“I Say Tomato”: Gershwin for the Honky Tonk Set

I guess it was inevitable that Ruthie Logsdon would pursue music professionally since it was, literally, in her blood: cousin Jimmie was a one-time King Records recording artist who bestowed upon the world (as Jimmy Lloyd), “I Got a Rocket in My Pocket” – a rockabilly classic. Ruthie, sure enough, did end up one day wrangling a band, whose fourth long-playing release, Someday, was voted 2003’s Album of the Year by the Washington Area Music Association.

“I Say Tomato” – written with fellow Wrangler, bassist/vocalist Greg Hardin – updates the George Gershwin pop standard with a wry and modern honky-tonk sensibility:

“I Say Tomato“

Ruthie & The Wranglers (2003)

(Engineered by Steve Carr)

(LINK to 6-string bass +/- baritone guitar on Zero to 180)

Who’s that squeezing off those lonely, soulful lines on the baritone guitar, you might ask – why, none other than Phil Mathieu.

Seriously, DC’s the Telecaster town

Bill Starks tickles the ivories on this tune, as well. The album – recorded and engineered at Hit & Run in Rockville, MD – was produced by the band.

Did You Know?

Ruthie & The Wranglers cut a 45 for Eddie Angel‘s Spinart label in 1996

“Rockabilly Song #10” b/w “Harper Valley PTA“