Posted: Thursday, March 23, 2000 | 11:35 a.m.
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Robynn Ragland celebrates release of debut CD at Blueberry Hill's Duck Room

Popular Music Critic Kevin C. Johnson (P-D)

By Kevin C. Johnson
 

The last time we caught up with St. Louis rocker Robynn Ragland was about a year ago. Ragland then was gearing up for the summer 1999 release of her long-awaited debut album on the Red Ant record label. Summer came and went, as did 1999, and still no CD. This week, Ragland will finally celebrate the release of "Modern American Female Gut."

Reaching this point after so long gives Ragland a great feeling.

"I'd been telling people for the longest time that when the CD finally comes out, I'm going to fall to my knees, scream and cry," Ragland said. "It's a great catharsis for me."

Ragland is making a big deal out of the CD's release, as she should. There are a few events lined up this weekend. The CD release party is Saturday night at Blueberry Hill's Duck Room, and she'll feature a familiar lineup of local names to open for her, including Joe Steinman, the creative spark behind the band Five of These; Jim Ibur from Five of These and Bellawolf; Latin rocker Javier Mendoza; Ken Kase from the Groupers and the Ken Kase Group; and Brandy Johnson, known for her work with the band Drift.

"That's going to be really fun," Ragland said. "They're friends of mine that I want to showcase. I'm really excited."

Before the concert on Saturday, Ragland, along with the CD's producer Adam Schmitt, will signing CDs at Vintage Vinyl from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and they may play some songs from the album acoustically. Later, there will be a private VIP party, which is Ragland's way of saying thanks to some of the individuals who have supported her.

Ragland and her band will perform all the songs from the "Modern American Female Gut," plus some other material. The CD includes Ragland's hit, "People You Know," as well as "Peace in the Water," "Love Love Love Love" and "Trying to Fly."

"All of these songs have special stories. Every single one," said Ragland, who does her own writing. "It's my life, and all of it comes from the gut, from my experiences."

When pressed about specific experiences of hers found on the album, Ragland is at a loss for words. But she imagines once she hits the stage that'll quickly change.

"When you're on stage," she said, "you get ideas in your head. You open your mouth and spill your guts out."

The reason the album was finally released is because Ragland was allowed to take her career into her own hands. The Red Ant label, meanwhile, is in the midst of transition.

"I had to work hard," Ragland said. "I took over the entire release because they weren't able to help. The record company will get behind it full force when they're through whatever transition they're going through. Now I'm doing it with a lot of help through the community."

The Los Angeles-based Saifer Records, which Ragland is signed to in a joint venture with Red Ant, is also helping in the release of the album in conjunction with Ragland Castle Publishing and the Blue Sky distribution company.

Copies of "Modern American Female Gut" will be available at the concert. More information on Ragland is available at http://www.robynnragland.com

Hot for summer

Earlier this week Riverport Amphitheatre announced some of its summer shows, including Santana and others, but there are other concerts yet to be named that are sure to be just as hot. One would be 'N Sync on June 28. Another is Pearl Jam on Oct. 11. Neither is confirmed, so no more details, such as venue or ticket prices, are available.

If you go...

Who: Robynn Ragland

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Blueberry Hill's Duck Room, 6504 Delmar Boulevard

How much: $6

Info: 314-727-0880