SOULFUL SINGER.
Artist Ruthie Foster will bring her unique blend of jazz, blues, rock, soul and gospel to Peter’s Players in Gravenhurst on Friday, Aug. 24.
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THE MUSKOKAN - Ruthie Foster keeps it old school.
She has one of those steady, soulful voices that would fit right in coming off a 50-year-old blues record. Don’t let the classic voice fool you though; Foster is a thoroughly modern artist whose latest album, Let It Burn, features covers of songs by performers like Adele and the Black Keys.
Performing at Peter’s Players in Gravenhurst on Friday, Aug. 24, Foster’s music is a blend of blues, soul, folk, gospel and rock. This will be her first time coming to Gravenhurst, but Foster said she has nothing but high expectations for the gig as Canada is her favourite place to perform.
“I love the fans in Canada,” said Foster, who hails from the States. “They’re respectful, enthusiastic and they like to buy lots of CDs — I love that part. They love to take your music home with them. Walking around folk festivals and just walking around anywhere, they respect your privacy, and I really dig that. It’s so civilized. I do love playing in Canada.”
A veteran of the musical stage, Foster has been performing in front of crowds since she sang as part of her church choir in rural Texas. Over the years, she has amassed numerous accolades including a nomination for best female blues artist in 2012 from the Blues Blast Music Awards.
The Gravenhurst show is just one of a packed tour schedule for the artist that will see her travelling all over the world.
“It keeps me energized. The road is part of who I am and what I do now, and I have a family at home and they understand that,” said Foster. “I’ve managed to keep a balance by taking care of myself while I’m on the road as well. That’s something I’ve developed over the years.”
More than just travelling to gigs on the road, Foster has become a regular performer on cruise lines. She has two cruise ship performances lined up for this year which will see her travelling the high seas to Alaska and the Caribbean.
Foster plans to primarily bring a mix of blues, soul and gospel to her show in Gravenhurst. The performance will focus on songs from her new Let It Burn album.
The album is a departure for the artist, as it’s the first one where Foster doesn’t play an instrument. It also features more cover songs than original creations.
“I wanted to concentrate on being more of a vocalist rather than the principal writer for the CD,” said Foster. “I’m evolving as more of an entertainer, more as a front person, and adding that to my arsenal as a songwriter. It’s been kind of nice. It’s been great growing as an entertainer.”
The album features covers of Adele’s Set Fire to the Rain, Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire and the Black Keys’ Everlasting Light. She offers her own distinct take on the tunes and hopes she can introduce the songs to a new community.
The show starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24 at Peter’s Players in Gravenhurst. Tickets cost $105 and can be purchased on line at petersplayers.com.