Press:

“Ruth Purves Smith went from leading pack horses into the Alberta wilderness to singing country songs for a rough and tumble crowd at Calgary’s notorious St. Louis Hotel. All it took was answering a quirky want ad seeking a “girl country singer.” Purves Smith, who performs on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the three-day Central Music Festival just outside Red Deer, recalled her abrupt initiation into the music business. It happened like this: she’d just come off a job of guiding horses for an outfitter near Carstairs when she decided to hone her campfire singing talents by replying to the advertisement in a Calgary newspaper in the fall of 1987. Purves Smith got a quick once-over from the male musician who’d placed the ad, and must have made the grade. Next thing you know, the then 20-year-old was standing on stage at the St. Louis Hotel, with bouffant hair and a mini-skirt, crooning country classics for his one-man band... ”
Lana Michelin - The Red Deer Advocate

“There is an unmistakable authenticity to her music, which also shines through her engaging and compelling vocal strengths. These days, Purves Smith divides her time between Three Hills and Calgary, and is still relishing the acclaim of her debut CD Out In the Storm which was released with her band The 581 back in 2010... In the meantime, she’s gearing up for a fall release of Faster Than the Speed of Dark – which will follow a similar vein to Out In the Storm. Although that wasn’t the original plan. Purves Smith has a heavier rock CD virtually finished but then decided to go back to the drawing board and record something more along the lines of her debut, as folks are continuing to respond so strongly to it. “Up to three years after the release, I am still getting reviews on the debut. It’s so cool,” she explains. “You’ve got to love independent releases – they do not have an expiry date.” She realized her audience base was primarily fans of folk/roots/country...”
Mark Weber - The Red Deer Express

“Some of the very best music I have listened to has come out of Canada. “Out in the Storm” is a beautiful example of why and how, as it is a straightforward execution of excellent songs and musicianship combined... “Out in the Storm” is a high quality effort and filled with musical subtleties that reveal themselves with repeated listenings. The songs are well thought out and the lyrics are crafted with more than a little skill... . The ballads (such as “Doin’ the Dance”) are heartfelt and the rockers (“Out in the Storm”, parts one and two) take the listener on a solid emotional ride in a way that good rockers should. There is a lot of talent on display in this collection of tunes and it is this melding of abilities that stands out more and more as the album progresses. An album like this would be perfect for driving across the wide open spaces of Alberta where it was created, but regardless of how it is listened to, it’s an easy package to enjoy. I recommend it! [Jo”
John C McClure - Victory Music

“Musically, ‘Out in the Storm’ sits comfortably in Roots/Americana. Country and rock rhythms merge and meld. There is never a collision, simply a sharing of the best of both, with the power of rock and the ease of country working as a great vehicle for Ruth’s voice. As the lonesome whistle approaches on “Here Comes That Train”, the band gets ready to start out of the gate with a united musical front. Ruth takes a gentle turn in the vocals as she describes misplaced steps over a rhythm defined by the dual steel rails referenced in the song title. The shuffle rhythm is again picked up on in the opening of “Pack It Up and Go”, before The 581 break free as the instruments and voice build. Movement plays a big part on ‘Out in the Storm’, as evidenced by songs like “Ride A Round”, “I Know The Way”, “Doin’ The Dance”. The hinted motion in the titles is supported and given a beat by the band with assurance.”
Danny McCloskey - The Alternate Root

“Three Hills based country/ folk singer Ruth Purves Smith and the 581 sure know how to paint a sad picture. Their new CD ‘Out In the Storm’ features a variety of touching, heart-wrenching and dark stories. ‘Ride Around,’ about a troubled family living out in their car paints a sad portrait and ‘Godzilla,’ is a disturbing picture of an abusive husband/ father. Musically, there are layers of banjo and mandolin plus well placed guitar solos. Her debut CD is undeniably a country CD, but it has a dark and serious rock edge as well as catchy pop overtones to it. Purves Smith, who used to be in the band Rodeo-A-Go-Go has an appealing voice, which is hard to find comparisons for. ”
Richard Amery - LA Beat

“For lovers of folk music who like to be left guessing until familiarity grows, I would definitely recommend this album. I love folk music, but not all of it makes for good driving music. However, Ruth Purves Smith & The 581 offer folk music seasoned with a number of different styles which shouldn’t be a stranger to your music player of choice. I suggest you pick it up, visit her website, and experience it for yourself. ”
nxew - North x East West

“I first heard RPS in the early 2000s when I had her open for Fred Eaglesmith at a couple of gigs! She was a gal who knew what she wanted but had not hit her stride yet! Well she has now! And the other thing Ruth has now is strength, in both her song writing and in her voice. It is like she has grown roots right through her soul into the earth and you can not budge her! A couple of songs have taken me: "Ride Around", wow it is so beautiful and so sad! I am playing it over and over. Also, "Doin the Dance" is an ole country heart break song that I could 2 step to with to with my main squeeze. I am surprised and pleased by this great first record! And I can only think bigger stages are in her future! Thanks Ruth ”
Suzy Miller - The Suzy Group

“Throughout the album, the listener is taken on a musically superior journey. The musicianship is strong, accomplished and supportive. The writing and arranging are world-class. Kudos. This album is brilliant.”
Pat Hatherley - Peer Review

"Spectacular doesn’t begin to describe the craftsmanship and talent this 13-track disc reveals. It is that rare album that divulges greater richness and depth each listening... Ruth Purves Smith has produced a platter of Canadiana roots music."
Donald Teplyske - Red Deer Advocate

" Ruth goes hard and sweet! Unlike anything ever heard in Alberta, her music is a cutting edge blend of acoustic & electric,rootsy cored,rough around the outsides,real prairie music. Look out! Here comes that train!!"
Elijah Westin - Swalwell Weekly Independent

“Reviews 5/5 in all 10 catagories.Here's what was said about RPS & 581's rendition of 'Northern Lights' by Pat Hatherly: Sounds real good...No crits whatsoever. Everything is sitting in its own space and has a full sound.”
Musician Reviewer - Broadjam.com