Rumer's Tour Diary, Part 1: California Dreamin'
By Rumer
Rumer, a British-by-way-of-Pakistan artist, sings dusky ballads reminiscent of 70s chanteuses like Carol King and Karen Carpenter; her talent has even caught the eye of Burt Bacharach, who invited the artist to perform at his home. With the U.S. release last month of her debut album, Seasons of My Soul (which was already a hit in the UK when it came out in 2010), and a North American tour to coincide, we've asked Rumer to record her thoughts and impressions for PAPERMAG while she's on the road. As we hit the tarmac at LAX, I spared a thought for the chaos I had left behind: I just moved apartments and books and papers and cups of coffee were everywhere... I just finished my new record and the mixes were still up on the desk next to studio notes strewn around... Seasons of My Soul was being released in the US and I was here to promote it.
My mind was like a toy shop. The day after we flew in, we all met for breakfast at the 101 Diner, and Roger Klein went to put some tunes on the jukebox when he noticed my CD in there next to Sly and the Family Stone. That was so cool.
In San Francisco we played Bimbo's 365 Club, which is an amazing venue. It is like a museum. It has to be seen to be believed. Frank Sinatra played there as did Count Basie and Smokey Robinson. It harkens back to a golden era. I was glancing up at my name on the bill when a cute delivery boy wandered past with a large bunch of flowers and a box. Inside the box was the whole series of "Tales of the City". The gifts were from Bill, a local, wonderful man who has supported me and my music for years, back when I was a hustling young singer trying to promote myself on MySpace and working at the Apple Store. It was so kind of him to send me a gift! Here is a pic of the cute delivery boy and the package when it arrived...
Later, it was time to sound check at Bimbo's:
The best thing about my job is meeting people after the show. I love to connect with people I haven't met before. They are always warm and friendly. It takes me back to years of working behind the counter, whether it was a retail store or a coffee shop. I stand behind the counter like I am greeting the next customer. I like to sign things for people, talk about music, take pictures. We all love music. It's great to connect. This lady, Dolores Sampson, is 85 years old.
Another highlight of this leg was taking a boat trip:
--Rumer
Later, it was time to sound check at Bimbo's:
The best thing about my job is meeting people after the show. I love to connect with people I haven't met before. They are always warm and friendly. It takes me back to years of working behind the counter, whether it was a retail store or a coffee shop. I stand behind the counter like I am greeting the next customer. I like to sign things for people, talk about music, take pictures. We all love music. It's great to connect. This lady, Dolores Sampson, is 85 years old.Another highlight of this leg was taking a boat trip:
--Rumer
Your Comment
Posted at 5:28 on Feb 01, 2012
"Seasons of My Soul" plays almost constantly in my car's stereo system. It will be a tough act to follow, but I eagerly await the release of your new CD. I would love to help arrange for you to perform with the Abilene (Texas) Philharmonic Orchestra sometime in the future. I arranged for singer/songwriter Paul Williams to perform his program with the APO in 2004, and he loved it! Paul is very proud of the fact that Ella Fitzgerald recorded his song, "Ordinary Fool," for which Paul wrote words *and* music. I subsequently introduced Paul to my friend, Ray Brown, Jr., who is Ella Fitzgerald's son and a fine singer. At my suggestion, Ray and Paul recorded a duet of "Ordinary Fool" as a tribute to Ella. It is on Ray's "Family and Friends" CD. If you ever need an "activist fan" to perform any task for you in West Texas, I hope you will call on me. Enjoy your tour!
Posted at 5:40 on Feb 01, 2012
With you in spirit ( if you don't mind) Roy..Westhoughton
Posted at 7:48 on Feb 01, 2012
Rumer is doing Paul Williams' Travelling Boy on her next lp
Posted at 8:03 on Feb 01, 2012
Don't wait...RUN! and get this cd! You can believe this Rumer! She is amazing!
Posted at 9:00 on Feb 01, 2012
Hey! That's my Mom! Since SHE made it into your blog I'm gonna make HER do all the work for the Facebook fan group! Seriously, it means so much to both of us that you remember. It was only a week ago today that we were together, but you've come a LONG way towards establishing yourself and your music in the U.S.
You are a delightful person and a great talent. I will always treasure the memory of talking with you after the show. We were both struck by your warmth and humility. God bless you, Sarah.
Diane Sampson
P.S. Come visit us at "Rumer Worldwide Fans" on Facebook. I might even let you join! ; )
Posted at 10:27 on Feb 01, 2012
Rumer, we were there at your show at Bimbo's. Someone we both saw there was Laura Nyro. Love you, much success and happiness to you. Charlie and Kevin
Posted at 10:47 on Feb 01, 2012
It's so great that you are sharing details from this tour. You should be on the Ellen show, she would love you Rumer. We need to make that happen.
Posted at 11:33 on Feb 01, 2012
I love that the US is embracing her. She's such an incredible talent and a sultry and vibrantly fresh voice that is pure pleasure to listen to. She revives your faith in music and in genuine song making artistry in general. I've been listening to this release since its UK debut and haven't stopped since. She's truly is a legend in the making.
Posted at 12:51 on Feb 02, 2012
This was interesting to read, and we got a big kick out of it because you remembered my Mom. It was SO nice to talk with you after the show in San Francisco. (By the way, folks, that steel structure over Rumer's head in the boat photo is the Golden Gate Bridge!) I came home that night with the intention of starting a local San Francisco Rumer fan group on Facebook and Twitter. Within an hour I had to change the name because other Californians wanted to join, so we became "Rumer Califonia Fans". Then people from all over the US who had just bought your CD started showing up, asking to join. I finally decided to just make it "Rumer Worldwide Fans" because we now have people joining from all over the world! Now,exactly one week later, you are on your way to a Best New Artist Grammy - I just know it! Soon you will be so famous and so busy that you won't remember us, but Mom and I will always treasure having seen you perform in such an intimate setting, and even more so what a sweet and friendly person you are. We will NEVER forget you. God bless you!
Posted at 3:09 on Feb 02, 2012
I am so delighted for you. You deserve evey bit of this recognition and are so obviously a genuine, kind human being,,,unlike rather too many people i mixed with in my time in 'the biz' I laugh at how naively shocked I'd be by the contrast between certain people and their public image lol I loathed the reality of it all and in affect packed it all in, long time ago now of course.
You are a lovely person and it is a joy to read of your experiences. Long may it continue for you x
Posted at 3:57 on Feb 02, 2012
It is so nice to be able to hear music that has intelligent lyrics and beautiful melodies again!
Posted at 1:41 on Feb 02, 2012
Sorry I posted twice - I thought the first one hadn't gone through!
Posted at 10:33 on Feb 03, 2012
We saw you at Bimbo's in San Fran. We also saw Laura Nyro on that very same stage, thought you'd like to know. Best wishes and much happiness to you. Charlie and Kevin (fans!)
Posted at 10:09 on Feb 09, 2012
I hope at some point you are able to come to Kentucky and share your wonderful talent with us.
You seem like such a fine person. I wish you happiness and success.
J. Farmer
Posted at 8:11 on Mar 10, 2012
You did good! I was a procrastinator also..so I made do with a hubby and a dog! Love the idea of eenoyrve ringing bells in church..if not the bells ..their keys! LOL:)
Posted at 5:27 on May 02, 2012
We just know America will take her to their hearts,just as we did.
That's our William and Diane's mom,Sarah is talking about :-)