Erin Ruth – Erin Ruth (self-released, 2023)
Vocalist Erin Ruth has released a precious, moving and beautiful album deeply grounded in Celtic music. The self-titled recording is an intimate effort where the vocals take the spotlight, either a cappella or with graceful, minimal accompaniment on various instruments and backing vocals. Notably, Ruth has a stirring and exceptionally expressive vocal style.
The material on Erin Ruth includes mostly traditional songs from the Irish tradition, as well as a few originals. She performs everlasting classics such as “Raglan Road” by Patrick Kavanagh and “The Foggy Dew,” a prfoundly moving tribute to the brave men who fought for freedom in the Easter Rising of 1916 in Dublin, written by Father P. O’Neill. Delving further into history, “Boolavogue” narrates the Rebellion of 1798 with lyrics by Patrick J. McCall, set to the tune of an ancient Irish air, while “Bold Fenian Men” by Peadar Kearney eulogizes The Fenian Society, essential in the uprisings of 1798, 1803, and 1848.
Erin Ruth also explores less familiar sources of inspiration. She covers “A Pair of Brown Eyes” by Shane MacGowan, former lead singer of Celtic rock band The Pogues. Further unexplored material includes “Working the Streets” by San Francisco’s Vince Keehan. Although the majority of the songs are Celtic centered, Ruth also performs Americana-flavored pieces, such as “Hallelujah” and an alluring version of the American ballad “Lakes of Pontchartrain.”
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Erin Ruth developed a passionate attraction towards Celtic music and culture thanks to her mother’s introduction to Celtic music compilations albums and films such as “The Secret of Roan Inish.” Significantly, Ruth’s mother has Irish and Scottish heritage.
Despite her early predilection for Celtic music, Tucson (in the American southwest) offered few avenues for pursuing this passion. She started playing piano by ear at home. However, her formal introduction to the world of music came through her participation in the elementary school band as a clarinetist, a journey that continued throughout high school. Additionally, private voice lessons introduced her to Italian arias like “Caro Mio Ben,” adding a classical dimension to her musical repertoire.
High school marked a significant turning point as Erin embarked on weekly, private clarinet lessons. She developed her skills in sight-reading, scales, étude mastery, classical solo performance techniques, and the art of auditioning.
During her college years, Erin’s passion for folk music intensified, prompting her to acquire a guitar. With determination and self-instruction, she mastered the instrument by ear, using it for her songwriting.
In 2012, she relocated to San Francisco, where she pursues a career as an accountant by day, while her predilection for Celtic melodies thrives. This passion led her to connect with fellow musicians at venues like the Plough & Stars Irish Pub in San Francisco and the Starry Plough Irish Pub in Berkeley. In no time, Erin found herself performing alongside The Crooked Road Ceili Band, the Black Brothers and Culann’s Hounds, and participating in the Celtic Voices choir. In 2016, Erin Ruth traveled to the west of Ireland, where she actively engaged in sessions throughout Galway, Ennis, and Doolin.
Musicians: Erin Ruth on lead vocals; Richard Mandel on guitar and bouzouki; David Chadwick on guitar; Steve Gardner on fiddle; Kris Yenney on cello; Kristoph Klover on harmony vocals; and Sara Remington on harmony vocals.
Buy Erin Ruth.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.