“It’s more like super-normal right now. It seems like everyone, fans and bands alike, are so excited to be back at live concerts, not quite realizing how special it is until it was gone. I see everyone stepping it up across the board and it feels great to be back in that swing.”
This is Graham Sharp, vocalist and banjoist of bluegrass titans Steep Canyon Rangers on how touring in 2022 has treated the band, who will be performing at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville tomorrow December 1st.
Comprised of Sharp, Mike Guggino (mandolin), Aaron Burdett (guitar), Nicky Sanders (fiddle), Mike Ashworth (drums), and Barrett Smith (bass/guitar), all six contribute their vocal stylings to create rich harmonies, bringing listeners back to the band’s humble North Carolina roots in the early 2000s.
The band has gone on to see acclaim in securing a Grammy for their 2013 album, Nobody Knows You, and have famously become partners in crime with the legendary Steve Martin, as they’ve performed and recorded together throughout the years. Their collaborative efforts spawned their 2011 album, Rare Bird Alert, along with a 2014 live album, and The Long Awaited Album in 2017. The first which had vocal accompaniments from Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks.
Aside from their prowess with Martin, the band has continued to churn out killer albums on their own accord. Their latest release, the single, “Sweet Spot”, released this past June, is an upbeat number about taking it easy and finding “a little sweet spot” amidst the turmoil life throws at you. The track is also the band’s final recording with Woody Platt, a founding member.
The band has been hard at work this year, and will be wrapping up their final three shows of 2022 starting this Thursday at 3rd and Lindsley. More dates for future shows and special events from March through June 2023 can be found here.
As far as special or new songs fans can anticipate at their final shows of the year, Sharp said, “We’ve got a handful of brand new songs that we’re stretching out on stage, some covers that are new to us and also a few songs of Aaron’s that he’s brought to the band. Having Aaron Burdett on board these past few months has brought a new energy to all of us, and people have really loved it so far.”
When asked what 2023 might hold, he told us, “We’re all set to record an album this winter, so that is where we’ve been putting most of our energy. I think once we have an album under our belt this new lineup will really start to unfold and come into its own. We’re also trying to get out and play in some places (like Nashville and Lexington) where we haven’t been in a while and reintroduce ourselves to some people.”
As far as another reunion with Martin, Sharp said, “We’ll be doing shows with Steve as well; it’s hard to believe we’ve been playing with him 13 years or so.”
