Sara Schwabe: America's sweet-tart
Following successful stints in widely respected clubs such as The Viper Room, The Derby and The Cat Club, bi-coastal rocker Ruby James makes a stop at the ever-hip World Grotto tonight, December 11th.
After developing her sound in Florida and California with various bands, Ruby James has now hit the road as a solo artist and is experiencing much success! She has been touted as one of the best female rock vocalists since Her Royal Rock Highness, Joan Jett. I don't think they're far from the truth, either. Like Jett, James's voice is clear yet tough, and demonstrates a surprising range. It's melodic but posesses enough grit to keep it from being too pretty for rock-n-roll. In her words, she's "a li'l bit sweet, a li'l bit sour."
Her appeal is broad, as her music shimmers with hints of soul and sexiness. In true rock tradition, her lyrics are the tales of everyday experiences and lessons. Nothing too high-brow, here, just some very catchy and enjoyable songs about stuff to which all of us can relate.
A seemingly charmed up-and-coming artist, Ruby James has already won admiration from bands for whom she's opened including Soul Asylum and 7Mary3. She must be doing something right, considering the credentials of her own band. Members have played with such notable musicians as Ozzy Osborne, Metallica, Steve Vai, Chick Corea and even Frank Zappa. Yowza! Based on that list, alone, I know where I'll be tonight!
Oh! And if Ruby James wasn't enough, she'll be joined by Knoxville's own sweet-tart Jenna and the Joneses. Between these two ladies, that's about as much sass a person can handle in one night!
