Texas singer, guitarist, songwriter and rising star Ruthie Foster has been compared to both Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald (among other great singers), but Foster’s vocal sound is her own, a rich rootsy blend of blues, folk and gospel music with some old soul, acoustic jazz and R&B thrown in for seasoning. Usually working as a duo with percussionist Cyd Cassone, Foster has appeared on Austin City Limits, toured England and Europe and performed at such major music festivals as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Merlefest, Vancouver Folk Festival and Kerrville Folk Festival, winning devoted fans and glowing reviews at every step. The Austin Chronicle noted that “Foster’s deeply soulful vocals dip into gospel and swing toward contemporary folk with R&B panache. When she sings a cappella, the heavens part.” Foster has recorded five albums: Full Circle, Crossover, Runaway Soul, Stages and, most recently, The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster.