Bloggerhythms

The review of Ruby James' first single, "Bumble Bee,"  from her new album of raucous tunes,  Call It Rock & Roll,  appeared here a few months ago. It's a loud, seven-song assault of mostly hell-raising rockers that create a lot of damage - in a good way - in just a little over twenty-four minutes. James is a diverse musical sponge. She's heavily influenced by blues, R&B, and lots of pre-70s rock all fused together into her own unique style that sounds more modern than any of her rootsy, individual influences. Highlights abound. The very funky "Boogie Downtown" was born from the singer's love of Sly and the family Stone. The heavy riffage of "Voodoo Queen" could have come from the fingers of Keith Richards. Rock veteran and close friend Rosie Flores shows off her chops on the single and two additional stinging tracks. The record's power ballad also has a very sharp edge. "Punk Rock Love Song," i...

Even if it's a current release by a newer artist, the kind of rock music I gravitate to more and more these days are the sounds of its formative years - those heavily influenced by the genres that preceded it - and that's exactly what you'll hear if you listen to Ruby James. James is new to me, but the kind of rock 'n roll the veteran recording artist sings is not. She has made several albums with her feet firmly planted back in the days when rock was rebellious, controversial and cool. "Bumble Bee" is the singer's showstopping, fiery lead single from her upcoming album, Call It Rock & Roll , that I'm sure you'll be hearing more about here upon its release. The record was a minor hit in 1960 for R&B singer Laverne Baker (#46 on the Hot 100). James takes Baker's fine, soulful, performance and updates it by turning it into an even better rock song with help from the highly regarded but not widely known  Ro...