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Bruce Rundman is the cousin of Salt Lady Records president and performer Jonathan Rundman.  Based on that, some would wonder if Bruce’s record if the result of nepotism.  They would be sadly mistaken.  True North stands on its own merits, sounding like the long awaited “next T-Bone Burnett album.”

“She Danced Like Elvis,” a tale of a disintegrating marriage, opens the disc.  “Ireland,” possibly the standout, is a tale of a woman giving up her seat on a lifeboat to a younger man, enabling him to live the rest of his life, and acknowledging the fullness of hers.  This song in particular allows Rundman’s ability as a singer/songwriter to shine. 

“Packing Tape” is the story of a couple that has moved many times, perhaps too many.  Their familiarity with packing tape has become a source of irony, sadness, and memories.  “Three Tiered World” attempts to deconstruct what a lot of churches have become: more concerned about themselves, appearances, and programs rather than simply showing others the love of God that brought them there to begin with.

Rundman’s style is like that of Burnett, or occasionally Elvis Costello, not to mention his cousin Jonathan.  Themes of persistence (“Carry On,” “Fall Back Down,” and Ransom Hill”) and mystery (“Nancy Drew,” “Unwrapped”) are prevalent.

True North elevates Bruce Rundman’s status among his fellow Salt Lady artists, allowing him to stand alongside Beki Hemingway and Jonathan Rundman as this label’s examples of artists who deserve much larger audiences.

Brian A. Smith  1/6/2004