Album Notes

An acoustic duo from NY State with gentle, tight harmony singing on classic and original folk and pop songs, Mike & Ruthy accompany each other on guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, and the occasional harmonica or glockenspiel. You may know their work from their larger string-band, The Mammals.

When Mike met Ruthy he'd already written a hundred songs - some of which he no longer remembers. When Ruthy met Mike she'd already decided against being a musician like her parents - a rebellious stance that quickly faded in the musical excitement that ensued.

A mutual friend had the bright idea that they should sing together, and one very late evening, down in the tiniest factory/apartment building in New York City's looming financial district, they first combined their talents over cheap beer and not much else. The results were magical.

Since that first meeting in 1998, their writing, singing, and musicianship have grown to match their enthusiasm. And some of Mike's very old songs are working their way back into the setlist - along side Ruth's sparkling versions of soul and folk classics, and their new and original creations that hint at love, pain and earthly beauty.