From Campus Jams to Bluegrass Stardom: The Rise of an Unforgettable Band

The Steep Canyon Rangers are a Grammy-winning bluegrass band from North Carolina, set to perform at the Wheeler Opera House on Monday evening. Their journey began back in 2004 when a friend sent a demo CD of the band to a radio DJ in Wilmington, North Carolina—a time when the band was just starting out as students at UNC Chapel Hill.

Fast forward 25 years, and the Steep Canyon Rangers have become one of the most recognized names in bluegrass music. They won the IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year award in 2011 and snagged a Grammy in 2013 for their album “Nobody Knows You.” Their collaborations with comedian Steve Martin have also brought them notable fame, with two albums released together: “Rare Bird Alert” in 2012 and “The Long-Awaited Album” in 2017.

Steve Martin first met the band for a benefit concert in 2009, and their partnership blossomed from there. They toured together, even performing at celebrated venues like Carnegie Hall and the Royal Festival Hall in London. Barrett Smith, the band’s bassist since 2018, shared that Martin’s interest in bluegrass was a big factor in their connection. “He was excited to meet us, and we just clicked,” Smith said. The band and Martin developed a strong artistic bond that continues today.

The current lineup of the band includes founding members Graham Sharp and Mike Guggino, along with Nicky Sanders, Mike Ashworth, and Aaron Burdett, who joined after Platt’s departure. Smith noted how much The Band influenced their musical style. “We wanted to allow each member to shine in their own way,” he explained, emphasizing their unique approach to performances.

In 2022, they released a single called “Sweet Spot.” This song holds special meaning for them, capturing a poignant moment in the band’s history as Woody Platt left. “It was emotional for us because we are such a tight-knit group,” Smith reflected. The camaraderie and mutual respect within the band are key to their ongoing success.

Recently, the band has managed to avoid serious damages from floods in their home area caused by a hurricane. “We’re fortunate,” Smith said, but he acknowledged the hardships faced by the local community. “The area is building back,” he added, highlighting the resilience of Asheville and Boone.

Smith also noted the impact of rising stars in the bluegrass scene. Billy Strings, who performed to sold-out crowds, is helping to bring new fans to traditional bluegrass. “It’s great to see the music gaining popularity,” he remarked, “and we’re thankful for all the new listeners.”

Currently, the Steep Canyon Rangers are working on a new album at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville. With fresh perspectives and a new guitarist, they’re excited about how the album is shaping up. “We’re proud of the songs we’ve written and can’t wait to share them,” Smith said, expressing enthusiasm about where the band is headed.

When asked what audiences can expect from their shows, Smith simply said, “We hope to entertain and inspire people. We want them to leave with beautiful memories and ready to face the day ahead.” The Steep Canyon Rangers are not just a band; they are a celebration of friendship, music, and resilience.

Source link