Ruth Brown
R+B=Ruth Brown
Bullseye Blues 9583
visit Ruth's website
also available on Amazon
This is the most laid back Rhythm and Blues disc I've heard in ages, yet it packs more into what it doesn't do than most of the discs are able to capture on the tape machine. Ruth Brown has a voice that has been honed to the sharpness of the micro fine edge, she has the timing and phrasing that most singers only wish they could have. Listen to what she does with the Doc Pomus-George Fishhoff tune DESTINATION HEARTBREAK. This is a 3:42 second lesson in timing, phrasing, and intimation that would benefit most of those that call themselves R&B singers. Then listen to TOO LITTLE TOO LATE the control and latent power of her voice shows the listener the depth of the emotions she is carrying inside of her, and that she is going to take that hurt and turn it to her advantage.
It is not just her voice, and presence that shine on this disc, it is also the musicianship of those that surround her, enhancing her sound. This is a stellar cast of New Orleans musicians. These musicians are so good they know they have nothing to prove and they can just come out and do their good job and the accolades reserved for soloists will spread its light on all. This I think is due in large part to the arrangers of the sound that deserve special mention here. We have 6 songs arranged and conducted by Wardell Quezegue, Victor Goines arranged 4 tunes, and Bobby Forrester did one. It took a couple of listening for me to get used to Ruth Brown's power in this laid-back New Orleans' style, but it was sure a pleasure to be able to see all the subtle nuances I'd been missing with that pure power she normally sings with. I will say I would have liked just a bit more of it here.
Singers, writers, and times
1. That Train Don't Stop Here - Leroy Preston-Cesar Rosas - 6:51
2. In Another World - David Hiladalgo-Louis Perez-Cesar Rosas-Conrad Lozano- Steve Berlin - 3:50
3. I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town - Roy Jordan-William Weldon - 5:21
4. Destination Heartbreak - Doc Pomus-George Fishhoff
5. Too Little Too Late - Dennis Walker-Alan Mirikitani - 5:16
6. Sold My Heart To the Junk Man - Leon T. Rene-Otis J. Rene Jr. - 4:58
7. Go On Fool - Dave Bartholomew-Dorothy Esther - 4:35
8. False Friend Blues - Ivory Joe Hunter - 4:27
9. Break It To Me Gently - Diane Charlotte Lampert-Joe Seneca - 3:03
10. I Don't Know - Willie Mabon - 5:38
11. Bite My Tongue - Al Basile - 3:35
12. Love Letters - Victor Young-Edward Heyman - 4:25
13. Can't Get Excited - Sarah Brown - 4:40
Musicians -
Ruth Brown - vocals
Duke Robillard - guitar
Bobby Forrester - piano and Hammond B-3 organ
James Singleton - bass
Herlin Riley - drums
Barney Floyd - trumpet
Charles Miller - trumpet
Delfeayo Marsalis - trombone
Wessell Anderson - alto saxophone
Ed Peterson - tenor saxophone
Victor Goines - baritone saxophone
Produced by - Scott Billington