Ruby Lynn Reyner Press
New York Times, August 11, 2016
"John Vaccaro, Whose Playhouse of the Ridiculous Gave Anarchy a Stage, Dies at 86
John Vaccaro, sitting, directed “Heaven Grand in Amber Orbit” (1969). The rock musical starred Ruby Lynn Reyner, left, in the title role, and Francis Dudley, who played a sideshow barker. Credit Vernon L. Smith/Scope"
http://www.nytimes.com, By BRUCE WEBERAUG
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/theater/john-vaccaro-iconoclastic-director-dies-at-86.html?_r=0
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Village Voice, August 2, 2016
"Altered States: Robert Frank Uncovered America — And Robert Frank
"Don't make a movie about making a movie. Make it," one actress scolds. Playing a Frank avatar, Christopher Walken makes his screen debut here. In 1971's About Me: A Musical, the filmmaker outsources himself to actress Ruby Lynn Reyner."
www.villagevoice.com, Melissa Anderson
http://www.villagevoice.com/film/altered-states-robert-frank-uncovered-america-and-robert-frank-8931469
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Den Of Geek, February 16, 2016
"Real Vinyl History: The Mercer Arts Center
The Mercer Arts Center was named after the street it faced. The front door was at 240 Mercer Street, north of Bleecker Street and east of Washington Square. The Mercer Arts Center presented avant-garde plays and “happenings” with performers like Wayne County and the actress and singer Ruby Lynn Reyner.”
www.denofgeek.us, Tony Socol
http://www.denofgeek.us/tv/vinyl/252605/real-vinyl-history-the-mercer-arts-center
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East Village Eye, Summer 1979
Max's rocked on Sunday the 17th of June with a benefit for Jackie Wilson, who suffered a paralyzing stroke some years back. The doctors say that there is now some evidence that he can recover but, of course it'll cost money. Around 10 bands gave their time and energy for this worthy cause among them The Senders, The Invaders, The Victims, The Rousers, U.S. Ape, Sylvain Sylvain. And Ruby and The Rednecks. Ah yes, Ruby and The Rednecks.
"Ruby & Rednecks Rock
It's great to see them back together again- they split up in '77 but regrouped in February of this year. When I asked Ruby if she'd been playing around much, she said "Yes, but you don't want to know about my sex life." This is typical Ruby Lynn Reyner. She's a natural comedienne- she won the Drama Deck Award in '74 for her roll in John Vaccaro's La Bohemia.
Ruby and The Rednecks formed in 1970 when the glitter-rock scene was the only vital musical thing happening in New York. The band fell together when Ruby crossed paths with guitarist Johnny Madera at Vaccaro's Playhouse of the Ridiculous. At this time John and his band were open to sugestion. The act they were rehearsing with Jackie Curtis had recently dissolved and they were looking for a frontperson. Ruby more than filled the bill. Then drummer George Basley christened the group and they started playing gigs. They used to open for the Dolls alot back then. And opening for them was some weird chick poet named Patti Smith.
They played the circuit in the glamorous glitter days- a smaller circuit than today's but one that included the fabulous Mercer Arts Center. This was before it's demise in 1973 when the Broadway Central collapsed bringing down with it St. Adrian's and the Mercer in one blow. It was quite a loss to all of us pre-punkers of the time.
They play some of the same songs they did then and they sound just as fresh. There is also a lot of new material Ruby writes most of the lyrics herself, John writes the music. They do a few old standards like "Cry Me A River" and the fantastic "Sea Of Heartbreak." At the Jackie Wilson benefit, after after their opening number, Ruby introduced "Lonely Teardrops" with a heartfelt "This one's for you Jackie."
Off in a completely different direction she launched into "Ruby from the Wrong Side of Town" dedicated to Johnny Thunders and illustrated with a nose-scratching, word slurring routine which was really hilarious. They closed with Lou Reed's "Rock and Roll", a song which is being covered alot these days- Mitch Ryder opened with it at Club 57 the week before- but no one does it like Ruby and the Rednecks.
Though the main appeal of many groups on the scene today is their power and energy, The Rednecks stand out for their polish and discipline. A few bands- like The Ramones- can pull it off on energy alone. But there is only so far you can go with minimal musical ability. Ruby and the Rednecks combine this type of energy with a real professionalism. John (E. Mondo Cane) Madera is one of the best lead guitarists on the scene; beautifully crafted power chords interspersed with lean angular solo work. Awful Augie Sabini blows a hot sax with a hard edged tone. Danny Couse, the technical brains and musical director of the group, is superb on bass. Bobby "Bud Ump Ump" Kent, who has also played at Vaccaro's playhouse, is the drummer but he was ill the night of the Max's gig. Veteran drummer George Basley filled in that night. He sounded as if he'd never left the group. George incidently is one talented musician- not just on drums but on guitar as well. (I remenber jammimg with him on Staten Island and in the sticks of New Jersey over ten years ago. Naturally, he put me to shame). And on top of all this talent is, of course, Ruby Lynn Reyner's dynamic stage presence. Her voice alternately soars and squeaks as she bounds across the stage.
Just prior to the Max's date, in May and June a show called Voideville played on weekends to sold out crowds at Theatre For the New City on 2nd Ave, and 10th Street. The show was Ruby's brainchild. The revue was written by Ruby with Gordon Bressack and Richard Weinstock- more Vaccaro veterans. The Rednecks were the house band premiering their new song "The Depression is Coming" which they've incorporated into their exciting club act. Voideville featured a variety of Lower East Side talent. Besides Ruby and the Rednecks there were songs and comedy acts from Tom Murrin (who wrote Cockstrong and Son of Cockstrong which Ruby starred in); veteran off-off Broadway and New Wave film star Bill Rice; fine artist Tracy Sherman; a great new group called Horace and the Tractors; Rock singer Emilio Cubeiro and many others. Ruby and Gordon are busy writing another show right now.
I set out to do this piece on the Jackie Wilson Benefit in general but you see what happened..."
East Village Eye, Richard Fantina
http://www.rubyandtherednecks.com/photos.htm