There was a lot of catching up on music releases from last year that I’m finally able to get around to during the first part of 2012. Two albums that seem to be receiving some major love on my favorite satellite radio channel are by Ruthie Foster and a band called Glossarythat should be new additions to your music library.
Oh man, Ruthie Foster first caught my attention with a blistering version of Robbie Robertson’s classic “It Makes No Difference” on her new album Let It Burn. If you’re a fan of the Hammond B3 organ, then you’re gonna love hearing Ike Stubblefield blending his lead and fills with Foster’s gorgeous voice. The record takes off from the start with her self- penned “Welcome Home” featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama on back-up harmonies. Foster also adds original compositions “Lord Remember Me”, “Aim For The Heart”, and the acapella “The Titanic”. Backed by a great gospel rhythm & blues band featuring Dave Easley on pedal steel guitar, George Porter Jr. on bass, Russell Batiste on drums, and James Rivers on tenor sax, Foster mixes her interpretation of contemporary artists Adele(“Set Fire To The Rain”) and The Black Keys (Everlasting Light) with a classic version of David Crosby’s “Long Time Gone”.
If you read my story about Eighty-Eight hours of crazy Americana-mania in Nashville, the last daywas spent at Grimey’s New & Preloved Music seeing several bands perform outside in the back parking lot along with generous portions of Yazoo and Calfkiller ale samplings and the Mas Tacos Por Favor food truck offering up some delicious fresh Tex-Mex. One of the bands was Glossary, whose members spent time talking … and drinking with my partner in crime Dale Elwell and I prior to making their way to the stage. Hailing from nearby Murfreesboro, we were able to nab their just released album Long Live All of Us as part of our mass quantity of CD purchases that makes this annual trip extra sweet. Led by frontman Joey Kneiser on guitar and vocals, what makes their unique sound are the beautiful drop in harmonies from sibling Kelly Kneiser. WithTodd Beene on pedal steel and rhythm guitar, Bingham Barnes on bass and Eric Giles on drums, the twelve tracks on the disc are an eclectic mix that just seems to all fit together. Take a listen to selections “Trouble Won’t Last Always”, “Cheap Wooden Cross”, “Heart Full of Wanna”, “Keep it Coming”, and the beautiful “Some Eternal Spark” for a taste of the rich sounds from Glossary. Some additional horns from Jim Sparke and Nashon Benfordgive “Shoulder To Cry On” and “The Flood” some additional punch.
You may not have heard about these two records, but if you follow me, I will not lead you astray. My mission is simple and my passion is strong. The gospel laced record by Foster may have some songs that would bring comfort and strength to the listener; especially after the tragic Monday morning in nearby Chardon, Ohio. Let me know what you think … I would welcome your feedback and appreciate your support.
