“Corner Café” is an album of all original compositions co-written by Greg Ruby and Steve Rice. Inspired by mid-century Parisian swing, the album conjures shades of Django Reinhardt and Jo Privat while venturing into cinematic ambiance.

The project began causally in 2013 when Rice invited Ruby to play guitar on a recording session he was producing for film and television licensing. The two hit it off and before long began co-writing for these sessions. At first, the two exchanged half written tunes but as the creative process developed, their in-person writing sessions immersed them in lively musical debate and artistic gestalt. Inspired by the process, they decided to release the compositions as an album. While still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, they chose the title track, “Corner Café,” evoking the collective sense of longing for the simple pleasures of life – conversation with a friend over a cup of coffee at a corner café.

Musicians:

Greg Ruby – guitars Steve Rice – accordion, piano Julian MacDonough – drums (1 – 11) Saul Cline – clarinet (1, 5, 8, 9, 11) Michael Glynn – bass (2, 3, 4, 6) Cary Black – bass (1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13) Spencer Hoveskeland – bass (12) Raphael McGregor – lap steel (7) Brandon Shane Vance – violin (13)

Songs #1-11 written by: Greg Ruby and Stephen J Rice, published by: Greg Ruby Music (ASCAP) and Sunset Hill Music (ASCAP)

12. Palo Verde by Greg Ruby, Greg Ruby Music (ASCAP)

13. The Cobblestone Street by Stephen J Rice, Burnt Toast Music (ASCAP)

Produced by Greg Ruby and Steve Rice Recorded at Sophia Hat, Seattle WA with additional remote recording Engineered by Chris Spencer Mixed and edited by Steve Rice and Greg Ruby Mastered by Randy Sutin, Bump Jazz Productions Artwork by Richard Morhous Design by John Hubbard emks.fi