“Out In The Open”

Photo: Sandlin Gaither

Vocalist Graham Sharp sings of being free after shedding the chains of living a lie in this romping title track, one of 12 songs that blends bluegrass with pop, folk and jazz influences while retaining a traditional sound.

Cut live, there were no overdubs on the Steep Canyon Rangers’ latest album, just nimble band members pickin,’ strumming’ and singin.’ Other great tracks on this western NC-based band’s CD include the country boogie “The Speed We’re Traveling,” the sparsely arranged “Going Midwest” and the restless “Let Me Out Of This Town.”

Based out of Brevard and Asheville, Steep Canyon Rangers have been expanding the boundaries of bluegrass since coming together at a college bar near UNC-Chapel Hill in 2000. Widely know for collaborating with actor/banjoist Steve Martin, the Grammy Award-winning band has developed a remarkable body of original music. Their music links them to the past while at the same time demonstrates their keen abilities to bring string-based music into contemporary relevance.