NEW ALBUM OUT MAY 22
New Single: Heart’s the only compass (featuring Steve Martin)
out now
Of “Heart’s the Only Compass” songwriter Graham Sharp offers: “It’s natural to look back at history, especially our personal history, and feel like things turned out in a way that makes perfect sense. After hearing some stories of my grandparents' younger days and seeing people around me learning about their family history through DNA tests, it struck me just how much of a crapshoot it is. When every daily choice seems monumental, it feels good to think that the generations before us didn’t know what they were doing anymore than we do. And the best you can do is follow your heart.”
Recorded by Julian Dryer, mixed by Derek Studt, and produced by Mike Ashworth and Steep Canyon Rangers, the track features the group’s hallmark musicianship: Aaron Burdett (guitar); Michael Ashworth (percussion, harmony vocals); Mike Guggino (mandolin); Nicky Sanders (fiddle); Barrett Smith (lead vocals, bass); Graham Sharp (banjo); and Steve Martin (banjo).
New Single: Circling the Drain
out now
Penned and sung by Graham Sharp, “Circling The Drain” unleashes pure bluegrass intensity. Fueled by Sharp's driving banjo, Nicky Sanders' fiery fiddle, and the Rangers’ trademark soaring harmonies, the track captures the will to hold on when everything else fades. Equal parts grit and grace, it’s a survivor’s anthem proving once again the Rangers’ rare ability to transform hard truths into an unstoppable sound.
Recorded by Julian Dryer, mixed by Derek Studt, and produced by Mike Ashworth and Steep Canyon Rangers, the track features the group’s hallmark musicianship: Aaron Burdett (guitar); Michael Ashworth (percussion, guitar, harmony vocals); Mike Guggino (mandolin, mandola, harmony vocals); Nicky Sanders (fiddle); Barrett Smith (bass); and Graham Sharp (banjo, lead vocals).
New SIngle: Next Act
available now
A stirring anthem of reinvention, “Next Act” showcases the Rangers’ signature blend of Americana and bluegrass fire with rootsy storytelling, rich, harmony-laced sound, and soulful musicianship carried by Burdett’s commanding lead vocal. Written by Graham Sharp and Aaron Burdett, “Next Act” follows the journey of a woman rising from heartbreak and reclaiming her independence.
Of the song, Sharp offersNext Act’ was inspired by a friend of mine I greatly admire. I saw her get done wrong in a relationship she had built her life around. She looked her heartbreak in the eye, got to work, and moved on to a version of herself that was even wiser and freer. A good reminder that we don’t have to be defined by our past if we’re willing to keep growing.”
“‘Recorded by Julian Dryer, mixed by Derek Studt, and produced by Steep Canyon Rangers, “Next Act” features the Rangers’ trademark instrumental brilliance by Aaron Burdett (guitar, lead vocals); Michael Ashworth (percussion, harmony vocals); Mike Guggino (mandola, harmony vocals); Nicky Sanders (fiddle); Barrett Smith (bass); and Graham Sharp (banjo).Morning Shift also marks the band’s first album with new band member Burdett on guitar and vocals, bringing a soul-stirring element to the Rangers’ mastery of mountain music. Burdett is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a student of folk tradition providing a fresh, emotional context to the Rangers’ songbook.
Tour
Photo Credit: Michael Freas
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“‘Hominy Valley’ is an exquisite piece of folk/rock that’s upbeat and mournful all at once. The story it tells spans hundreds of years but is told through present-day eyes and ears. This makes it much more than just a history lesson. The lyrics are conversational and wise, the picking is hot, and the video puts you right in the middle of the action. It’s an outstanding song from one of the modern scene’s most entertaining bands.”
Martine Ehrenclou ‘Rock & Blues Muse