Justin Rutledge

Ten albums in, Justin Rutledge could easily rest on his reputation in perpetuity because he’s accumulated the sort of daunting body of work upon which one could easily coast. Instead, on “Something Easy”, Justin Rutledge did the opposite. He made things exceedingly difficult for himself and decided to write, record, and produce the poised, subtly powerful set of songs by himself at home. With one, then later two, bouncing baby boys underfoot, to boot.

The results speak for themselves. “Something Easy” is a serene, stately thing of beauty, a gently paced record that really rewards the patient listener with meticulous detail and unexpected instrumental happenings – a waft of trumpet in the mid-section to “Head for the Hills,” say, or the 808 drumbeat that introduces first single “Easy” – lurking in the capacious arrangements. It’s anything but Rutledge settling into a rut. It will surprise you.