This week's Roots CDs reviewed
OTIS GIBBS
Grandpa Walked a Picketline Wanamaker★★★
If your idea of an American country singer is that of a clean-shaven face with a cowboy hat, then it's about time you became acquainted with Indiana native Otis Gibbs, a resolutely plain-talking singer- songwriter with a photographic eye . Gibbs looks like a refugee from a ZZTop tribute band, but his full- throated vocals are more likely to sing of working class solidarity ( Everyday People), religious hypocrisy ( Preacher Steve) and partner abuse ( Caroline) than the joys of Jesus and the values of middle America. So, yes, this is serious stuff, entertainingly contentious in parts, all of which makes his championing by Billy Bragg understandable. The songs are worthy but never dull, though they can struggle to electrify. In a world where the left might be seen to be right, maybe Otis Gibbs's time has come. He's due to play at the Kilkenny Rhythm n Roots festival this May bank holiday weekend. www.otisgibbs.com
Download tracks: Caroline, Preacher Steve
RUTHIE FOSTER
The Truth According to Ruthie Foster Proper★★★★
The Texas belter follows up her excellent southern soul gem The Phenomenal Ruthie Fosterwith an equally diverting set. There's more emphasis here on blues than soul, though she's happy shifting genres. Foster is a late developer, with a penchant for 1960s and 1970s music. Her voice carries a serious wallop, though she can tone it down to a sensuous purr, as on the lovely Love in the MIddle. As a writer she is not particularly novel, but songs such as the delicious rolling soulful opener, Stone Love, combined with the soft reggae of I Really Love You, show someone at ease with different styles as long as the emotion is right. Foster's covers are also carefully chosen, and she offers a fine reading of Patty Griffin's When It Don't Come Easy. Her strong performance is boosted by the playing of the likes of guitar whiz Robben Ford and the legendary Jim Dickinson, and the balanced production of Chris Goldsmith. www.ruthiefoster.com
Download tracks: Stone Love, Love in the Middle
