Though this violinist saw classical training at New York City's Manhattan School of Music, Ruby's upbringing was spent idolizing blues luminaries like Willie Dixon and Elmore James. In his teens his interests moved toward folkies like Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie, so much so that he picked up a second trade, the guitar. So goes the rest of Ruby's story: exposure to new music, followed by the necessity to learn the craft.
After college, the artist hitchhiked across the country six times, hit Italy, France, and Israel. At each place, he would absorb melodic traditions: country, jazz, Celtic, bluegrass and eventually the Hasidic angst of klezmer, which he is now most known for infusing into other genres.
After six albums and stints at Carnegie Hall and a gig as a studio musician at CBS, Ruby moved to Chicago in '89, falling back to his affinity for blues. Sessions at Checkerboard Lounge, Rosa's and B.L.U.E.S ensued to the point where he assembled his own band, the Ruby Harris Electric Violin Blues Band. Since its inception, the crew has opened for local jam band heroes Mr. Blotto as well as blues heroes like Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and Peter Yarrow, and has won "Entertainer of the Year" awards (Telluride Blues & Brews Festival). (Gavin Paul)
For more information, visit their website: http://www.rubyharrismusic.com
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