It is refreshing and enlightening, to read your opinion of THE PHENOMENAL RUTHIE FOSTER, the record Ruthie and I crafted together.

After all, it is THE ONLY negative review, out of many, that I have found. Frankly, we expected a lot more heat.

Any time an artist shifts direction, as we so obviously did, there are bound to be some who feel disapointed or worse, betrayed.

But much to our delight and satisfaction, your well-written and heartfelt comments are, so far, COMPLETELY ALONE – adrift in an ocean of praise and kudos.

Writers who never gave her previous efforts (which I agree are excellent, if not fully realized) the time of day, are suddenly tripping all over their dictionaries to come up with new adjectives to describe her otherworldly talent. And most, if not all, have cited my guidance as a positive influence. All I did was provide the direction that, in her own words: “helped me to find my spirit voice”.

Furthermore, this release promises to be her much-deserved breakthrough. As of today (March 3, 2007)THE PHENOMENAL RUTHIE FOSTER is #9 on Triple A, #8 on CIMS and #6 on Billboard Blues charts. This, after only a few weeks of release.

Nevertheless, I welcome your review – I was beginning to think that we hadn’t pissed ANYONE off!

Sincerely,

Malcolm ‘Papa Mali’ Welbourne

PS – Have we met? Just curious.