Album Notes

RUTH BLOOMQUIST

Ruth has won the 2003 Merlefest Chris Ausitn Songwriting Contest, gospel category with the song BY THE RIVER which is on the JEWEL OF MY HEART CD. Why not take a listen!

If you have not yet heard Ruth Bloomquist sing, you now have the chance to experience what so many people have known for so long. Performing for more than 20 years, she has honed her craft to an art. Ruth brings to her music the joy and heartbreak of life. Her rich alto voice takes you wherever she wants to take you and shows you just what she wants you to see.

Ruth and her bass player husband Max were founding members of the popular West Michigan folk band Amaryllis. With Amaryllis, Ruth traveled the country performing in clubs, concerts, and on festival stages from upstate New York to Montana and Wyoming, including three appearances at Milwaukee's famous Summerfest.

Now, working as a duo, Ruth and Max concentrate on presenting Ruth's original songs juxtaposed with the work of the many other songwriters that they have come to love.

In 1999 Ruth was awarded a spot in the Songwriter's Showcase at the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Assoc.) Convention in Louisville, KY on the merit of her songs, Mama Said and By The River. In addition to performing, Ruth also co-anchored the songwriter workshops at the Wheatland Music Traditional Arts Festival in May 2001.

The release of her first solo CD, JEWEL OF MY HEART, established Ruth Bloomquist as one of the top singer-songwriters in the Midwest. And now Ruth's new CD, ALL FOR LOVE'S SAKE, is causing a stir. It was nominated for the West Michigan Jammie Award for 2002 in the Folk category and is receiving airplay on independent stations from coast to coast.

Audiences bask in their easy banter, gentle humor, and general feeling of camaraderie...
the exuberance of performing for the sheer joy of music is dominant. -On the Shore Magazine

ALL FOR LOVE'S SAKE....a minor acoustic masterpiece....Ruth Bloomquist is a multi-talented acoustic artist with an exceptional ability to traverse boundaries separating various musical categories. Bluegrass Unlimited Feb. 2002

ALL FOR LOVE'S SAKE....It is rare when I get a CD that I can play most of the tunes on the show. Your recording is truly a wonderful collection of songs. You are a fine songwriter... John Davis -Heartfelt Music Program- KPFK, Los Angeles, CA

You were clearly among the most popular acts on the program that evening and it's easy to see why. Your skills as a singer and performer speak for themselves, and the musical accompaniment by Max provided the perfect backdrop for your stunning vocals........Mike VanBuren, President of Great Lakes Acoustic Music Assoc.