Ruth Reese - The Black Rose - Ruth Reese Live Sessions 1979 (2021) [Hi-Res]

THE BLACK ROSE – RUTH REESE LIVE SESSIONS 1979
Global Sonics is releasing unpublished live recordings by Ruth Reese and Morten Gunnar Larsen (piano) from 1979. The extraordinary recordings were done by producer Hjalmar Svennevik in Reese’s home in Oslo and have tunes from her repertoire of spirituals, gospel music and blues.
Singer, writer and civil rights activist Ruth Reese was born in Hayneville, Alabama in 1921. Though classically trained, she gained her reputation from performing spirituals, gospel music and the blues. Reese was among prominent black singers to perform in Europe and was actively involved in the international fight against racism. Reese settled in Norway in 1960, where she contributed significantly to the understanding of African American history and music. She performed throughout the country and gained wide popularity.
Reese died on 25 October 1990 while giving an address against racism to the organizationSOS Rasisme at a gathering being held in Oslo in her honor. Her music archives were left to her then student and today well-known artist Kristin Asbjørnsen, who has made recordings in honor of her teacher.
This release is a part of “Let us tell the world – Ruth Reese 100 years!” that highlights the legacy of Ruth Reese – by Global Oslo Music and Lift Every Voice-LEV.

1.01 - Ruth Reese - Bill (Live) (2:39)
1.02 - Ruth Reese - St. Louis Blues (Live) (2:58)
1.03 - Ruth Reese - Jazzpotpourri (Live) (3:03)
1.04 - Ruth Reese - Basin Street Blues (Live) (1:18)
1.05 - Ruth Reese - In the Heat of the Night (Live) (2:44)