CD Review - Folk Roundabout Magazine, (Issue 154) and NetRhyhms website, UK
The Oldest Was Born First — Dave Ruch (Own Label, no catalogue number

Almost anyone here in the UK could be forgiven for not having heard of Dave prior to his visit to these shores during October, since for many years he’s been modestly ploughing his own folk furrow in (the largely rural) New York State, actively investigating the rich body of traditional Anglo-American music – old songs and ballads, fiddle tunes, beer-tray playing etc. (no, honestly!) – that sustained the people who came before him in that area. And for some inexplicable reason resolutely avoiding making any records – until now, that is. And certainly not before time, for this disc is a treasure. It contains Dave’s entirely personable interpretations of eight songs that have “done the local rounds”, punctuated by five sparkling instrumental tracks (tunes or tune-medleys). Dave’s approach could be likened to that of other favoured revival performers – Sara Grey, Jeff Davis and Jeff Warner are three names that spring readily to mind – who are similarly noted for their sheer dedication to the cause, their enthusiastic and exhaustive research and their proven ability to communicate their findings to the listener accessibly, with a ready smile and ever-reliable (often outstanding) musicianship. Dave’s keen attention to detail is everywhere you look (with tremendous, copiously informative (but not in the least dry) booklet notes enclosed in the package) and listen (a very fine recording by Joel Hurd that totally reflects and complements Dave’s musical personality). Dave clearly much relishes the task he sets himself and he positively radiates genuine delight and enjoyment in sharing the music and songs to you). Dave has drawn his raw material from New York State sources and their vibrant but little-known local tradition; many of the songs reference or directly concern places or matters very much specific to that region, although they also incorporate common base elements recognisable from other traditions (eg a standard “Derry Down” chorus on The Ballad Of Blue Mountain Lake). One or two of the songs are likely to be familiar to old-time Americana enthusiasts, but not necessarily in these particular versions: check out Bald Headed End Of The Broom (and try to resist a chuckle or three!). A number of pieces emanate from the vaudeville stage (The Barefoot Boy With Boots On and the Erie Canal song Oh! Dat Low Bridge, for instance), others from “old song” repositories of various kinds (The Warner Collection, The Flanders Ballad Collection and manuscript collections made by members of the local community), and there are even a couple of rousing acappella worksongs, including a variant of the celebrated E-ri-o Canal (which you’ll probably recall the Weavers singing in the 60s). As well as handling virtually all the lead vocals, Dave plays guitar, mandolins, banjos, spoons and jew’s harp (all with consummate skill too), although he also calls in the services of a handful of friends when the occasion demands – notably “certified Buffalo NY rock star” Alison Pipitone to share lead vocal duty on Wisconsin, one of the disc’s standouts. A lively and involving CD, and I really hope it’s the first of many from Dave. -David Kidman