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RF: Getting to attend the Grammys is always a treat. It's exciting to be a member of the audience
for one of the greatest music shows ever. For me it was very validating to be invited and to sit
amongst some of my heroes and she-roes! The Blues Music Awards in Memphis is another great
show and is more like visiting family every year. Over the last few years I've become not just a
fan but friends with a lot of the nominees. It's a chance for all of us to get together and catch up
with each other's lives and music.

LL: In 2018 you were awarded a US Artist’ fellowship award, recognizing your
contributions to your field, and an unrestricted $50.000 award. WOW, and
Congratulations! How are you
benefiting from that award, and
how are you spending all that
money?!!!!

RF: Winning this prestigious
award was also very validating for
me. I was among so many
other artists, musicians and
playwrights in the room whom I
truly admired and discovered. It
was a reminder that what I write
can change the world and inspire
more artists. Also, the award
money has come in handy in this
pandemic. I've upgraded my home
studio for recording which I
operate every day since we've
been in lock down.

LL: Let’s talk about your new
release, “Ruthie Foster Big Band
Live At The Paramount”. I have
to say, that going by the title and
the look of the cover, it’s not what I was expecting at all! When I think of “Big Band” music,
I think jazz swing feel and jazz horn arrangements, but with the exception of the two jazz
standards (Fly Me To The Moon and Mack The Knife), and a section of one other tune, all
the 11 other wonderful tracks don’t swing at all! Instead, the album has a definite gospel
church-revival vibe. Quite the surprise! Did you plan it that way? Can you tell us about
your thought process and design of this work please?
RF: I didn't want to create an actual swing band project that would involve doing the standards
(which really were considered popular songs in their time). Although I'm very capable of doing
that, I wanted to recreate what I did in the US Navy Big Band while I was in Charleston, South
Carolina. We could perform any song in popular music with a 22-piece big band and rhythm
section. By adding brass and woodwinds to what you may already hear in a song adds to and can
elevate any arrangement. John Beasley, my arranger captured what I wanted from the songs I
chose which were pre-recorded on other albums, but now they have a lot more energy and fluidity
on this album. Plus, because it's a live performance I got a chance to introduce and chat about
each song.

LL: Please tell us a bit about your conductor, your arranger, and your musicians on this
album.