Artist – Cal Ruddy
EP – The EdenHurst Session
Released – 28th January 2022
Reviewer – Ian D Hall, Liverpool Sound and Vision
Liverpool Sound and Vision rating – 9/10
The essence of art is in the shrouded mystery that precedes the reveal, for until it makes itself public, till it is announced with either flourish and fanfare, or tentatively, shyly with as much belief but without the certainty of reception, it is an enigma that heeds only to the performer’s mind, the imagination that seeks release from the shadow, but also is content to hide a while, almost dictate the timing of its release and away from the will of the artist at large; a session released with glee.
As part of Klee Music’s 2022 Edenhurst’s Programme, Liverpool’s indomitable and charming Cal Ruddy steps into the acoustic setting and away from the shadows of the previous year, from all that it revealed to him as a performer and personally as a human being, and into the light; and what a joy as a listener it is to hear such vocals being thrown to the heavens as part of a massive and demanding project.
Cal Ruddy has more than established himself as one of the finest young songwriters in the city, and with his infectious voice, his insightful presence, it is no wonder that his reputation has not only flourished, but that the music he creates stands easily in both the physically electric and acoustic domain with same and groove filled essence.
The country-tinged rock-folk production is unfaltering and beautiful, and as the five track E.P. sweeps over the listener, what is undeniable is the sheer love he has for the guitar, the audience, and for the soul of the song, whether it is the four renditions of his own compositions or in the excellent examination of Visions of Albion’s You’re Not Alone, the essence radiates brightly and succinctly.
As the opening track of the session suggests, we have been here before, but for Cal Ruddy the distinction is that he has never wavered, and from those early days when he would appear and let of steam, have the crowd gravitate towards him as if they understood the power he was to hold, then the songs he chose for the project are the ripest, most congenial and musically appetising he could have recorded. In Been Here Before, Breaking Your Little Heart, Buying Time, Mine Is, and the aforementioned You’re Not Alone, Cal Ruddy reveals The Edenhurst Session with magnetism and grace, in dramatic and colossal style.
Ian D Hall
© 2022 Liverpool Sound and Vision
The EdenHurst Session is released on 28th January and is available to buy from Klee Music.