Ruta Di

Described by Japanese jazz magazine The Walker’s as “a hot topic for her exceptional guitar playing”, London-based Lithuanian guitarist, vocalist and composer Ruta Di has developed a musical language that is difficult to place within a single genre. Ruta’s music brings together influences from jazz, neo-soul, folk, classical, rock, Brazilian and Lithuanian folk music. Rather than trying to fit within one particular style, Ruta embraces this mixture as one of the defining strengths of her music, combining virtuosic guitar playing, expressive vocals, improvisation, texture and strong melodic writing. Ruta has performed at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, EFG London Jazz Festival and Rochester International Jazz Festival in the USA, and was selected to represent emerging England-based jazz artists at the Jazz Promotion Network Conference. Her music has received airplay and support from BBC Radio and Jazz FM, alongside recognition from D’Angelico Guitars and Women in Jazz. Her latest project, Voice Beyond Words, grew out of a curiosity about what the voice can express without lyrics. Here, the voice becomes another instrument, leaving space for listeners to find their own meanings within the music. Supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture and her fans, Ruta’s forthcoming third album, Onwards & Upwards, brings this idea to the centre of her music, continuing her exploration of improvisation, melody and storytelling beyond words. https://www.rutadimusic.com