Vancouver Province
Bradley/McGillivray Blues Band - Livin' This Way
There's a nice balance between Ruth McGillivray and Sheldon Bradley. Her vocals are imposing while his guitar licks are smooth with a jazz influence, slightly reminiscent of the little-known but great Jerry Miller of Moby Grape. Augmented by organ and a tight rhythm section, Livin' This Way has a funky groove that has been thickened by producer Bill Buckingham. It's probably not fair to focus on bonus track, "Piece of My Heart," as the originals stand up, but McGillivray has found a midway point between the Erma Franklin original and the Janis Joplin showpiece. She makes the song her own.
-- Tom Harrison
Indie-Music-Toronto
Ruth McGillivray: River of Soul
"Clear vocals, effective lyrics and some good production make up this easy listening R&B album. If Ruth is playing in your town you really must check her out. The music on the CD is pleasurable and soulful. If her live gig is similar you’ll no doubt have a good time. I look forward to hearing more of her material. I have a feeling this artist is here for the long haul. This CD is an excellent beginning."
- L.C. Di Marco
The Vancouver Sun
October 18, 2003
Ruth McGillivray - River of Soul ****
"Never judge a book, or a CD, by its cover. River of Soul, recorded in a Surrey studio, pictures vocalist Ruth McGillivray and guitarist Sheldon Bradley on the banks of a rural stream, and one expects a folk album. Who'da thunk we're in for an hour of full bodied R&B in the spirit of early Bonnie Raitt? Things get off to a great start with the get-down I See Purple, Bradley's (McGillivray's songwriting partner) guitar and Steve Soucy laying down a good groove. Jewelry Box makes a shuffle beat sound funky, while Starin' Down the Road has great acoustic slide guitar work from Bradley and a rousing vocal from the singer. McGillivray does her most soulful singing on I'm Leavin' , a slow blues delivered with great feeling, and Ain't Gonna Miss You, which begins quietly and ends with the house rocking. Because this is self-distributed, not all stores will carry the disc. It can be ordered on McGillivray's Web site (ruthmcg.com)."
- Marke Andrews
Blues Free Press
August 2003 "Ruth McGillivray, from Vancouver, is reputed to be one of that city's finest R&B singer/songwriters & her recently released album, "River Of Soul", showcases both those areas of talent admirably. 11 of the 12 tracks are originals composed either by Ruth or in collaboration with her regular accompanist, guitarist Sheldon Bradley. Well produced & packaged with Ruth & Sheldon joined by some of western Canada's hottest musicians, this album represents another shout to attract attention to the wealth of musical talent currently working in & around that region." - Judge Jones ( www.bluesfreepress.org.uk/Issue14)
Sunshine Music Festival, Powell River, B.C.
September 2004
“The combination of a fantastic blues voice and tight & tasty jazz/funk guitar begins to describe Ruth & Sheldon. I kept wondering whose songs they were covering till I realized it was their own material. They blew away the 23rd, 2004 Sunshine Music Festival in Powell River!”
- Don Bowes, Artistic Director
A powerhouse River of Soul
February 2005 Ruth McGillivray: River of Soul, Sense & Soul Productions, 2003 "Yikes! This woman has a big voice and a commanding onstage presence, as evidenced by her appearance at the ManiFest Arts festival last November. The sheer force of her sound is a bit reminiscent of Janis Joplin's approach, but her voice has none of Joplin's harshness. This album, produced by Roy Salmond, features mostly original songs, several co-written with the singer's gifted guitarist, Sheldon Bradley. These are mainly love songs; several deal with no-good men, while others affirm solid relationships. There is some social commentary, with 'I See Purple' addressing varying interpretations of reality; and 'Beautiful and Sexy,' which states: "Beauty, clothes and brains / Will open any door / But self-respect will help you choose / The one worth waiting for." Curiously, as impressive as McGillivray's powerhouse performances are, the highlight is an achingly delicate song of comfort titled 'Cry,' dealing with the pain of childbirth. Speaking of her newborn daughter, she writes: "Jesus said that God loves us / Like a father loves his child / If God loves me like I love her / Think about that for awhile." The album ends with reverent takes on two hymns, 'What a Friend' and 'Amazing Grace.'" - David F. Dawes, canadianchristianity.com
CD Baby.com
‘River of Soul’ - Listener Review
“A voice born to sing The Blues. I have never run across a voice that has such an immediate and visceral impact. Riveting... ‘I'm Leaving’ is spine tingling. Literally. It stands up beside any blues performance by any singer of any era. ‘I Still Love You’ is wonderfully intimate and gentle. ‘Cry’ makes me. Ruth is a future blues legend.”
CD Baby.com
‘River of Soul’ - Listener Review
"A power of unsettling enormity. Immediately upon hearing this CD, you can sense the power in Ruth's voice. It's like the subdued churning of a big V8 at idle. As she gently finesses through delicate passages, your anticipation builds and soon enough patience is rewarded with the power, the fury, that is Ruth McGillivray. While the CD does not produce the sonic clarity and breathy dynamic that Ruth has in live performances, it is a fine showcase for some solid songwriting and brilliant interpretation. I rate this one a 'must have'."
Okanagon Wine Festival
January 2005
"...Ruth and Sheldon you took our breath away at both events. At first you touched us with your soft and soulful sounds as a duo in a setting that required the magic of what you both do so very well...And then there was "Afternoon Delight" which we feel now more than ever was appropriately named. Once again you blew us away with your music and brought to the event an atmosphere of pure fun and excitement. So much fun that no one wanted it to end. You have proven to us that you can adjust to any setting, duo or full band and continue to mesmerize your audience with your wonderful melodies. You are true professionals..."
- Linda and Mike Newton
Sandy Beach Lodge and Resort, Naramata, B.C.
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