We All Live Together

'Twangy Two - Nikki Matteson comes of age on her new album, 'We All Live Together,' recorded with longtime partner Rich Rue as Nikki & the Ruemates. Matteson's girly but piercing voice comes off as a charming mix of Memphis Minnie and Iris DeMent in country-blues originals such as 'I Am Your Angel' and 'Green Light II,' while Rue's resophonic guitarwork raises the Muddy Waters and Blind Willie McTell covers from being mere coffeehouse workouts. The duo, rounded out by bassist Carrie Deans, promote the disc tonight at the Nomad with Spider John Koerner. ' ~ Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune November 2008 'Another young woman with a classic sound is Nikki Matteson, whose band Nikki and the RueMates introduce their new album, 'We All Live Together,' tonight at the Nomad World Pub. Matteson, who was a finalist on the annual 'A Prairie Home Companion' talent contest at the age of 16, sings like it's 1967 and she's auditioning for Elektra Records, with songs that add psychedelic flourishes to pre-rock-era country and blues. Appropriately, the band is on a bill with 'Spider' John Koerner .' ~ Ross Raihala, Pioneer Press November 2008.