RUTH ROTHWELL

EMPIRE CHILD

Fine Roots Recording

Ruth Rothwell-vocals/composer; Mariano Diaz piano/keyboard; Rene Rossano/Guitar; Mikel Urreta/Drums; Daniel Pozo/Bass; Tomi Lujan, Percussion.

Vocalist songwriter Ruth Rothwell was born and raised in London.  Her parents are from Jamaica and South Africa.  Rothwell highlights our shared human experience in her album presentation with lyrics that reflect her positive activism.  The singer’s first single is called “Trace the Race.” It’s about discovering your roots and where your ancestors come from. It runs nearly 4 minutes at a medium pace. Her soprano voice floats above the rhythm section, however the song is very repetitious. It could have been edited down.

Rothwell has a very pop, soprano voice and her original music reflects that style. “Cut Those Ties” is arranged at a waltz tempo.  Then, on “Negativity Be Gone” the music picks up the tempo and continues with her positive message, propelled by the drums of Mikel Urreta and the percussion of Tomi Lujan.  This became her new single released in March of 2026.

Ruth Rothwell’s music, as an artist, has been consistently live-streamed. However, this album is not jazz.  Perhaps it should be marketed as pop Worship Music.  Titles like “Feeling of Healing” and “Peacefully Does It” echo a spiritual plea and offer words of encouragement.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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