Ruby Amanfu – Standing Still LP

Description

It’s been a long and winding road for African-born, Nashville-raised singer/songwriterRuby Amanfu. Her versatility, thoughtful collaborations, and frequent brushes with fame seem like they should have added up to a higher level of success than she’s enjoyed so far. Her 2015 LPStanding Stillis, in fact, her third solo album since 1999, and her first since forming the acclaimed roots-pop duoSam & Rubywith fellow songwriterSam Bookerin 2005. Following a 2012 run inJack White‘s all-female backing band and a subsequent duet withWhiteat the 2013 Grammys,Amanfu‘s star seems on the rise. The genesis of this album purportedly comes from another 2013 performance at aBob Dylantribute in New York. Her rendition of late-period highlight “Not Dark Yet” was seen byMark Howard, who had originally engineeredDylan‘s version and he immediately came on board to produce her next album. Though a skilled songwriter in her own right,Amanfuapplied herself to an impeccably curated set list that contained just one original, the dreamy “I Tried.” Recorded byHowardin a secluded cabin outside of Nashville, the remaining nine songs onStanding Stillcome from sources as varied asJimmie Dale Gilmore(“Where You Going?”),Richard Hawley(“As the Dawn Breaks”) andKanye West(“Streetlights”), yet her subtle treatments feel entirely natural and personal. Additional production efforts fromthe Black Keys‘Patrick Carneyon “Shadow on the Wall” don’t stray far from the album’s general aesthetic, which relies heavily on drifting pedal steel motifs and understated, soulful accents. Her smoky voice and crafty delivery are the stars here and though it’s largely a slow-burning set,Standing Stillis worth making time for. -All Music Guide