Created On: 11/30/99
Last updated 10/14/07
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| Rounder Records is pleased to announce the release of Ruby's Torch, a new album by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and "folkabilly" artist Nanci Griffith. Ruby's Torch is a collection of intimate torch songs, some penned by Griffith, others by some of her musical heroes. "Recording an entire record of torch songs has been a dream come true for me," says Griffith, "and something my listeners have been asking me to do for many years." |
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| Rather than relying on tried-and-true torch standards, she pays homage to an eclectic array of influences. "When I Dream" has been performed by Crystal Gayle and Willie Nelson, and represents country balladry at its most powerful. Griffith also tips her hat to Jimmy Webb, whose masterful songwriting is at its peak in the touching "If These Walls Could Speak." Griffith offers lush interpretations of three Tom Waits numbers: "Grapefruit Moon," "Ruby's Arms," and "Please Call Me, Baby." |
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| Also included is "Bluer Than Blue," the bittersweet ballad penned by Charles Goodrum and popularized in the late '70s by one of the masters of mellow country-pop, Michael Johnson. Griffith also offers her take on the bluesy, winsome "Drops From the Faucet," written by former Blue Moon Orchestra Guitarist Frank Christian, as well as the delicate yearning of "Never Be the Sun" by Irish baladeer Donal MacDonagh Long. The one track with a genuine torch pedigree, "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" (popularized by the inimitable Frank Sinatra), fits in seamlessly, thanks to Griffith's ability to mesh her many inspirations and deliver them with her own charismatic style. |
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| "The challenge in performing these songs is that you have to somehow remain true to the spirit of the song but infuse it with your own story," Griffith explains. "If you don't fill the song with your own emotions, then you really are just going through the motions." Backing Griffith on this collection is the Blue Moon Orchestra, which has been with her since 1986. Over the past two decades these musicians have evolved with Griffith every step of the way. Which is what makes the reinvented versions of "Brave Companion of the Road" (from Griffith's 1989 album, Storm) and the title track to her 1991 album, Late Night Grand Hotel, so fascinating. |
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| "Sometimes you find whole new personalities in songs when you perform them in a new setting," Griffith observes. "It's like looking at a landscape from different angles. You can really appreciate all the textures and features of the terrain if you approach it from different directions." Griffith has been described as a singer-songwriter's singer-songwriter, but the accolade really rings true if you consider some of her biggest fans: Bob Dylan (who requested that Griffith sing "Boots of Spanish Leather" at his Madison Square Garden anniversary concert) as well as Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson, who have performed Griffith's songs. And then there are the awards: five Grammy nominations (including a win for 1993's Other Voices, Other Rooms) and two more for her dazzling performances on albums by the Chieftains. |
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| Visit the discography page to learn more about Ruby's Torch and the One Fair Summer Evening DVD. On this site you'll find a Biography of Nanci, a Photo Gallery, and an Articles & Reviews section with good reading. You can send in your own reviews for the Fans Speak page. You can vote for your favorite CD on the Album Poll page, and if you can't remember the song that has the words "blue bonnets" in it, help is here, on the searchable Lyrics page. You can also check out where Nanci will be performing live on Tour. |
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| You can subscribe to the Internet Mailing List NanciNet which is an open forum where fans may discuss Nanci's music. You can get to know these folks by visiting Friends Out In The Madness. Some of them have web pages related to Nanci. You can connect to these sites, along with James Hooker's and Le Ann Etheridge's web-sites by going to Nanci Links. In recent times, Nanci has been involved with the Campaign For A Landmine Free World which has been the inspiration for many of her songs. |
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The Official Web Site
The "Official" site can be visited at The Original Official Web Site Kirsten Schrull and her dad Rob designed the original Official Nanci Griffith Site "Gulf Coast Highway". |
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Nanci Griffith Fan Forums
The "Nanci Griffith Fan Forums" site can be visited at
This Unofficial Web Site
Designed and maintained by Susan Peete-Holmes. Address Web Site comments to Susan Holmes
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