Healing Time
Blue Corn, 2022
8/10
The singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster returns with her 9th studio album, and the Grammy nominated artist is in fine form across 12 songs that sound very live and thematically surround the tough times and need for healing during the very challenging last few years.
“Soul Searching” starts the listen and is indeed soulful, where Foster’s expressive voice is accompanied by Daryl Johnson’s agile bass, and “Lie Your Way To The Truth” follows with the cautious guitars, moody keys and Conrad Choucroun’s proficient drumming in the powerful delivery.
In the middle, the intimate spirit of “Paradise” flows with calm melodies thanks to Daniel Barrett’s precise guitar and Glen Fukunaga’s skilled bass, while the title track enters gospel territory with its bright, spiritual singing that benefits from the rhythm section of Larry Fulcher and Brannen Temple.
Closer to the end, “Finish Line” finds itself firmly in blues territory with Omari Neville’s playful drums complementing the smooth singing, and “4am” exits the listen with a poetic nature that’s pretty, reflective and shimmering in a wise, stirring demeanor.
Foster aligns herself with some exceptional company on both production and musicianship, and they sure do illuminate this very aptly titled album that will be sure to leave you feeling much more at ease with the world today thanks to her jazz, blues, soul, folk and gospel vision.
Travels well with: Joanne Shaw Taylor- The Blues Album; Rory Block- Ain’t Nobody Worried