Rangers a mix of bluegrass, honky tonk
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First formed in the stairwells and kitchens of Chapel Hill, N.C., the Steep Canyon Rangers strive to write and play undiluted bluegrass in a world of mainstream music.
Woody Platt, Mike Guggino, Charles Humphrey, Nicky Sanders and Graham Sharp have worked hard to create a sound that has been described as a mix of early bluegrass with honky tonk, country and Western swing.
The band’s influences range from classic bluegrass artists such as Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs and Jimmy Martin to newer groups like the Del McCoury Band, Doyle Lawson and Larry Sparks.
Many of the Rangers’ songs deal with familiar bluegrass themes such as home, place, love and loss; however, the band’s own writing and playing style is unique.
STEEP CANYON RANGERS
Playing with 16 Tons and Kaitlin Jones
When: 10 tonight
(doors at 9 p.m.)
Where: Georgia Theatre
Cost: $7/adv, $10/door
“We feel that writing and performing our own music helps set us apart from other bands,” Guggino said. “Lots of bluegrass bands fall into the habit of playing bluegrass standards well.”
He said that never appealed to the group.
The Rangers just finished recording their third record to be released this spring on Rebel Records.
Longtime singer/songwriter Ronnie Bowman produced the album, which hits the streets at the end of April.
The Rangers believe this is their finest project to date but that recording in the studio is much different than playing live shows.
“It is different recording music in a studio rather than performing to an audience because you have to recreate that sense of excitement that you would normally have by playing in front of cheering people,” Guggino said.
“It is certainly easier to put a lot of feeling and passion into one’s playing when folks are cheering you on!” he said.
The band’s goals in the next few years are to continue to write better songs and release better records.
“There are always areas to work on in terms of being a better musician and a better band,” Guggino said.
Look forward to hearing more of the Steep Canyon Rangers in the future.
The Rangers won the International Bluegrass Music Association emerging artist of the year award and had the number one bluegrass song in July.
Guggino said, “These are great accomplishments we hope to build on in the years to come.”
