Uta Habbig, Ruby Greenberg

Praised as “an exquisite vocalist with an extraordinary artistic versatility” (WDR 3) New York-based, German born musician Uta Habbig has intrigued audiences in Europe and the US with her endearing and colorful sound. Centered on captivating vocal presence and authentic expression, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist asserts herself most through distinctive combinations of musical styles, intertwining folk, jazz, classical and even R&B.

On her latest album SONGS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE (2020), the listener finds stories that captivate with emotional depth, arrangements inspired by years of singing in choirs and playing in string ensembles and musical journeys of alternating tempos and winding melodies. Deep complexity in her lyrics suggests that there is an artist at work whose creativity is not limited to music alone.

Originally from Cologne, Germany, Uta started playing piano and violin at the age of five and soon started singing in school and church choirs. As the youngest of four children, she gained her first ensemble experience playing music with her siblings. She grew up listening to and performing mainly classical music, but soon sparked a natural interest in a wide variety of musical styles. Her love of music would then also determine the further course of her life.

Uta holds a Master’s degree in Music and Music Education from University for Music and Theatre (Hochschule für Musik und Theater - Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy) in Leipzig, Germany as well as an M.A. of German Language & Literature from Leipzig University. Immersed in a wide range of musical styles during her studies in Leipzig, she performed in prestigious concert halls such as Gewandhaus Leipzig and Thomaskirche Leipzig. In addition Uta holds a B.M. in Jazz Voice; she studied Jazz Voice and Composition at Music Conservatory Maastricht, Netherlands and completed her wide-ranging education with a year at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. She works as an educator at leading cultural and educational institutions. She lives in New York City and teaches at New York University (College of Arts and Science) next to her life as a performing musician.

Ruby has been singing for as long as she could speak. Raised in a musical home in Colorado, records were played through the house at all hours, concerts were attended often, and singing along was encouraged. Ruby became familiar with folk, rock & roll, and songwriting giants like James Taylor, Grateful Dead, and Bonnie Raitt who were played often and at high volumes by the family. Ruby spent her formative years singing at the piano, eventually performing in the community and honing several instruments in choirs and local bands through her teens. She moved to New York City for college and received a Jazz degree. After cutting her teeth as a gig musician and bandleader, she eventually found home in songwriting. Her performances began to evolve from standards and classics into her own artistic style showcasing her original music, personal lyrics, and intimate arrangements in a twist of folk and acoustic songwriting. Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, and Norah Jones are inspirations, and the solace Ruby finds in nature is referenced affectionately in her writing. Ruby has toured New England venue circuits, New York City, the Rocky Mountain West, and Southeast Asia, supporting acts such as R&B duo Tropic. Ruby’s debut single was released in 2019, and she will be releasing a collection of three new songs later this year.