Ruthie Foster returns to Tucson for her second show in less than a year, this time to the Berger Performing Arts Center for a gig Sunday with Rhythm & Roots.
We caught up with the blues-folk-R&B singer this week and posed these five questions about her just-released album of cover songs, "Let It Burn," produced by John Chelew and featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama. The album covers tunes by everyone from Pete Seeger to British soul sensation Adele.
What was your favorite song to record on this album?
"I guess the one that stands out for me is 'Titanic,' singing that with the Blind Boys a cappella. Their voices and mine, sitting in a room with these men. ... It was so raw. We didn't really rehearse it much. We just kind of let them do what they do, which is full-on, headlights, right in your face harmony. It just blew me away working with them. I've always loved them."
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You turned Johnny Cash's blazing "Ring of Fire" into a torch song. What inspired that?
"That's getting a lot of attention. I think it's funny. It only took me 10 minutes to come up with the arrangement. ... Really it was just about playing around with the chords and the words fit. I wasn't thinking country or gospel or soul. l just love what the song says. I ended up recording it at home, and I sat on it for a while. I've had this in my collection for a while; I just haven't played it for anyone.
"I am a huge country fan; I do love my Johnny Cash. I thought this would be a great way to put this song out and hopefully get another generation of folks open to this song."
Which of these songs is your favorite to perform live?
"I'm still learning a lot of these tunes. We're working them in one song at a time, one show at a time. Right now my favorite to do is Los Lobos' 'This Time.' That's just a blast. I'm getting a chance to play guitar. I am a guitar player in this little collection that's on the road. I'm getting the chance to play more guitar, and that is just fun. Gives me a chance to get a little groove going with my electric. Sit back and have a little fun with it."
If this album generates a Grammy nomination next year, what category would it fall under?
"That's a really good question. You let me know if you find out before I do. I'm really curious about that."
If I stole your iPod and hit play, what song would be the first to pop up?
"Nina Simone, 'See-Line Woman.' I love Nina Simone. We listened to a lot of Nina Simone on the way in last night because she's just so interesting, her arrangements."
If you go
• What: Ruthie Foster Band "Soul Salvation" tour with Paul Thorn.
• When: 7 p.m. Sunday.
• Where: Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway.
• Tickets: $27 advance through www.rhythmandroots.org or $30 at the door.
• Also this weekend at Rhythm & Roots: Western icons Sons of the Pioneers, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Berger. $32 in advance, $35 at the door.
