RUTHIE FOSTER: SINGER/SONGWRITER

The Texas Singer/Songwriter Ruthie Foster just released her 5th studio album

LET IT BURN, out 1/31/2012. Foster,  a soulful southern blues singer with rock and roll rhythm and gospel overtones, added to a touch of country and jazz undertones is receiving great reviews for her latest effort. Ruthie has stepped out from behind the guitar and focused on singing and this album with covers and original songs show cases her earthy vocals.

Foster, a former member of the US Navy began singing with pride as part of a Navy band that played pop & funk hits at recruitment drives for the Navy. Following her tour of duty she ended up in New York, and landed a recording contract with Atlantis, but turned it down to explore various types of American music.

She went on to self release her debut album in 1997, and has been on the road touring with The Blind Boys from Alabama, and currently with Paul Thorn (Review April 2011)

You may see articles that sometimes compare her to Ella Fitzgerald, and Aretha, but the comparison is confounded. She is more in the line of Bonnie Raitt, but with a richer soulful voice dabbled with a little KoKo Taylor, Irma Thomas and a snip of Anita Baker. Ms. Foster is on the radar of the recording industry, because in 2009 she was nominated for a Grammy, and 2010 she was nominated for a Blues Music Award.

Maybe, just maybe Ruthie Foster is the next great female blues singer, which are few and far between.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl3xuJ0DWQY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjcCUFPKqGc&feature=related

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