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Aug 16, 2010
CD reviews: Ruby James makes heartbreak sound so good, it hurts
Ruby James
‘Happy Now'
It's hard to not wonder about this album title, specifically for the time reference it contains. That's because "now" almost certainly wasn't talking about the time over the course of about three years when Ruby James poured a whole lot of heartbreak and longing onto tape to make this collection. Honestly, from the sound of these tunes it's a small miracle the Austinite can still crack the smiles she does on the album's liner notes. Just take a look at some opening lines: "Something's gone wrong" (the title track), "Your dirty don't work" ("The Moon Turns In"), "It's getting harder" ("Angel Eyes"), "Is there something I can give you that is missing in your eyes?" ("The Predictable Kind"), "It's a terrible lie that we're living, but living without you ain't worth living at all" ("Until You Come Home").
All that would make for a deluxe bummer of an album were it not for the fact that James' weary and smoky voice is a perfect match for such laments. A heap of credit goes also to producer Charlie Sexton for framing these songs in appropriate surroundings — radio pop, touches of jazz, an occasional dirge — to make James' songwriting as inviting as it is.
— Chad Swiatecki
Aug 10, 2010
Kippenvel.net
Monument for love.
Ruby James’ debut Desert Rose went by unnoticed in the Netherlands. That proves to be more than sad now, because that record contains almost only impressively beautiful songs.
Fortunately, Happy Now is at least just as good and even rootsier. Still, it almost had not been recorded. James, then living in LA, wanted to give up singing after that first one for lack of succes in music and love, but this successor was born from despair, necessity and chance.
Rock Bottom Choir-singer Matt McCormack linked James to band member Will Sexton. That led to eleven songs recorded in Austin over the course of three years with Will Sexton (bass), brother Charlie Sexton (drums, guitar, production) and Mike Thompson (keyboards).
Opener The Predictable Kind is thematic lyrically, but not musically. Looking back at her relationship the presumably radio friendly roots pop is well-crafted, but not distinctive because of a melody that is played and sung anonymously.
However, from the fist tones of the second song the record suddenly breaks open and the musicians and James create a threatening, autumnal atmosphere. Loosely played, often languid grooves are supported by atmospheric guitars and keyboards. In that subdued, spaceous soundscape James’ hoarse voice wanders round. Her desolate tone blends seamlessly with her often desperate words and thus makes her grieve and regret painfully tangible.
This moody, beautifully designed self-released cd is a rootsy highlight by a first-class singer-songwriter that has to be discovered now.
****
Kippenvel- Ruud Heijjer
May 25, 2010
"This festival brings it all together...
tremendous musical talent, the creative process, social commitment,
historic vision and, most of all, a real organic and comfortable vibe.
I'm honored to be part of it because I love that old bridge
and I love what the organizers and supporters are doing to save it.
And making it happen with all that great music is just too cool."- Len Nelson, 105.7 WAPL
Apr 23, 2010
April has been an exciting month as it is the Release month for my Sophmore album "HAPPY NOW"! For one night on Thursday, April 29th at 10 p.m. at The Continental Club in Austinl, Tx you can get a little glimpse into the magic of the making of this album as we bring it to you live on the stage w/ the brothers who made this album so special!! Will and Charlie will be playing with me this night along with a couple of special guests... THis is a show you don't want to miss!! if you're anywhere near Austin, i'll be looking for you at The Continental Club!! We've also asked Deadman, one of my favorite bands in Austin to close out the night!! So please come out and celebrate the Release of "Happy Now" and this special night with us!!
What people are saying about "HAPPY NOW":
"Sexton finds a way to capture the essence of Ruby’s music and creative spirit, making the listener feel as if they are sharing an intimate moment in time. Ruby’s voice is pure gold, sensuous and dripping with honey, and goes down good.
Happy Now is a must for every serious audiophile. Don’t miss this chance to add a first-rate artist to your listening repertoire."- Bob Legette- L.A. Music Critic/ Music Connection
"this represents a creative breakthrough for James and the simple instrumentation and dreamy arrangements showcase James’ signature grit-and-silk vocals. They’re at their dusky best with yearning songs like “Between Darkness & Light” and “Angel Eyes.” - Pasadena Weekly
Excellent production from Sexton helps to take Ruby’s sultry voice through a myriad of amazing songs, such as the ultra-moody title track to the radio-friendly “The Predictable Kind.” It is so rare these days to hear something really fresh and different, which is why I am so happy to discover Ruby James.- Michael Buffalo Smith
"Happy NOW" is available for purchase at rubyjames.com, on I-TUNES, at Waterloo Records in Austin, Tx and Cactus Music in Houston, Tx!!
Mar 31, 2010
ALL ROADS LEAD TO HAPPY NOW AS SINGER-SONGWRITER RUBY JAMES’ NEW CD HITS THE STREET RUNNING WITH A FREE DOWNLOAD OF “THE PREDICTABLE KIND” ON AOL TODAY
Happy Now Produced by Charlie Sexton and Featuring Will Sexton & Mike Thompson
Upcoming Tour Dates in Austin, Houston, New Orleans, and The Florida Music Festival with TV Appearances on Live In Austin TV, Up Late Austin, Fox 7 Morning News in Austin, and a video for “The Predictable Kind” running on ION TV network
Austin, TX— Ruby James reveals her new CD Happy Now to the world this week with AOL giving away a free download of her single “The Predictable Kind” today at http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/03/31/ruby-james-the-predictable-kind-free-mp3-download/. Produced by Charlie Sexton, the sophomore release features both Charlie and Will Sexton playing guitar, bass and drums along with Mike Thompson of the Eagles flying in on keyboards. Born out of the “Austin Sessions” that took place over three years, Ruby deems this album her most serendipitous and satisfying effort yet.
How did this Los Angeles native find herself working with Austin music royalty? Ruby James still asks that question. Happy Now is a veritable triumph for a girl who had, just prior, found herself living in a deep artistic depression causing her to give up her musical dream altogether for a time. Ruby James’ life would turn upside down in a virtual instant when she ventured off to Texas at the suggestion of a new friend, Matt MacCormack. Upon hearing Ruby’s music, Matt insisted that she would find her true place within the musical landscape of Austin. Mesmerized by what she found there and the people she came to meet, Ruby was introduced to an impressive collective of artists who would generously take her in amongst them, foster her instinctual talent and help her make the record that is Happy Now.
It has been a long road to get here, but with each leg of the journey Ruby found more strength along the way through the consistent support and efforts of those who came to surround her. Happy Now is the follow up to Ruby’s 2008 debut album Desert Rose. Her song “Everything Good Goes Away” was featured on the soundtrack for the film The Women, co-produced by Mick Jagger and starring actress Meg Ryan.
Surrounding the release of Happy Now, Ruby James has appeared on CBS TV’s Live in Austin, with upcoming appearances scheduled for Up Late Austin TV, and the Fox 7 Morning News in Austin with her video in rotation on the ION TV network. Ruby can also be found touring in and around Austin with a CD release party and show at the Continental Club featuring Charlie and Will Sexton playing the songs they helped record, the annual Hot Rods and Honey’s show at Mercury Charlie’s with the incomparable Rosie Flores. Ruby and Rosie have recently been working together on a batch of new songs, so look for more from the Rosie and Ruby revue in
-MORE-
the future. Through it all Ruby has maintained a weekly residency at Maria’s Taco Xpress, The Ruby James’ Happy Now Happy Hour that has featured a rotating roster of guest artists including Jake LaBotz, Matt McCormack, Randy Weeks, Suzanna Choffel, Steven Collins from Deadman, Aaron Beavers from Shurman and Jesse Dayton amongst others. Familiar faces in the audience have recently included Raul Malo, Charlie & Will Sexton, Ray Bonneville, The Trishas, Randy Weeks, and members of the band Stonehoney. Ruby recently played the Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis, several SXSW dates in March, with upcoming dates in Houston, New Orleans and The Florida Music Festival in April, along with Songfest in June and many more dates to be announced shortly.
Check out Ruby’s “Singled Out” column this week on Antimusic.com http://www.antimusic.com/news/10/march/29Singled_Out-_Ruby_James.shtml where she talks about her inspiration for the song “Between Darkness and Light,” the catalyst for her return to music. For further information, live footage, and all things Ruby James, please check out www.rubyjames.com and www.myspace.com/rubyjames. Happy Now is available now at iTunes at http://tinyurl.com/ydhy4kf.
Feb 9, 2010
Ruby James is set to reveal her new CD Happy Now to the world on March 30, 2010. Produced by Charlie Sexton, the sophomore release features both Charlie and Will Sexton playing guitar, bass and drums along with Mike Thompson of the Eagles flying in on keyboards. Born out of the “Austin Sessions” that took place over three years, Ruby deems this album her most serendipitous and satisfying effort yet.
Jan 12, 2010
"Happy Now is a must for every serious audiophile. Don't miss this chance to add a first rate artist to your listening repertoire" -- Bob Leggett, Music Connection
"There's a subtle and unique quality in Ruby's voice that perplexed me for the longest time, and i think what obscured it was the warm delivery, but, listening to her one night in Austin, all of a sudden it hit me: it was that crystalline sound you hear in your head when you bite into a Popsicle! So i guess you could say Ruby's hot, and cool. -- Pat MacDonald (Timbuk3)
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