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Justin Rutledge
biography
Continuing on his quest to infuse country music with his love
for the literary world, Justin Rutledge returns with his third
album, Man Descending; a collection of songs that focus on
the quieter, darker spaces in between our everyday lives.
Inspired by the 1982 book by Guy Vanderhaeghe, Man Descending follows
ten characters down certain half-deserted avenues of their lives where they encounter
alternate sides of themselves of which they are relatively unfamiliar.
As each character reevaluates their lot in life, the songs tend to
function as questions rather than answers.
Rutledge’s debut album, No Never Alone (2005), was released to
critical acclaim in the UK and Canada. Tastemakers like the UK’s NME called the
album “an incredible breakthrough,” while on this side of the pond it was garnished
with 4 star ratings. Rutledge’s sophomore release, The Devil On A Bench In Stanley
Park (2006), was released to equal acclaim, including a Juno nomination,
the Galaxie Rising Star Award at the Edmonton Folk Festival, and a tip of
the hat from Toronto’s NOW Magazine, who hailed Rutledge as the best Toronto
songwriter of 2006.
"Rutledge's sound has improved and evolved on each release.
His third album is no exception. Its subtle and understated
arrangements are some of the most beautiful he's written.
This is his best album yet. CCCC.” "
– Chart Attack
“For anyone following the folk/roots scene in Toronto,
the serene work of Justin Rutledge is no secret, but
it’s easy to forget just how engaging and talented
this gentle singer/songwriter is...infectious country
folk hooks and lush harmonies. NNNN.”
– Now Magazine
“...sparse, smooth-edged production...Rutledge’s contemplative,
low-key voice on “Alberta Breeze” and “A Penny for the Band” ensures
that this is a fine record for making Sunday mornings hurt a little less.”
– eye weekly
“Rutledge approaches the words as though they are poems,
refusing to highlight their meanings. Instead, the songs demand that
listeners find those lines that stand out, turning them over and
investigating the nooks and crannies around them until they begin
to take on a larger, grander shape.”
– Vue Weekly
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