Ruby Paul is one of a new generation of artists that defies categorisation. Mellow listening, her accomplished arrangements of classic ballads such as ‘This Masquerade’ are earning well- deserved airplay, whilst original songs are skilfully interleaved without showing the joins. With one album behind her, the Beverley Craven influenced ‘Velvet Glove’, her newer material has a stripped back acoustic flavour. The title song of her new album ‘Forbidden Fruit’ is an original in the style of French chanson, whilst Paul’s musical palette also dips into folk, world and especially bossanova, both for original material and the covers of Burt Bacharach that she includes in her shows. Ruby Paul is an accomplished musician, playing both piano and celtic harp, but it is probably for her distinctive voice, smooth and sonorous yet wide ranging, that she is best known. Part Karen Carpenter, part Joan Baez, she has that rare gift of bringing a tear to the eye. She chronicles the lines of love and loss with lazer- like precision and diction: for unlike many contemporary singer- songwriters she pronounces each syllable with care and attention. Performing solo, or with an acoustic guitarist, Ruby has performed the length and breadth the country including festivals such as Glastonbury and Cheltenham Literature Festival and been featured on numerous local radio shows, Radio Two and a recent feature on BBC TV Look North. She also finds time to perform for functions and give workshops. You can watch some of Ruby’s songs on Youtube or buy her music at most suppliers online, as well as at her site. http://www.rubypaul.com PETER ASHTON