Michael Merenda (aka: Mike) Ruth Ungar Merenda (aka: Ruthy)
Influences
Carter Little, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Aaron Ross, Jeffery Lewis, Dan Bern, Jose Ayerve, Feist, Bonnie Raitt, Billie Holiday, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, Velvet Underground, Etta James, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits
Sounds Like
"Simon & Garfunkle if one was a girl."
Amie Street Player -->
When Mike met Ruthy he'd already written a hundred songs - some of which he no longer remembers. When Ruthy met Mike she'd already decided against being a musician like her parents - a rebellious stance that quickly faded in the musical excitement.
A mutual friend had the bright idea that they should sing together, and one very late evening, down in the tiniest factory/apartment building in New York City's looming financial district, they first combined their talents over cheap beer and not much else. The results were magic.
Since that first night in 1998, their writing, singing, and musicianship have grown to match their enthusiasm. And some of Mike's very old songs are working their way back into the setlist - along side Ruth's sparkling versions of soul and folk classics, and their new and original creations that hint at love, pain, and beauty.
Goodness. Literally, y'all's music is just goodness. I'm listening to the samples, really loving the fiddle particularly. And the harmonies, as always, are silver & gold.
Saw y'all are going to be playing in Louisiana in October ... any chance you'll be passing through Georgia on the way? I know I'm just daydreaming, but there's nothing I'd love more than to get Ruth's fiddle on one of my songs.
Geez, y'all are really rocking out on "Gonna Get My Baby Outta Jail"!
OK, I'm sold on buying the new album. Just one problem: I'm broke right now, I mean really broke. You know those blues songs about finding out what "down and out" means? Yeah, it's that bad. Can't even pay my rent. So give me a little more time.
I'm starving but at least I'm a starving artist. Finally recorded some new songs and they're up on the page, so y'all have a listen sometime.
How'd Will like Bonnaroo? In light of the "B is for Bob" shirt in the photo, I'd say you've got a festie buddy in the making. :)
7 days until the triumphant return of Mike and Ruthy and Will (yes, he technically performed 6/9/07) to the Notlob Parlor Concert series! Mind the water!
Hey Mike & Ruthy! I'm bummed because when I'm in NYC you're going to be in Louisiana! Love your music! Come by my page and listen to some of my tunes. Or hear me on Stanley Jordan's new CD "State of Nature"! Take care and come by soon! Tammi Brown
Hey! Thanks for saying hi. I miss you guys, and really hope to see you soon. Will you be around the ashokan area for western/swing time? I want to see that babe! Much love, Nila
ooo...is it those cd's (awesome)? got those right before heading across the pond to the great EU...fun over here, meeting folks on the street busking. No shows - not that good or organized. the sweetwater is a short story i'll tell: longtime music saloon in my hometown, Mill Valley (often rightly called milf valley..digression), that is till it closed down last fall, and split into two things - an already existing nice music room not too far away (in Larkspur, CA) which they renamed Sweetwater Station, and you and ruthy could surely fill, and the news is the sweetwater will reopen this summer just down the street from it's old spot. so whichever one of those will be equally suitable. but to answer your question, they are (both) in quieter Marin County.
Thanks for the music! Come out west ya buggers! It was nice seeing you briefly at High Sierra last year...brohh. if you get to the Bay Area...sweetwater station and the freight and salvage would be two good ones. let me know if you go for it. and blessings on the new babe! looks like a button!
Hey Ruthy and Mike, We sure are looking forward to you playing along with dad Jay Ungar and Molly Mason on April 25. When Jay told me that he had asked you guys to join the bill, I was so excited. Sooooo coooool. Looking forward to meeting yer lil babe, too.
