All the Good Things

Ruth Hammond (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 28, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: The Orchard
• ASIN: B00006876A
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,645,541 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Some of her songwriting reaches towards uplifting gospel, February 6, 2003

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Mr. S. Hammond "groovemonster" (UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: All the Good Things (Audio CD)

Straight No Chaser Magazine .... Summer 2002 edition HAMMOND POWER A new voice from the west country with home grown grooves and a down to earth perspective. The sax isn't enough for Ruth Hammond, after coming runner up in the 1998 Young Jazz Musician of the year and touring the world as a session player she has put her horn aside to play her name sake (the organ) and sing over her own groove. Ruth's warm laid back personality comes across on every self crafted song on her debut album 'All the good things'. Some of her songwriting reaches towards uplifting gospel, such as the highlight of the album 'Another Day Gone'. For the most part her music is tight, home baked funk from the heartlands of Bristol. It's a personal effort - she recorded it and put it out herself on Tenterhook Records - and the authenticity of the music makes it fresh.

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD contains more than you think when you first hear it., February 6, 2003

By 

Mr. S. Hammond "groovemonster" (UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: All the Good Things (Audio CD)

School's Out has a very measured, bluesy sound which features Ruth Hammond's lazy keyboards and even lazier vocals. Her delivery is smoky and the electronic effect applied during the chorus sections can't take away from that. The 70's rhythm guitar and in-your-face funky bass of Itchy Feet made me smile. That busy backing and the nonchalant vocal delivery made me think of Swing Out Sister. The insane electric piano, however, is totally original. Living Your Love is more mellow and thoughtful and the vocal on this song is a joy. It's hard not to think of classic singer/songwriters such as Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Judie Tzuke. Superb backing vocals too. Pop with a jazz tinge has worked for years - and never better than here. Ruth takes an old skool twisty bassline and Brass Construction rhythm guitar, slows it all down and preaches a very thought-provoking sermon while her backing singers get all "gospel". Listen to the lyric on Another Day Gone - strong message - strong song. You're more likely to remember the electric piano than the vocal on More than Sport - it's well up in the mix and the riff is very repetitive. In the chorus the energy goes up a notch and this song gets better with repeated listenings. Human Condition is a very soulful tune, with a slow, strutting rhythm and that smoky Hammond organ sound. The backing vocals are very strong but the message in Ruth's lyrics comes through unhindered. By now, you'll have realised what a versatile drummer Scott Hammond is! There's a sweet fade into St Clears. Stop thinking about categories and just enjoy a strong original ballad, well written, tastefully produced and performed with feeling. The sax solo (from Ruth herself) is enough and no more - the song's the star though. I think this is my favourite. I'm getting into this offhand vocal delivery. Don't know why but Steely Dan popped into my head listening to Only So Many Ways. They are one of the bands Ruth Hammond was inspired by. The organ is more to the fore - and I like it. It's one of the trendiest instruments around. Er, where'd that sitar come from? The title track is whispered more than sung and it's a very dreamy piece. The vocal and gauzy Rhodes are placed in a big, airy soundscape and the light cymbal work adds to the trance-like quality of the song. I liked the inspirational words "your dark moments are not how you're defined...". It's best to listen to this song on your own, with some tissues to hand. It's emotional stuff. It's hard to know how to sum up. I'll start by saying I really enjoy listening to this CD - present tense, I didn't just listen to it once. That's the message really: this CD contains more than you think when you first hear it - more lyrical depth, more musical confidence and more original talent, despite the fact that certain influences are apparent. If you have a friend who owns this CD, make sure you go and see them soon - and take a good bottle of wine...

5.0 out of 5 stars Gary Bamford, February 6, 2003

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Mr. S. Hammond "groovemonster" (UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: All the Good Things (Audio CD)

A simply beautiful album. Great grooves, wonderful playing, brave, honest lyrics and I love the way she sings without any affectation. Although the roots obviously lie in 70s soul/funk this album doesn't rip anything off like so many "retro" bands have been known to do, and it still has a great modern feel. A fantastic debut.