Ruthie Purves Smith – Piano In the Field
This interesting set comes from a Canadian singer-songwriter whose focus is the downtrodden, the destitute & people who essentially lost hope. Now despite the topics Ms. Smith has woven into her melodies, it doesn’t necessarily translate to music that’s a downer.
Here, the heavy subjects are challenges since the artist isn’t relying on the typical song developments many mainstream competing artists choose to lay out like many pizza slices. Instead, through Ruthie’s own experience she chooses to suggest something with more nutrients. She writes about what she knows & she’s aware of the hardships of the people who have fallen between society’s cracks.
There are 11 compelling original tales recorded in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at Dog In The Window Records for Piano In the Field (Drops August 16/Independent/42:22). A showcase produced by Derek Pulliam (bass on “Heavy For Us All”) & Jonathan Lagore (electric & acoustic guitars/banjo).
Music-wise Ruthie has the appropriate vocal application for these folky-country slices much the way Ferron, Cydny (Cindy) Bullens & Cris Williamson often approached their material. The arrangements are well-thought, especially the vocals on “Call An Angel,” which glides steadily through a folky element with a nice warm glossy gospel discipline. Musicians are tight & the only criticism. It would’ve been better if it faded out & not just abruptly ended.
“Chelsea,” is a true story about a homeless woman outside a Wal-Mart parking lot. There’s some interesting tonality & the intro voice is warm like Tanita Tikaram. Good variety – both in the vocalizations & musicianship.
“Piano In the Field” is performed with a heavy tilt toward Canadian folky Ferron who sings warmly in this same tone. Ruthie’s narration’s stylistic with a somewhat Elton John-Laura Nyro piano feel. It adds up to an impressive performance with pure lyricism. The piano-driven melody continues fancifully with the commercially sweetened “Cross Over To You” where Ruthie’s voice is more juvenile & quite lovely.
Well, I’ll take a gamble & say if Abba could morph into a country-blended outfit “Water Up the Creek” may be what they might sound like. This is quite good; it rocks with wonderful vocal dynamics.
It’s a strong creative showcase for those who savor cleverly written & performed songs.
Highlights – “Call An Angel,” “Chelsea,” “Piano In the Field,” “Cross Over To You,” “Look For Love,” “Leonard Cohen Cover,” “Heavy For Us All” & “Water Up the Creek.”
Musicians – Ruthie (vocals), Mitch Jay (steel guitar/dobro), Corbett Frasz (drums), Lisa Jacobs (bass), Steve Fletcher (keys/piano), Esther Purves-Smith, Sidney Zadravec, Lana Floen (bgvs), Bill Purves-Smith (spoken word), Keith Floen (piano/bgv) & Dave Holloway (lead guitar on “Water Up the Creek”).
The color image courtesy of Ruthie’s website gallery. CD images courtesy of Joel Varjassy & Cliver McGiver. CD @ https://ruthpurvessmith.com/
Video premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2024/07/17/video-premiere-ruthie-purves-smith-piano-in-the-field/
