Breathe In, Breathe Out

Breathe In, Breathe Out” — A Pulsing Bluegrass Anthem for a Hectic World
ASHEVILLE, NC — Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue release their new single new single, “Breathe In, Breathe Out,” (6/26) a propulsive, banjo-driven track that arrives as both a musical statement and a timely reminder: in a world that never slows down, the most powerful thing we can do is breathe. The song pairs an aggressive, blues-tinged bluegrass sound with lyrics rooted in mindfulness, spirituality, and environmental awareness.
Where some might expect a meditative, soft-focus recording, “Breathe In, Breathe Out” delivers something far more visceral. The track pulses with a downbeat-heavy energy drawn from the neo-traditional wing of bluegrass, rooted equally in the genre’s rhythmic firepower and an unexpected blues influence that gives the song a raw, propulsive edge. It makes you feel good from a melodic standpoint even as it delivers its grounding message: keep yourself centered.
The Inspiration
“I was inspired to write ‘Breathe In Breathe Out’ from my interest in Zen and Taoism and the practice of living in the moment. When I was playing in a Kirtan group called Savitur while living in Tucson, the song morphed into more of a bluesy rhythm influenced by that group. I enjoyed performing mantras and chants at yoga retreats, temples, and concerts. This inspired me to write a song that touches on some of the sacred things in life, like stopping and pausing, being in the moment, and breathing the sacred air.”
— Rudy Cortese
The track’s message speaks to a universal truth: life is breath, the air is sacred, and the answer to many troubles is simply to remember to breathe. The song also carries an environmental thread, reminding listeners that the air we share is delicate and in need of protection — on both a personal and a public level. As the song reminds us: “Where there’s love, there is no doubt. So breathe in, breathe out.”
Cortese’s background performing mantras and chants at yoga retreats, temples, and concerts gives “Breathe In, Breathe Out” a depth that transcends genre. For Cortese, the banjo itself is a meditation practice and that philosophy is audible in every note of this recording.
The Recording
“Breathe In, Breathe Out” features a stellar lineup of accomplished musicians. Bassist Tim Surrett of Balsam Range anchors the low end with his signature musicality. Award-winning multi-instrumentalist David Johnson contributes fiddle, and guitar throughout. Elizabeth Kronlage joins on harmony vocals and mandolin, adding warmth and lift to the track. Cortese himself drives the song forward on banjo and lead vocal with the full ensemble delivering the kind of cohesive, rooted performance.
About Rudy Cortese
Award-winning banjoist, singer, songwriter, and composer Rudy Cortese was originally shaped by his roots in Cortland, NY and decades in Arizona, and is now based in Asheville, NC. Cortese is a five-time Four Corners States Banjo Champion and Arizona State Banjo Champion. His playing is both fearless and controlled, equally at home with blistering tempos and quiet, reflective passages. His approach to music is inseparable from his deeper spiritual life — making him far more than your average banjo picker.
About Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue
Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue features Cortese on banjo and vocals, joined by vocalist and tenor guitarist Elizabeth Kronlage, whose harmonies add warmth and lift throughout the record. The studio lineup is rounded out by legendary bassist Tim Surrett of Balsam Range, providing a rock-solid, deeply musical low end, and award-winning multi-instrumentalist David Johnson, who contributes mandolin, fiddle, resonator guitar, cello, and guitar. Together, they create a sound that is rooted, expansive, and emotionally direct.