RUTH WYAND

Guitarist, singer/songwriter Ruth Wyand draws on American roots music to frame her lyrical gift and demonstrate her strengths as an accomplished guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. As an Americana artist she weaves traditional and contemporary folk, blues, swing and traditional country into a colorfully rhythmic musical quilt. Ruth plays all over the world on a variety of stages from book stores to festival stages with acts such as Little Feat, Dr. John, Ellis Paul, Les Sampou and John Hammond to coffeehouses and folk festivals to the streets of Paris. She was selected as a People's Choice Award winner 1998 by The Philadelphia Folk Factory, she is the president of The Garden State Songwriter's Association and has written, produced and played on several folk, country and blues artist's CD's in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and Nashville.

The first thing that strikes the listener is her powerful guitar playing. Her finger style technique with a variety of tunings alone is a whole show but then she switches gears and moves into a smokin' swing or a low down slide. Her vocal accompaniment is at once languid and athletic and the songs she writes reflect her humorous personality and compassionate nature.

Ruth Wyand's musical integrity stands out. She is a true original. The variety she offers in her shows will fascinate American roots music lovers worldwide.

e-mail contact: sandbilly@email.msn.com

For a current giglist (including support appearances and singaround features) go to Musi-Cal Artist Index

QUOTE PAGE

… "the best slide sound I've heard in years"

"Her vocal range is nearly limitless, and her delivery is heartfelt without sounding desperate.What really sets Wyand apart from her contemporaries is her deft manipulation of the slide guitar."
Angelina Scioll
The Phila. Music Forum

"Wyand's entertainment value exceeded my expectations. Her ability to turn a lyric repeatedly captured the humor or drama that the song required".
Allen Stratton
NY Club Check

"There is a poetic romanticism to the words on Ruth Wyand's recordings"
Chris Bifani
The Music Paper of New York

…Wyand's rootsy approach to songwriting encompasses a broad range…. Swing, country and folk.
Eric Fine
Press of Atlantic City

"Unlike most guitarslingers, Ruth knows how to avoid a steady flow of meaningless riffs"

"Possessing a powerful voice and the ability to mix jazz runs with primal delta slide guitar, has always been her forte."
Chip Lamey
Juke Joint Notes

"One doesn't have to search too far on the disc to recognize that Wyand has a great talent as a songwriter, as well as superior abilities both vocally and as a guitarist."
Kevin Boyce
Friday Morning Quarterback

"Wyand's lyrics don't just describe situations: they create moods – as does her music"
Peter Key
Atlantic City Press

…"Wyand' plays the guitar, and she doesn't just strum the strings, but gets down into the nitty-gritty notes that make her stand out as a fine guitarist as well as vocalist."
Bill Kelly
The Sandpaper

"Her vocal approach communicates passion and understanding without imitating other celebrated artists".
Bruce Anderson
The Courier Post

"….with her polished yet fiery guitar playing and gutsy vocals Wyand commands respect among the most discerning members of a mostly male – dominated music scene." Allissa Wolf
The Philadelphia Inquirer

"A soulful vocalist and a wicked slide player, Wyand's music is a unique hybrid of blues, country and folk".
C. Lamey
At the Shore – Atlantic City Press

Back to Fo'c'sle Programme November 2000
Posted by Trevor Gilson for the Fo'c'sle Folk Club