Artist InformationBiography
Ruth and Max Bloomquist
ONE DAY AIN'T ENOUGH
BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED Magazine April 2007
"One Day Ain't Enough" is contemporary bluegrass at its finest and illustrates just why Ruth Bloomquist is a significant creative force in bluegrass music."
In the summer of 2003, when Garrison Keillor, out on a book tour, first heard Ruth and Max Bloomquist perform in a small Michigan town he asked Ruth, “Don’t you like microphones?” Ruth replied, “One wasn’t offered.” Keillor shot back, “You’ve got a BIG VOICE, you’ve got a BIG VOICE!” Later that same evening Ruth and Max performed the Scott Wiseman classic, Remember Me (When the Candle Lights Are Gleaming) and Mr. Keillor said, “I’d like to sing that song with you.” And he did, the very next night to a sold out house in the 1800 seat Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon, Michigan, Ruth and Max’s hometown. Of course, it was Garrison Keillor who sold out that big house, but, now, whenever Ruth and Max play in their long-time stomping grounds, someone always asks them, “Remember when you played the Frauenthal with Garrison Keillor?” That evening was sort of like Woodstock. More people now say they were there than actually were.
Ruth and Max haven’t made it to A Prairie Home Companion yet, but, besides playing to some great audiences all over their home state of Michigan, they’ve done a bit of traveling, too. The Bluegrass On The Bayou Festival in Baton Rouge, LA, the Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival in Leakesville, MS, and Fairhope, Alabama’s famous Art Walk have played host to their talent. They’ve played LVD’s Music Hall in Goshen, IN and the Two Way Street Coffee House in Chicago. And they’re not done yet. They’re aching to play your hometown, too.
Ruth and Max Bloomquist have been making music together since they first met and discovered their common love for practically any music that features acoustic instruments and lyrics that touch the heart. Bluegrass, traditional country, country and folk rock– Ruth and Max were excited by it all.
Ruth was playing solo gigs at the time, singing her favorite tunes and a few originals, accompanying her self on guitar, and had already played an extended tour with a former duet partner. Max loved to play guitar and sing, too, and soon was showing up at Ruth’s gigs, first as a spectator and, not much later, begging to play along. Soon the couple met another talented guitarist and singer, Steve Reeths, and the band Amaryllis was born. The trio was soon playing festivals and clubs across Western Michigan. Reeths took up 5-string banjo and mandolin with tremendous success, and Max took up the bass and never looked back. Amaryllis toured regularly, and the three still remain friends. Ruth and Max married, solidifying their partnership forever.
Ruth Bloomquist has since released three solo CDs supported by Max and a host of their musical friends. The two have recently devoted themselves to making music full time. Performing as a duo or with occasional collaborators, they have experienced increasing success. In 2003, Ruth was a winner of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest held annually at Merlefest. Previously, she had showcased as a songwriter at the IBMA’s annual World Of Bluegrass convention and business conference. In 2005 the pair assembled a band and played the Bluegrass On The Bayou Festival in Baton Rouge, and wowed the Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival as a duet. In 2006 the couple played an official showcase at the Midwest Regional Conference of the Folk Alliance (FARM) and Ruth was named among December’s top 5 vocalists by Singer Universe Magazine. In April 2007 Ruth’s latest CD release, One Day Ain’t Enough, made the Folk Radio Airplay Chart and received a glowing review in Bluegrass Unlimited magazine.
Now music takes Ruth and Max wherever it will. Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee have recently been host to their talents, and they plan to continue their journey together sharing music with as many audiences as possible.
Instrumentation
DUO SHOW
Ruth Bloomquist Guitar & Vocals
Max Bloomquist Stand Up Bass & Vocals
Frequent Special Guests:
John King Guitar & Vocals
Daniel Seabolt Fiddle
Discography
One Day Ain't Enough, Released in October 2006. Appeared on Folk Radio Airplay Chart April 2007.
Jewel Of My Heart
11 original songs by Ruth Bloomquist
contains By The River winner of 2003 Merlefest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
All For Love's Sake
11 original songs by Ruth Bloomquist
Single: Michigan Girl appears on compilation, It's A Michigan Thing, label: Horizon Books, played several months on the State of Michigan MySpace.
Links
| http://www.ruthbloomquist.com |
| Michigan Girl Video on YouTube |
| "One Day Ain't Enough" review Bluegrass Unlimited |
| See video: "Hometown Pickin'" Kalamazoo |