Casey Ruff

Casey Ruff And The Mayors Of Ballard

Ruffstock, 2022

8/10

Listen to Casey Ruff And The Mayors Of Ballard

The Seattle singer-songwriter and guitarist Casey Ruff is in fine company here, as some of the Northwest’s best musicians accompany him across 7 well thought out, Americana-esque tunes.

“The Loudest And The Proudest” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar, before Charles Wicklander’s playful piano and the soulful brass join in on the rich delivery, and “Deep Sea Diver” follows with Kirby Casual’s frisky drums amid Ruff’s cozy vocals and the textured horns.

Deeper into the listen, “(Seriously) Stop Me From Loving You” flows with plenty of emotion in the intimate delivery, while “Move Me” brings much melody to the thoughtful spirit that benefits from Dan Walker’s electric guitar.

At the end, the dense rocker “Born To Be Dead” swaggers with a firm yet tuneful presence that welcomes harmony vocals, and “(It’s Hard To Live In) Hardin, Montana (But It’s Still Better Than Hysham)’ exits with classic country nods that takes inspiration from Neil Young in its rural rock display.

The brass players include Sean Jensen (baritone sax), Ethan Robb (trumpet) and Mike Ayer (trombone), and their skilled contributions certainly help illuminate Ruff’s distinct version of Americana across this diverse, gritty and very creative listen.

Travels well with: Silver Lake 66- The Space Between Us; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency