When London-born bass player Anthony Tidd teams up with Philly-born, spoken-word artist Ursula Rucker, a special type of combustion occurs. Both create altruistic, socially conscious musical messages. Both are well-known names on the international music scene working with artists hailing from jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and alternative music.
They came together in 2019 for a unique live presentation in the WRTI Performance Studio.
Ursula, a graduate of Temple University's journalism program who was inspired by the social observations of her “soul mother” poet Sonia Sanchez, has developed a distinctive style of wordplay highlighted in her collaborations with King Britt, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, and The Roots.
A Philly transplant since 1996, Anthony serves as the creative music program director of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and curates "Sittin' In," the monthly jam session that features talent from Philly and beyond. In addition to composing scores for television and major films, Anthony has performed with and produced records for artists, including The Roots, Jill Scott, Steve Coleman, Zap Mama, Meshell Ndegeocello, The Black Eyed Peas, and the aforementioned Ursula Rucker.
Ursula has released five spoken-word albums, including Supa Sista, the title selection featured in this showcase with Anthony Tidd and the Sittin' In All Stars.
