Steep Canyon Rangers: A Deep Rooted Bluegrass Band
Fifteen years and nine studio albums since forming in Chapel Hill, the sextet—who resides in the western N.C. mountains of Brevard and Asheville—returned to their roots at Echo Mountain Recording for their staggering new collection, RADIO. Recorded over three four-day sessions as the deep, snowy winter of 2015 held fast in the Blue Ridge, the band took full advantage of producer Jerry Douglas, who contributes his distinctive Dobro playing throughout the album. Douglas fully immersed himself with the band, reworking song structures and vocal arrangements to craft a 12-song listening experience with a traditional A-side, B-side record mentality. Penned by banjoist Graham Sharp, the song RADIO recalls the days when hearing a favorite song required patiently waiting for a radio DJ to spin it, and the excitement of the Sunday afternoon Top 40 countdowns.
It’s that mix of serious chops and good-natured fun that earned the Steep Canyon Rangers the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album Grammy in 2013, and that drew celebrated comedian/banjoist Steve Martin to them when he needed a backing band.
Watch the bluegrass band and comedian Steve Martin perform Daddy Played the Banjo!
Throughout RADIO, multi-instrumentalist and longtime friend Mike Ashworth lends tasteful rhythm from his cajón box kit. Ashworth’s presence is both subtle and necessary, rounding out the full sound of a band that’s already on the main stage, and poised to stay there for the long haul.
Never heard of a cajon box kit before? Check out this clip of Michael Ashworth showing off his great talent!
Meet the Band
Woody Platt (Guitar), Graham Sharp (Banjo), Charles r. Humphrey, III (Bass), Mike Guggino (Mandolin), Nicky Sanders (Fiddle), Mike Ashworth (Box Kit)
The Steep Canyon Rangers head to The American Theatre to perform songs that illustrate the band’s dynamic songwriting, instrumental virtuosity and high-energy on Saturday, November 12 at 8pm!
Source: steepcanyon.com