Steep Canyon Rangers

“stunning talent and range, moving comfortably from the core of bluegrass to the edges.” – No Depression

Hailing from both the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the Steep Canyon Rangers have long held traditional bluegrass paramount. However, they possess an exceptional ability to incorporate accessible influence from all walks of the region. With the band’s last few albums, the Rangers have gained recognition from well beyond the world of bluegrass. Further, they have earned a reputation as some of the most influential songwriters in Americana today.

Newcomer Aaron Burdett brings a soul-stirring element to the Rangers’ mastery of mountain music. Burdett is an award-winning singer-songwriter, and also a student of folk tradition. Moreover, he provides a fresh, emotional context to the songbook, which “can reach out and touch your heart or slap you in the face”. 

Heralds of the Carolina sound for more than two decades, the Rangers find themselves in a unique position on 2023’s Morning Shift. On this record, they tell stories that honor their roots and expand upon the living art of bluegrass music. Further, they employ a thoughtful approach to collaboration, ironclad creative trust, and a collective drive toward authentic storytelling. It’s a quintessential Rangers record and a modern North Carolina classic.

Steep Canyon Rangers is Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals and Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals. Also, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals and Mike Ashworth on drums and vocals. Further, Barrett Smith plays bass, guitar and vocals.

Over the band’s esteemed career, the Rangers have released fourteen studio albums. Also, they recorded three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin. Further, they have been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and appeared on music’s biggest stages. Their 2013 album Nobody Knows You won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album. Additionally, 2012’s Rare Bird and 2020’s North Carolina Songbook garnered nominations in the same category.

Recommended for Fans of The Infamous Stringdusters, Punch Brothers, The Devil Makes Three and Trampled by Turtles.

LEARN MORE: https://www.steepcanyon.com/