The title track, “Bright As You Can” sums up their message. Over churning acoustics, driving rhythms, and keening pedal steel, Mike + Ruthy jubilantly sing of those who have loved them – mothers, fathers, lovers, children – who gave them words of strength, placed their hands on strings and steering wheels, inspiring them to make music filled with as much love as possible and take it to a world in dire need of connection, joy, and family. And that is what they have done.
The Mike + Ruthy Band continue to tour incessantly. In addition to their own dates, they will join the likes of The Black Keys, Robert Plant and Alabama Shakes at Mountain Jam, and a line-up that includes Neko Case, Ani DiFranco and The Lone Bellow at the Clearwater Festival.