Longform Editions 122

Rich Ruth

Settling In

LE122

Rich Ruth’s Settling In is a neighborhood playground I've mistakenly overlooked. Perhaps it's a little too far off the beaten path or the union of familiar favorites---swings, slides, monkey bars, appear less inviting to push exploration. Funny thing, once committed, Ruth's dazzling climbing structures paired with the usuals are adventures on adventures, and I'm not sure which is better; the part where I'm climbing to keep up, pausing atop a new perspective or going down the slide for the 27th time. Ruth's buzzing synths and consistent pulses, guitar jams, smirks toward free jazz breakouts as well as all those blissed out meditative moments, reveal a layered playtime with the best steps, jumps, skips, and swings.

Listen here.