Album Notes

"Excellent singing and songwriting combined with "tap dance" percussion make "Sour Grapes" one of the more unique duets around."

"Upbeat, unpretentious and breezy, this disc summoned images of pleasant, perfect summer days as I listened."

"....if Peter Paul and Mary had soul---throw in a little CCR and Riverdance and thats ya'll!!! Honestly, it wouldn't be fair to compare you to someone else. You have a sound all your own."

"Ellen Iovino and Larry Ruhl are like the White Stripes of the hippie rock scene"

That's what people are saying about Sour Grapes!

Sour Grapes is an original, acoustic duo with infectious rhythms and a positive attitude. The band's stripped down, organic sound, with its danceable beat and intelligent lyrics, have them winning fans in diverse (and disparate) environments, from Arts Festivals to Rock Clubs. Their catchy melodies and rhythms reflect influences which cross world, folk, pop and jazz genres.

Sour Grapes features singer/songwriter Larry Ruhl who deftly delivers driving guitar and howlin' harmonica simultaneously. Ellen Iovino pounds out the rhythm on congas, complete with attached splash cymbal. The two performers alternate between lead and backing vocals on their songs. Larry and Ellen, who formed Sour Grapes in 1999, also add foot percussion (tap shoes on wood platforms). The taps add a quirky twist that's fun and keeps the rhythm moving. Several songs feature the feet with built in tap breaks. The result is a full sound and a lively performance that is sure to get the audience moving to the beat.

Sour Grapes was recently honored by New York City's Underground Music Organization. Their song, "We'll Try Everything" was recently selected for inclusion on "The 14 Best Singer / Songwriters of Greenwich Village - 2004" CD produced by UMO Music (soon to be available on CDBaby). The performance was selected from over one thousand performances recorded live at the Baggot Inn in Greenwich Village throughout the past year.