ION INDIE MAGAZINE October 2014, Volume 5 | Page 41

In 1955, Hurricane Ruth developed--and then made a quiet departure in the western Pacific with
little fanfare or effect. In 2014, a different kind of Hurricane Ruth is making landfall--this time with a
massive effect on the Blues scene. This month I proudly present from our promotional partnership
with ReverbNation—HURRICANE RUTH!
"Hurricane Ruth" LAMASTER got her nickname because no one could believe such a loud sound
could come from such a small woman. When you hear her powerful vocals, you instantly know she is
aptly named. The great WILLIE DIXON once commented to Ruth, "You are the only hurricane I can
appreciate."
Hailing from Beardstown in Southern Illinois, Ruth LaMaster brings her vocal and songwriting skills
to a new level on the Blues scene. She started playing drums at seven years old, playing along to
records at home or to the jukebox in her mom and dad’s tavern. In 1979, she took the plunge and
started playing professionally. She is also an aspiring harp player (Gotta have harp when you are a
Blues master). Ruth's wish list includes a Fender Blues Jr. Tube amp and a Shure Green Bullet mic.
A few of the great names Ms. LaMaster has played with include MAYNARD FERGUSON AND HIS
ORCHESTRA, ADRIAN BELEW and LOUIS BENSON. She has opened for JOHN LEE HOOKER, BB KING,
WILLIE DIXON, TAJ MAHAL, RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO, SAM AND DAVE, FENTON ROBINSON, WAYNE
BAKER BROOKS and RONNIE BAKER BROOKS.
Ruth's music finds its roots in traditional Blues, but that doesn't mean those roots feed the whole
tree. She is also a Rocker Chick! She has opened for some of the biggest names in Rock music. Who
wouldn't love to open for such great acts as HEART, JUDAS PRIEST, JOAN JETT AND THE
BLACKHEARTS, STEPPENWOLF, EDDIE MONEY, HEAD EAST, SURVIVOR and THE ROMANTICS? When
Ruth brings it to the table, it turns into an “all you can eat, grown folk’s banquet table”. Hurricane
Ruth includes the following members alongside Ruth:
JIM ENGEL started playing drums at the age of 10. In high school, he was chosen to perform with the
US Navy Band. He joined his first professional band, MARSH RUBY, at age 18. He has also been the
thunder in the bands: ALIAS FUGITIVE, THE WORKS, SIGNALS, I-55, DANIEL DOUGLAS GROUP,
WORLD OF ICE, MAN OVERBOARD, SECRET SOCIETY, THE REIGN, MUSIC BOX, OUT ON BAIL, THE
OOHS and THE OLD SCHOOL DROPOUTS.
At the age of 6, after watching the TV show “Peter Gunn”, DAVE LUMSDEN hounded his father to buy
him the HENRY MANCINI soundtrack album. This album provided him with his first introduction to
cool Blues/Jazz styles. Dave received his first guitar at age 10, and was inspired by British Blues
Rock. Dave has been active in the Springfield, Illinois, music scene since the ‘70’s. He has been lead
guitarist for THE SOFA KINGS, RAGGED JACK, YOUNG SWINGERS, MR. DAVE AND THE BEAUTICIANS,
APRIL and ROCKOLA. Since 2007, Dave has been a utility guitarist for BLACK MAGIC JOHNSON, DAN
RIVERO TRIO, FRANK HERRIN BLUES POWER and LORRIE EDEN BLUES BAND. Dave has opened for
LONNIE BROOKS, BIG BROTHER & THE HOLDING COMPANY, ALLMAN BROTHERS, GRASSROOTS,