NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ruby Amanfu knows how to share the stage, but during a recent dinner party in Nashville, Tenn., she was the star of the stage and the kitchen as she prepared a meal featuring peanut butter soup and fried plantains, then stood in her bare feet in the living room and belted out a heartbreak song.
Born in Ghana but raised in Music City, the soulful singer won critical acclaim for her acoustical duo with Sam Booker called Sam & Ruby. She caught the attention of rocker Jack White, who enlisted her into his band for his solo album “Blunderbuss.” Last fall Amanfu sang with Hozier on his North American tour.
Now she’s reintroducing herself as a solo artist with her new album of mostly deep-cut cover songs. “Standing Still” features her interpretations of songs by Bob Dylan, Brandi Carlile and Kanye West, among others.
“This was very new for me,” Amanfu said. “It’s been a long time since I have stepped out and taken center stage.”