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| Ruby James Teams up with Kobe Bryant from LA Lakers Talented country rock blues artist Ruby James teamed up with Kobe Bryant from the LA Lakers who autographed game worn shoes for her, this was all for a good cause as it raised money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . Ms James also donated a portion of her CD sales of "Desert Rose" produced by John Avila of Oingo Bongo". She played to a packed house on April 21st in Los Angeles at the Troubadour with a dynamic live performance that left her audience blown away by her memorizing voice. Once in a great while, you put on a CD by an artist you've never heard of before and time stops. The voice is new, yet timeless. The lyrics are all original yet feel immediately familiar that explore love, loss and the lure of the road, lived-in, knowing. And the melodies - expertly performed by a first-rate band - carry the easy groove This is the story of music artist Ruby James who unveiled her CD, "Desert Rose, " on April 21st at the Troubadour Los Angeles to packed audience. Desert Rose is produced by John Avila of Oingo Boingo who was drawn to Ruby James' sultry voice powerful talent and recorded the album with her in his Los Angeles studio. James elegantly fused rock and Americana with lyrics that explore love, loss and the lure of the road. Ruby performed live on stage on the night with an ensemble of talented musicians including John Avila ( Oingo Boingo and Reel Big fish ) Rene Reyes( Act of Faith Soundtracks Collateral, Man in the Chair), Mike Bolger (Jewel, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ry Cooder ) William V Malpede ( Composer Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Shaun Tomczak ( Film tracks On the End of the Line and Red). Ruby lays bare, in the grand tradition of guitar-slinging blues hitchhikers, her power to wield her own whiskey-soaked chalice and the blade to match Ruby also raised money and awareness for a charity close to her heart, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by donating a portion of her album and print sales. Also an opportunity Drawing was held with the most lucrative item attracting interest from La Lakers fan when they had the chance to win game worn shoes autographed by Kobe Bryant. St Jude is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. "Ruby James' rugged sensuality, which bravely masks a wearied vulnerability, is pure sonic empowerment. With "Desert Rose, " Ruby lays bare, in the grand tradition of guitar-slinging blues hitchhikers, her power to wield her own whiskey-soaked chalice and the blade to match, " writes Orlando Weekly. She has already shared the stage with Jackson Browne, Pat Mac Donald of Timbuk3 and Jane Weidlin since she began touring the United States in 2006. Ruby James is often compared to Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow and Chrissy Hynde. Hollywood has also taken notice of Ruby's talent. She completed a deal which will place one of the tracks from the album, "Everything Good Goes Away, " into a major studio film. Produced by Mick Jagger, "The Women" is a remake of the 1939 classic, starring an ensemble cast including Bette Midler and Meg Ryan. In the song she poignantly reminds us that "Everything Good Goes Away" except real, true, soul-defining love. "The Women" will be released in October 2008. "Desert Rose is something that surprises and tantalizes you with its beauty and roots firmly planted in a sometimes-harsh terrain, " Ruby says. She adds: "Desert Rose the album and the song are both about a journey and possibly a homecoming. It's a story of survival through the toughest of terrains and about a quest for self." Infusing the tracks with her rustic soulful voice, she goes to the very core of mother/child relationships in heart-wrenching "Oh, Mama." The minx crackles to life in the playful, bluesy "Mistress of the Devil, " then just as quickly disappears in the title track, "Desert Rose, " where she shares the longing for a lost, but never forgotten, love. The album is a kaleidoscope with a track for every emotion, in the spirit of legendary songwriter Emmylou Harris. Independent, determined and savvy, Ms James already had years of practical experience under her guitar strap, writing and performing solo acoustic. She had a gypsy Nomadic upbringing, moving around California sometimes in caravans, and feels comfortable only when she is moving and playing music. She is currently working with Charlie Sexton (Bob Dylan, The Arc Angels, and The Sextones) and brother Will Sexton (Waylon Jennings, Dave Baerwald and Abra Moore), who bring their legendary classic sound to the innovative talent of Ruby James both as producers and performers in a sophomore album to be released at the end of 2008. AWAL has just signed a deal to distribute "Desert Rose." It was released to the public on April 22nd 2008. AWAL based out of the UK was started by Paul Bower who was original developer of ITUNES. After her hectic schedule touring on the road and releasing Desert Rose to such critical acclaim, Ruby James reflects "I'm just grateful for all the grassroots support I've received from friends, family and fans and believe that you should keep doing what you love as I just love to perform and connect with my audience with songs that touch and inspire the soul" write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |