The Phenomenal (CD - 2007)

Personnel: Ruthie Foster (vocals, guitar, piano, electric piano, Wurlitzer organ, hand claps); Ruthie Foster; Malcolm "Papa Mali" Welbourne (vocals, guitar); Anthony Farrell (Hammond b-3 organ); Glenn Fukunaga (bass instrument); Ned Stewart (unknown instrument); Malcolm 'Papa Mali' Welbourne (background vocals); Gurf Morlix (steel guitar, lap steel guitar); Dale Spalding (harmonica); Mike Dillon (vibraphone, congas); George Sluppick (drums, percussion); Tosca String Quartet.

Audio Mixers: Ned Stewart; Malcolm "Papa Mali" Welbourne.

Recording information: Congress House, Austin, TX (2006).

Photographer: John Carrico.

Ruthie Foster's fifth CD features the singer moving away from her usual genre of modern folk music into soul. While she performs selections by Son House and Sister Rosetta Tharpe and there are bluesy performances, most of the numbers are of more recent vintage. Her powerful voice, which infuses secular music with the power and emotions of gospel, is heard throughout in prime form and she makes a particularly powerful statement on "People Grinnin' in Your Face." Throughout this set, Ruthie Foster sounds a bit like a young Aretha Franklin (although not copying her) and gives one the impression that she could sing in any idiom that interested her. The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster is a strong example of her musical talents. ~ Scott Yanow minimize