Stages

This is a live album. Some people prefer to not have a live album. But I have been to so many of Ruthie's concerts, loved every one, was energized by every one. Ruthie's ability to interact with the audience is so special, and this CD is a perfect example of that. It is totally obvious how much she loves what she's doing, and that, along with her unique voice, are the gifts she brings to us all. I have watched her go from singing for free at small town fairs and the like to where she is now on top of the world. And she so deserves it because that is the quality of person she is. I have all of her albums, I am proud to say.

A couple of weeks ago on a stiflingly sultry afternoon at the Texas Book Festival I heard in the distance this incredible voice singing the old Curtis Mayfield song, "People Get Ready." I moved quickly toward it and caught the last two minutes of Ruthie Foster's one hour set at the Entertainment Tent. In those two minutes, the gritty spirituality of her bluesy gospel rendition of that classic gave me the chills, and, I confess, watery eyes. She shook me. I told my wife that she was the greatest singer I had ever heard, and I'm not sure that I would qualify that even now. I ordered two of her CD's as soon as I could get to the internet and Amazon.com. The studio produced "Runaway Soul" is truly great, and I highly recommend it, but "Stages" is as close to perfection as any human has a right to expect. I agree with the other reviewer. It's the best live CD I own, with the possible exception of "James Brown at the Apollo!" Her rendition of "Oh, Susana," is revelatory. Foster discovers beneath the hokey joy of the tradition tune a transcendently beautiful lament. It is a shockingly insightful performance. Haunting. I could go on and on about other great numbers on the CD, but won't. Just buy it and enjoy it.

Well I'm just about wild over Ruthie Foster if you haven't gathered that by now. A consummate live performer, this captures many of her earlier (as of this date 7/5/11) road performances. The creative urge flows through her, unfiltered but shaped by a lifetime of experienced craftsmanship.The full-throated blues throughout this disk will make you want to burn out on the tracks. I really appreciate, as a musician myself, how she can separate carrying on with the audience, telling stories, and keeping the comp going underneath so perfectly. This is a measure of relaxed professionalism that is much admired, and even envied to a certain degree.I was somewhat taken back by inclusion of a couple of Joni Mitchell songs within this set, as at first listen they would seem outside of her regular style type, but maybe this is a failure on my part to be able to hear these songs as part of her set. But this is a part of her mastery as well; she can make the cerebral stuff work as soulfully as the Stephen Foster rewrite of "Oh Susannah", which was a pure revelation/astonishment to me.Her singing is a national treasure. If you have not heard of her before, or heard her sing, you owe it to yourself to check out this live set, recorded in three venues.

Blues/soul isn't exactly my favourite type of music but this lady could convert anybody. Ruthie Foster is the "real deal". A great singer - not just a great voice, there are a lot of those, but a great singer too, and I would imagine that she is a great entertainer as well. There aren't too many around like this, so do yourself a favour and buy at least one Ruthie Foster CD and take it from there. I've just ordered the new live one as well.

Listen to her on T.V. and just had to buy this cd. My wife and I enjoyed the majority of the songs. I was surprized that not all the songs were by Ruthie.

Up until 6 months or so ago, I had never heard of Ms. Foster. Saw her with Robben Ford and Jorma on the Guitar Blues tour. She was great. Bought her Runaway Soul, Phenomenal album and Stages. Stages is just amazing. The earlier reviews listed here are on the mark. Every song is a gem showcasing the entire package of her talent, energy, and person. I have shared this CD with my friends and they are blown away by it. Ruthie will have a large contingent of these folks at her next area concert. It can't come soon enough.

She never has made a bad album. She is the best.

Does some great music with some old lyrics! The female family band is number one in my book. Thanks for everything