Aruba Red feat. Renell Shaw & Nathan 'Flutebox' Lee - This Bitter Earth [Video]

London based alternative soul artist Aruba Red, releases a stunning rendition of ‘This Bitter Earth,’ performed live at The Vortex Jazz Club. Originally released in 1960 by Dinah Washington, the song was written by Clyde Otis, one of the first African-American A&R execs at a major record label.

Speaking on the song and her visual, Aruba shared the following statement:

“I was struck by the melancholy, sombre nature of the song. But one line shone a reassuring light, ‘I’m sure someone may answer my call, and this bitter earth may not be so bitter after all.’ To me, this plea represents connection, promise for the future and urges us to never lose hope.

The sand I'm scattering mixed with the glitter at the start of the video represents freedom... I'm scattering these dead particles, this dead energy that weighed me down for a long time, binding me to someone that I am thankfully no longer bound to, reclaiming my energy source and putting earth to bitter earth, with the intention that new life will continue to flow.”

Although a very soulful offering, there is a really sweet Baile Funk drop towards the end of the performance, adding that perfect amount of spice to it’s final delivery. Watch and enjoy the visual below and you can also stream the performance via a number of options here.

To hear more from Aruba Red, check out her Holy Waters EP available to stream on Spotify.

CREDITS

Vocals - Aruba Red

Flute - Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee

Bass Guitar - Renell Shaw

Filmed & Edited by Global Faction on location at The Vortex Jazz Club

Designed & Directed by Ashlyn Gibson

Hair & Makeup - Silvia Tonelli

Lighting - Adam McConville

Sound Engineer - Ali Ward

Mixed & Mastered by Marrik Shearer, The Front Room Studio