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Severn Records is proud to release My Street, the debut recording of longtime Baltimore-based soul/blues singer Ursula Ricks. My Street showcases Ursula’s astounding vocals and fresh approach to songwriting, as evidenced by her funky, gritty performances on the eight original tunes she contributes to the new CD. She’s backed by the label’s studio house band: Kevin Anker (keyboards), Steve Gomes (bass), with special guests Kim Wilson (harmonica) and Johnny Moeller (guitar) of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, plus Sugar Ray and the Bluetones’ guitarist “Monster” Mike Welch. Ricks also adds her deft interpretations of two covers: the Bobby Rush classic, “Mary Jane,” and Curtis Mayfield’s “Just a Little Bit of Love,” all delivered by the big-voiced singer whose star is clearly on the rise.
LINER NOTES
…I don’t know / Sometimes I just don’t care
All I know is / I gotta move away from here
This is my street / This is my home
This was my mother’s mother’s mother’s home…
Thank you Severn Records, all the fella’s in the studio band, the Universe for my talents, my fans for their support all these years, and all the great musicians I have shared the stage with over the years who opened me to my heritage. My family for inspiration, and my grandkids for teaching me what is really important.
Dedicated to my mother, Malagashi Yemariamfere.
MUSICIANS
Ursula Ricks: Vocals
Johnny Moeller: Guitar
Kevin Anker: Keyboards
Steve Gomes: Bass
Robb Stupka: Drums
Mark Merella: Percussion
Christal Rheams: Background Vocals
Caleb Green: Background Vocals
SPECIAL GUESTS
Kim Wilson: Harmonica (track 1)
Mike Welch: Solo Guitar (tracks 5, 6)
Pete Kanaras: Acoustic Guitar (track 7)
Horns and Strings arranged and conducted by Willie Henderson
Kenny Rittenhouse: Trumpet
William Dunn: Trumpet
Antonio Orta: Tenor and Alto Saxophones, Flute
Leigh Pilzer: Baritone Saxophone
Reginald Cyntje: Trombone
Jessica Privler: French Horn
Jose Cueto: Violin
Netanel Draiblate: Violin
Radhi Santose: Viola
Fanny Nemeth-Weiss: Cello
CREDITS
Produced by Kevin Anker, David Earl and Steve Gomes
Recorded and mixed by David Earl at Severn Sound Studio, Annapolis, MD
Assistant Mixing Engineer: Evan Sarli
Mastered by Randy Leroy at Airshow Mastering, Takoma Park, MD
Photography by Sam Holden, Baltimore, MD
Graphic Design by Al Brandtner, Brandtner Design, Chicago, IL