19.01.2009.

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RUBY STARR & GREY GHOST - Ruby Starr & Grey Ghost (1975)

01. Burnin' Whiskey
02. Sweet, Sweet, Sweet
03. Witchin' Hour
04. Did It Again
05. Everything Coming And Goes
06. Long Wait
07. You Need A Chain
08. Fork In The Road
09. Living Proof

Ruby Starr recorded 3 albums for Capitol in the 70's, and this 1st album from 1975 is the strongest of them. Ruby's tough yet tender vocals , plus the contributions of her band, Grey Ghost in both the playing & songwriting, make this a killer album from start to finish. Ruby's voice is the main attraction. A tough chick who could sing as great as the best of them, but yet never got the recognition or the hits she deserved during her time on earth. BURNIN' WHISKEY is the opener, and Ruby's acapella opening lines make you know this girl could sing. SWEET SWEET SWEET is a very catchy song with a great chorus that should have been THE hit single from this album. Instantly memorable. The whole band ably assist Ruby backing her up with some great solos, as well as providing some nice vocal harmonies. All the songs are original , penned by Ruby, keyboardist Marius Penczner, Jimmie Henderson & David Mayo. Whether you like Southern Rock or female rockers, Ruby Starr is not to be missed. The best of the bunch are on Side Two where both Ruby & the band let loose on more lengthy songs. FORK IN THE ROAD is a bluesy showcase that is a centerpiece here. And LIVING PROOF is a Southern Rock jam that doesn't stop, with many different twists & turns. A mighty closer to this album . There's no lack of fire on this album.

Ruby definitely paved the way in the 70's , but unlike say, Ann Wilson or Stevie Nicks, she didn't become a major star. She was years ahead of The Rossington-Collins Band , who had the very similar sounding Dale Krantz on lead vocals, who definitely owes a debt to Ruby Starr. Or another Dale, Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons, whose sensual stage personality was very similar to Ruby's . Perhaps it was the time, when radio was just not playing a ballsy female vocalist like Ruby Starr [ or Genya Ravan or Maggie Bell or any other solo woman performer , except Janis Joplin who rocked ]. Ruby did get some publicity with her guest starring on the hit JIM DANDY with Black Oak Arkansas, but it's her 3 solo albums on Capitol that are her real legacy. She deservered more than the cult following she has now in death. Don't wait for a CD release. Own the vinyl, and don't miss out on one of rock's best female rockers, known to many decades later. - amazon.com *