Tampa Bay Times Soundcheck, Top 10 local albums of 2009:
Rich Whiteley, Ruby Fizz: Folk, country, rock and pop combine with an achingly sincere vocal that never overdoes it. Listen to this when the world seems crazy. It’ll bring back some perspective.
“Americana goosed with charming pop hooks, ‘Ruby Fizz,’ finds gifted Tampa singer/songwriter Rich Whiteley in top form. His warm vocals glide over memorable melodies. The lyrics smartly meld concrete musings and surreal imagery. Whiteley skillfully plays guitar, piano, banjo and harmonica on the disc. Ace local players like co-producer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Connelly and drummer Dan DeGregory accompany him. A do-it-yourself release made by homegrown talent, “Ruby Fizz” easily ranks with anything on the national Americana charts.” –Wade Tatangelo, St. Petersburg Times music correspondent
“Don t let those easy-going grooves fool you. Ruby Fizz has plenty of punch beneath the surface, from the dark psychedelia of Flesh Blood and Bone to the sly twists of King of the Losers. Rich Whiteley may be as much an editor as a writer. Words and music both sound honed to the absolute essentials. An excellent effort from one of Tampa s musical mainstays.” –Curtis Ross, Tampa Tribune Pop Music Critic
