Ruby Andrews "You Made A Believer (Out Of Me)" 45 Zodiac Records

Mississippi born but Chicago expressed Ruby Andrews (Ruby Stackhouse) drops an excellent middle ground 45 on us with "You Made A Believer (Out of Me)." Not unlike Etta James who was identified with Chicago because of her label but drew from Southern Soul influences, Ruby Andrews' Zodiac releases seem to skirt identification based solely on region. The Chicago elements are there, hints of detroit and enough grit to float down the Mississippi river a ways. This is a favorite of mine, the opening break feels like it could be on any De La Soul record, the dominant piano gives the record a very personal feel, the persistent background vocals and lyrical themes suggest a secularized gospel feel and the song does not let up at all even when it briefly drops into a minor chord feel half way through. Released in 1969 it was a slightly lesser hit than her previous single "Casanova (Your Playing Days Are Over)" though I'm definitely partial to this record, Casanova is a pretty unusual specimen that I'll upload when I get a chance. I don't come across her records too often (especially not in shape to write home about) but if you do, pick em up!