Leaving Me Blue

RudyRalis

Wed, Jun 18, 11:24 PM (5 days ago)

ISRC: QZTBB2518923
Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue Follows Up Debut with Hard-Driving Traditional Single “Leaving Me Blue”
After making a heartfelt entrance with their debut single “You Are My Sun,” North Carolina-based Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue returns with a second offering that digs deeper into their traditional roots. Their new single, “Leaving Me Blue,” is a hard-driving original that feels like it could have been plucked straight from the pages of a classic bluegrass songbook.
Led by award-winning banjoist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Rudy Cortese, the band leans into the raw, straight-ahead energy that defines the traditional sound. “Leaving Me Blue” was penned by Cortese himself, who’s joined on the track by legendary bassist Tim Surrett, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist David Johnson, and powerhouse vocalist Elizabeth Kronlage. Together, they deliver a performance that crackles with energy and emotional depth, pairing lonesome lyrics with upbeat instrumentation and powerful breaks!
“The song was inspired by that moment in a relationship when both people know it’s ending — when the outcome feels inevitable,” says Cortese. “I first wrote it as a slow waltz, but then I realized maybe it wasn’t such a sad ending after all. So I picked up the tempo and turned it into a bluegrass tragedy. I’ve always admired Hank Williams Sr. for how he could capture everyday heartache with clever phrasing and timeless storytelling — I hope this song brings a little of that same flavor.”
“Leaving Me Blue” continues to build on Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue’s emerging reputation as a band capable of honoring tradition while crafting their own voice. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, the group is just getting started, with more music in the works that highlights the wide-ranging talents of its members and their evolving sound. Each new release explores a different facet of the band’s style — a blend that’s rooted in tradition but not bound by it.
With “Leaving Me Blue,” Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue proves they’re not just reviving the classic sounds of bluegrass — they’re breathing new life into them.

Band Bio

Rudy Cortese is an award-winning banjoist, singer, songwriter, and composer whose music seamlessly fuses bluegrass, country, classical, folk, and jazz influences into a style all his own. Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue, embodies his passion for storytelling through music, featuring soaring harmonies, expressive instrumentation, all in a spirit of joy and unity. Joined by vocalist/tenor guitarist Elizabeth Kronlage and bassist Chris Carter, the trio delivers an immersive and uplifting experience, celebrating the deep ties between music and the human heart. This groups powerful performances channel deep empathy, inviting audiences into a shared journey of life’s struggles and beauty. His original compositions capture the essence of connection—between people, their experiences, and the larger world—blending intricate banjo melodies with raw emotion.