In her early twenties there were professional opportunities for radio performances etc. but without regret, Ruth chose marriage and family over a professional singing career. A few years ago, her family began encouraging her to do some recording for the family archives. Her late husband, Jim Beatty's heart's desire was the spur that started it all, and both albums are dedicated to him.
Making "These Are the Days" was a journey of musical exploration. Recording artist and producer David Leask (also Ruth's son-in-law), suggested recording a few songs just for fun. He invited keyboard player Todd Lumley (The Waltons, Hawskley Workman) out to his studio. After recording the vocals and piano, impressed by Ruth's pure and youthful voice, David brought in other players to broaden the pallet of instrumentation, and the project evolved from there.
Although Ruth had experimented with many kinds of music, her abiding connection to 'songs of the spirit' could not be denied and the eclectic collection of inspirational songs "These Are the Days" was born. Since it's launch, the CD has sold steadily and helped raise funds for many churches across Canada. .
About a dozen years ago when Ruth's daughter Mary Ellen, gave her a book of jazz classics, Ruth ventured into yet another musical world and never looked back. As Ruth explains "Jazz embraces life in all its facets from the saddest to the gladdest. It touches us. And singing jazz is an irresistible way of connecting with those emotions. Jazz makes us happy."
In late 2004 all the pieces came together for making a jazz album. With David Leask once again at the producers' helm, the choices were made, and for two days in November in the beautiful Loach Studios in Toronto, the bed tracks were recorded with award winning jazz pianist, Nancy Walker, drummer, Mark Mariash and bassist, Michael Carson. Later, at David’s own studio, trumpet player Kevin Turcotte and sax player, Sean O'Connor.added the final instrumentation.
Ruth comments "Working with these fine musicians has been a delight for me, in the making of an album I only dreamt about. I am thankful to all those who helped to make this happen, not the least being my family - such a supportive bunch - and Jim, his spirit always there.
So here I am, a little late, loving ‘the joy of jazz’ and wanting to share with you a few songs from the great world of jazz!"
