Product Description "Girl Like You" is a compilation of recordings & demos Michael Ruff has done over the years 1989 to 1996. Originally recorded to introduce Michael to Japanese audiences, Michael calls the music "Romantic Rhythm and Blues" music, from melodic ballads to funk. About the Artist Singer, songwriter and keyboardist Michael Ruff is one of the most capable talents of our time. His roots in jazz & blues, and well versed in many other styles, he has been composing and performing successfully for the last twenty years. He has released three solo albums worldwide. Michael's songs have been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, David Sanborn, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Karla Bonoff, Kevyn Letteau, The Winans, Carl Anderson and many others. He has been musical director-keyboardist for Lionel Richie, Rickie Lee Jones, Chaka Kahn, David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, Karla Bonoff, Brenda Russell, Stevie Nicks and many others. Recording credits include the above mentioned artists as well as Air Supply, Dianne Schur, Michael Franks, Nancy Wilson, Jose Feliciano, and countless soundtracks and commercials. BAND_MEMBERS: Shake A Little, Be So Shy, You Walk Away, Cry on My Shoulder: Drums: Joseph Heredia; Bass: Marco Mendoza; Keyboards: Renato Neto; Guitar: Mart Walsh; Additional Vocals: Mark Lennon, Leslie Smith; Additional Guitar: Jeff Pevar on "Cry On My Shoulder" and solo on "You Walk Away". Girl Like You, Treat Me Like A Child Guitars: Kenny Emerson; Additional Vocals on "Girl Like You": Nadia. Talking To Myself Guitars: Jimmy Hahn; Additional Vocals: Leslie Smith, Mark Lennon; Additional Drums: Tony Braunagel I'd Still Be Loving You Drums: Ralph Humphrey; Bass: Jimmy Johnson; Guitars: Buzzy Felton and Jimmy Hahn; Additional Vocals: Venice That's Not Me Drums: Armand Grimaldi; Bass: Jimmy Johnson; Guitar: Jimmy Hahn; Additional Vocals: Leslie Smith, Joe Turano and Vonda Shepard
T**D
Unsung talent
I'm always interested in the writers of songs I enjoy (for example Mike Reid, Bonnie Hayes). Both they and Michael Ruff are credited on albums by artistes I like, and I love seeking out the writers' own releases - often there aren't many and they aren't always easy to get. This one includes "Shake a little" which appeared on a live album by Bonnie Raitt and was the reason I began looking for Ruff's work. It's a good album.
F**D
Another great album
This is another great album by Michael Ruff, applying his trademark vocal quality and power to a nice blend of ballads and rockier numbers. This album tends to be overshadowed, I think, by Once in a Lifetime and by the audiophile classic 'Speaking in Melodies', but it's a great album in it's own right. I tend to prefer Michael's rockier tracks, so favourites here include 'Shake a Little', 'Talking to Myself', 'That's Not Me' and (above all) the excellent 'I'd still be loving you'.Partly because of limited release in CD format, Michael's albums can be hard to find - which is very regrettable - and used copies often command high prices. It might be useful to point out that some albums are available direct from his website, including a superlative live album, 'Feels Good' (which includes live versions of four tracks from 'Girl Like You').If you've not yet heard Michael Ruff, you have a treat in store.
