Features
Published: 2012/03/06
Woman At Work: Ruthie Foster

Photo by JohnmCarrico
When we last heard from Ruthie Foster, she was providing the fiery, soulful backing vocals on Warren Haynes’ Man in Motion album. The release of her new record Let It Burn finds the Texas-born Foster leading an outstanding group of musicians—bassist George Porter Jr., drummer Russell Batiste, Hammond B3 player Ike Stubblefield, saxophonist James Rivers and guitarist Dave Easley—through a mix of covers and self-penned originals that range from gospel-inspired rave-ups to sultry jazz torchers.
Foster—who received a Grammy nomination in 2010 for The Truth According to Ruthie Foster —grew up in Gause, Texas, a small town about two hours north of Austin, where she lives today. She was surrounded by musicians on both sides of her family. “Most of the church choir when I was growing up was [made up of] my relatives,” she says. “It was quite intimidating to have so many incredible voices around me.”
In fact, Foster had concentrated on playing the guitar and piano until one day in her early teens when her mother said, “Baby, you’ve got to open your mouth and sing—it’s your turn.”
And once Foster did, there was no turning back. Since then, her life has been a journey of self-discovery and honing her skills, although she says, “whatever comes out of my mouth is always going to sound a little bit like gospel—I can’t leave that home.”
Highlights on Let It Burn include a dreamy, smoky take on the June Carter classic “Ring Of Fire,” that feels like it’s being sung across a pillowcase; a powerful version of David Crosby’s “Long Time Gone,” featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama; and a total hallelujah blow-out jam on The Black Keys’ “Everlasting Light.”
“We were playing [“Everlasting Light”] live in the studio and I had great eye contact with George Porter [Jr.],” she says. “He could tell I wanted to go somewhere with the song and he followed me—and everyone else followed him.”
Foster has what she calls her “own set of superstars” for her live shows in 2012: drummer Samantha Banks, bassist Tanya Richardson and B3 player Scottie “Bones” Miller—with Foster handling guitar duties herself. “I always write out a setlist,” she says, “but I let the crowd take me to where they want to go.”
Relix A/V
The Chapin Sisters "Crying in the Rain"
The Chapin Sisters share an tune from their new album A Date With the Everly Brothers.
Night Moves "Country Queens"
Minneapolis-based Night Moves share a song from their record, Colored Emotions, live at Relix.
The Giving Tree Band "Brown Eyed Women"
The Giving Tree Band enjoy a spring day on the Relix rooftop, while performing a classic Grateful Dead tune.
Hayden "Blurry Nights"
Canadian singer-songwriter Hayden performs a duet with his sister-in-law Lou Canon. The song appears on Us Alone his first record on Broken Social Scene’s Arts & Crafts Productions.
The Milk Carton Kids "Hope of a Lifetime"
The Milk Carton Kids share the first song from their new album, The Ash & Clay.
Premiere: Ana Popovic "Object Of Obsession"
Here is the new video from Serbian guitar ace Ana Popovic. “Object Of Obsession” appears on her latest album Can You Stand The Heat.
Ron Sexsmith "Nowhere To Go"
Ron Sexsmith visits the Relix office to perform a tune from his latest record Forever Endeavor.
Crystal Bowersox "I Am"
Crystal Bowersox stops by Relix to perform a song from her new album, All That For This.
Latest Content
- Relix Live Fridays: Lotus 2013
- Warren Haynes and Joe Bonamassa "If Heartaches Were Nickels"
- The Chapin Sisters "Crying in the Rain"
- The Salvation of Page McConnell (Relix Revisited)
- Phil & Friends at Terrapin Crossroads (A Gallery)
- Kung Fu at The Bowl (A Gallery)
- Dawes "From a Window Seat" and "Most People" on Jimmy Kimmel Live
- The New Orleans Suspects
Comments
There are 2 comments associated with this post
Manuelle March 25, 2012, 21:43:33
Avinash April 20, 2012, 08:14:02