be so excited about discovering a new artist. I LOVE this album and call it my "vitamin", got to have it everyday. I've bought 10 copies of this CD for friends - I've never done that before.... Saw Ruthie's (too) brief show in Ridefield, CT where she blew away the audience and looking forward to another round this March in Maine.

  • author: Lori Honeycutt

    OMG...WHY IS THIS PERSON NOT ON OPRAH YET? I just emailed the producers of the show. She is just a phenomenal talent and I know Oprah would be blown away.

  • Love it!
    author: John MacDonald

    Great covers and equally good original work. Well balanced album showcasing Ruthie's extreme talents. Can't wait to see her live at bluesfest in Australia.

  • Phenom Ruthie Foster
    author: Brenda A. Cook

    I love it! I am a jazz/blues fan, and this album gives me that and more - a little gospel, folk, fusion, kind of an eclectic mix, all thrown in. Excellent.

  • The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
    author: Charlie Hogue

    This is a good CD. Ruthie recently was scheduled to perform at Blues On Grand in Des Moines Iowa. I was unable to make the show so I bought her CD instead. I have enjoyed listening to it ever since. Thanks for good service too.

  • The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
    author: Dianne Ogden

    I love this CD! I just bought it after hearing Ruthie perform in Waco. She is a phenomenal artist! Also, thanks CD baby for the great customer service.

  • phenomenal ruthie foster
    author: connie oakman

    I love the album. Heard ruthie play at the dakota jazz club in Minneapolis. Loved her energy and spirit. Told my daughters they need to listen to the song phenomenal women at least once a day. One of my daughters had the poem written out and already knew the words. Great stuff!

  • phenomenal ruthie foster
    author: Debbie Russo

    There are not enough stars in your rating system. I also appreciate your super customer service. Will be ordering again!

  • phenomenal
    author: susan atkinson

    the kind of music you just can put down. very loving voice and the pick of words and music just clash with soul. love ya baby.

  • awesome lady indeed
    author: willie and linda

    My Husband had me hunt her down. i never heard of her music till then. But he has heqard her on XM radio and had me look for her..HE just loves it. he is going to wear out her cd. she is true to form and he agrees with many other comments here. She is GREAT!! keep up the great work Ruthie.

  • she is definetly phenomenal//inspiring//exceptional
    author: theresa nave

    I first heard Ruthie Foster through a friend, since hearing her beautiful voice I've been inspired and hope to hear alot more for her. She deserves 10 stars +

  • author: Rhonda

    I came across Ruthie Foster in an article in More Magazine & was immediately interested as I'm a huge fan of Lucinda Williams. The album is wonderful and an inspiration for all women!! Love it!

  • Love this voice and personality!
    author: Jill Davidson

    This CD is excellent, Ruthie's voice sounds closer to the in person power I experienced hearing her for the first time than a previous CD. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next one.

  • beautiful music
    author: gloria

    her voice and the music is very moving, just beautiful

  • Ruthie shows several styles , blusey, gosplely, folky, rocky.
    author: Leslie Naditch

    Ruthie shows several styles on the cd, all of them display her versitility. Blusey, Gosplely, Folky, Rocky. She's emphatic, intelectual, and gets her point across beautifully. She seems so wise, even when she is covering someone else's words, like Maya Angelou's. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 only because this cd is bursting with the potential of this artist. I already look forward to her next cd.

  • author: adonai

    I stumbled across this album and it was realy nice. Keep up the good work peace and blessings.

  • Sweet Soulful Flower
    author: Jennifer Haase

    I've had Ruthie's first disc "Full Circle" for a couple years and am so delighted to return to her moving, soulful sound via "The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster." If a thick, warm breeze could speak, she would have this voice. And she would sing these things. And she would speak right into the heart of me, as Ruthie most certainly does on this highly recommended disc.

  • Ruthie is phenomenal!
    author: Monica

    I've heard a Ruthie song here and there on KPIG radio; then heard her interview on NPR. Wow! That Son House number clinched it for me! Came here to CD Baby and played all the clips from the new CD. Ordered it immediately and not sorry at all. Phenomenal Woman, a poem by Maya Angelou put to music, is one truly empowering set of lyrics sung with such passion by Ruthie. You're definitely getting it out there past those double doors, Ms. Foster!

  • An Exceptionally good cd by a remarkable Talent
    author: Eddie Soye

    This is a exceptionally good cd by a very talented soul singer. She is also a fine songwriter and all her songs here are interesting. She also does strong readings of other artists material in particular Son House's People Grinning In Your Face. Highly Recommended

  • She brought me up when I was down
    author: Cindy Ravines of Kitchen Table

    I'm a new fan as of today. I was driving in my car this morning and heard her song on the radio. Admittedly, I was feeling down but when I heard her voice I turned the radio up loud and she lifted my drooping spirits. What a gift she has! I'm grateful she is sharing her God-given gift with the world. Even though money is tight in our family right now I must get her CD.

  • great c.d.
    author: priscilla

    wow what a voice! love the whole cd. hope to hear her in concert someday.

  • The best I have seen live in 40 years at MerleFest.
    author: James Mathis

    Sold out this album at MerleFest in about 15 minutes after her performance. Truly the best solo artist I have seen live in 40 years of attending concerts which include Aretha, Elvis, and a who's who of bands. Buy this ladies music and transform your ears to total bliss.

  • OUTSTANDING
    author: RobbieP

    Just discovered Ruthie after listening to a National Public Radio interview. Boy am I glad I did. Listened to the web review and am going to order as soon as I get this review finished. As an old 60's hippie and Aretha fan, what a joy to find Ruthie

  • We were blown away. What a talent!
    author: Eltoro

    We found her by accident purchasing a friends CD on cdbaby.com. We'll be fans for life. She's so rich and so real. I can't believe she's not known by 'everyone'. We're spreading the word and loving her music.

  • Truely Phenomenal!
    author: Tom Gosse

    I first was introduced to Ruthie from an interview on Studio 360 where she sang "Harder than the Fall". I brought tears to my eyes. I guess because I felt like it was written for me. I just had to have all her CD's. I love her voice and lyrics. It's rare to find artists who write their own work. She's also an awesome guitar player. I'll be wearing this one out for sure.

  • all new and improved, bolder, brighter Ruthie!
    author: el Bee

    Cuz you're here has a melody that haunts me, Heal yourself makes me want to cruise in a really old VW van toward Haight and Ashbury, my 9 year old loves the "frog song", and People Grinnin harks back to the song that converted me to Ruthie, "Death Came Knockin", what a great mix of stuff! Rock on, Ruth!

  • Truly the Best!
    author: Bogie

    I love this one more than any of the other cd's that Ms. Foster has released. This one is cold down to the core. She went deep for the songs on this one without worrying about holding back. It's raw, gritty, and truthful to the soul. Love it! You will to.

  • Very cool.
    author: Sparky

    Ruthie Love. I just listened to the samples on the web. Outdone yourself again.

  • Fresh squeezed is always better than frozen concentrate
    author: Nick Bauman

    I heard Ruthie sing live in Minneapolis' The Current radio station studio. She sang solo with only a guitar the song Harder Than The Fall from this album. It was amazing and it made me buy it. The first CD I've bought in months. But the recorded version sounds too careful, as do many of the other tracks. She's got a ton of talent, but she needs to let it stay a little raw to keep it real.

  • Phenomenal!
    author: Paula

    I heard this CD on "Studio 360" (NPR) and went out right away and bought it. It has the belly, the resonance of Bob Marley singing "Who the Cap Fit" or "No Woman No Cry" or "You Can't Run Away From Yourself" even though he is clearly reggae and she is clearly blues.

  • Best I've Ever Heard
    author: Robbaloser

    If there is a God in heaven, he will make sure to let Ruthie record forever; and everyone get to hear it. If American Idol is the best you ever heard, get ready for the epiphany.

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