Michael Rudd – Ways of the World
This music from New Mexico’s Michael Rudd (originally from NJ), is a roots-rock singer/songwriter who focuses on people searching for meaning & understanding in their lives—quite a wide song spectrum. Self-produced by Mr. Rudd (vocals/acoustic & electric guitars) & recorded in Sante Fe, NM, the 10 Ways of the World (Drops Feb. 27/Invisible Road Records/52:50) is Michael’s 3rd studio album.
Opening with a vocal similar to Jim Lampos, Mr. Rudd has vocal presence & it is evident on “The Water.” It’s a plain ballad, military-style drums thump out cleanly punctuated by varied guitar tonalities – quite creative since the guitar notes almost sound like another voice, “singing” backup to Michael’s voice. The song also features colorful percussion to emphasize the simplicity of the composition & how these additions make it sound like a painting with so many details in each stroke. Quite good.
Some tunes are deeper than most. “Not Today” is a heavy number. It shows the depth a songwriter like Michael Rudd is willing to go. Not every song is meant to be a dance tune, a handclapper, or a toe-tapper. It’s something to savor, sink in. It’s a song that comes from a deeper place. This continues with the wonderful “This Life Is Made For Me.” Rudd manages to negotiate his music with a cruise through folk music that isn’t folky since his pen writes closer to the creative edge of Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Mickey Newbury & John Loudermilk.
“Gonna Slip Away” has a superb Burl Ives tone that’s never lost on my ears. The LP is an exemplary showcase.
They’re easy listening tunes designed with more of an outlaw virtuosity. It surfaces as well on “There’s a Rainbow In Your Mind.” It doesn’t touch quirkiness but comes close to pricking the mind. Rudd’s songs on this set are steady, well-recorded with a mic on the drums — each song has an up-front percussive quality. While I’m not a big fan of any vocal treatments, Mike’s voice is delicately enhanced with presence – hats off to the engineers.
“All The Words You Never Said” is a fine example of this quality. Warm Gordon Lightfoot touch, but not sounding like Lightfoot. Rudd has a good, confident sound. One moment Guy Clark, then Lightfoot & later Lampos. A good contrast that shapes Mike’s originality. On slower tunes, Mike’s voice even suggests a good middle-of-the-road type of singer who could get across in a more cabaret/lounge setting (“On My Way”).
Highlights – “The Water,” “Not Today,” “This Life Is Made For Me,” “There’s a Rainbow In Your Mind,” “All The Words You Never Said,” “On My Way,” “Nowhere In Time,” “I’m Going Home,” “Gonna Slip Away,” & “The Train Is Coming.”
Musicians – Pat Malone (electric guitar), Brant Leeper (Hammond B2/piano/clavichord), Mark Clark (drums/percussion), Asher Barreras (upright & electric bass/cello), & Kelly Kuhn (bgv).
Color image with guitar by David Rosenfield. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.michaelrudd.com/
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2025/10/29/song-premiere-michael-rudd-this-life-is-made-for-me/
Interview: https://americanahighways.org/2026/02/25/interview-michael-rudd-on-ways-of-the-world/