Gaye and the Wild Rutz
2014 was a busy year for Gaye and the Wild Rutz, who appeaed at the National Women’s Festival, Virginia Tech, Eastern Washington University, NAACP State of Virginia Conference, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Baltimore Blues Society Picnic, Columbus Pride, Virginia Women’s Music Festival, a few local gigs including University of Mary Washington Multicultural Fair, a concert at Music & Spirits and quite a few house concerts across the country.
In 2015, the group produced and broadcasted “The Old Black Dyke Show” via the internet and recorded their first CD “Is It Still Good To Ya?”. The album received very positive media attention. Take a listen to a few songs, watch the videos, and contact them for more information. Gaye Adegbalola and the Wild Rūtz are ready to “give you all our mojo”!
Also in 2015, the group received exclusion booking with Piedmont Talent International and are managed by Heart & Soul Artist Management.
Gaye Todd Adegbalola, The Rūtz' front woman is a multi Music Award winner and a founding member of Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women (1984 - 2009). Gaye plays guitar, harmonica and is best known for her profound songwriting. As of 2014, her discography includes 10 CDs released by Alligator Records as well as being featured on several Alligator compilations. Gaye has released 5 CDs on her own label, Hot Toddy Music, and is featured in 3 DVDs including the recently released "The Old Black Dyke Show”. And the Wild Rūtz' new CD comprised entirely of Gaye’s original songs. Gaye likes to say that "JOY is her religion!" In this incarnation, with the Rūtz, you will feel the spirit.
Tanyah Cotton began playing the piano at age 4 and classical violin at age 10. Professionally, she has worn many hats -- singer/songwriter, keyboard player, vocalist, arranger, event promoter & producer and handles the technical issues for the Rūtz. She has worked with many noted entertainers including Patrice Rushen, Babatunde Olatunji, Toots and the Maytals, the Marleys, and in 1993, along with Gloria Jackson, formed Nubii (new-b-eye). Born and raised in San Francisco, her work has been in the genres of reggae, funk, jazz, African, Latin, and Caribbean music.
Gloria Jackson, MD, is the primary vocal arranger for The Wild Rūtz. She took a sabbatical from the medical profession to pursue music full time in 1989 with her group, One-ina, an a cappella trio. In 1991, she moved to Los Angeles to work directly with Grammy Award winning producer, Patrice Rushen. One-ina then expanded to Nubii, a full 7 piece band, playing World Beat and reggae music. Returning to the Bay Area, Gloria worked with Ras Midas, Babatunde Olatunji and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead -- arranging background vocals, performing and recording. Over the years, she has continued to perform in different ensembles. A move to the east coast in 2011, connected her with Gaye Adegbalola.
Marta Fuentes is The Rūtz' arranger for percussion. Born in Puerto Rico, she moved to Alaska in 1993, then to Virginia in 1996. She attended the University of Puerto Rico with a concentration in Drama Studies. Growing up, family gatherings had everyone joining in song. She led the Praise and Worship Latino Group at the Tabernacle Christian Church in Laurel, MD, and performed with the 11 piece Unmundo Salsa Orchestra in Fredericksburg, VA. She creates a variety of rhythms and readily executes them on any percussive instrument she touches.