Going To The Mountain
Invisible Road, 2025
8/10
Listen to Going To The Mountain
The rootsy, Americana singer-songwriter Michael Rudd returns with a 2nd album, where he’s joined by Jen Bixby, Mark Clark, Asher Barreras, Brant Leeper and Pat Malone for 10 songs that explore meaning, understanding and small truths.
“Before The Demon Came” starts and thumps with Clark’s drums amid Rudd distinct vocals and a hint of mystery in the folk friendly climate, and “My Love Is True” follows with soft singing and warm acoustic guitar, as Leeper’s moody organ enters the intimacy.
Halfway through, “Going Away” allows for Malone’s atmospheric guitar to complement the vivid storytelling, while “I’ll Always Love You” showcases Barreras’ playful bass lines amid pretty singing that tugs on the heartstrings.
Arriving close to the end, one of the fuller tunes, “It’s A Hard Road”, pairs the frisky rhythm section with eloquent keys and upbeat melodies, and “Walk My Way” exits with a retro spirit that’s playful, charming and memorable.
Rudd is also versed in rockabilly and the blues, and this diverse effort touches on the hallmarks of being human with strong attention to detail and timelessness.
Travels well with: Chris Walz- All I Got And Gone; Evan Boyer- The Devil In Me