The Steep Canyon Rangers released their new album – Morning Shift – on September 8th on Yep Rock records, produced by Darrell Scott and engineered by Dave Sinko. The Grammy winners 14th studio album heralds their deep connections to the band’s Western NC home with fresh, vibrant tunes and storytelling. The album itself was recorded in Bat Cave, NC, at the Hickory Nut Gap Inn (as shown on the album cover), a historical refuge settled near a long-forgotten crossroads of Southern Appalachia and the track featured below ‘Hominy Valley’ shares the history of Graham Sharp’s neighborhood. On the heels of their new release they have an extensive US and Canada tour scheduled throughout the fall including two shows in Chicago at the Old Town School of Folk Music on Saturday, October 21, 2023 (Tickets here!).
BG Chicago connected with Graham Sharp about the new release and their return to Chicago. Check out one of our favorite tracks and read our Q&A below!
What aspect of the new album – your 14th studio album, Morning Shift – makes you most proud?
Graham: I’m really proud that we used this album as an opportunity to grow into what this “new” Steep Canyon Rangers can be moving forward rather than chasing after what we sounded like 5 or 10 years ago. I think it’s a great blueprint to build on, as singers, songwriters and instrumentalists.
Your music and history is so deeply rooted in Western NC, what is the experience like sharing that through touring and performing nationwide?
Graham: We’ve always been proud of the musical roots that we claimed as North Carolinians and used many of our local heroes, Doc Watson, Ola Belle Reed, Earl Scruggs, etc. as touchstones for our sound. We also love bringing in outside influences to our sound, whether it’s Chicago blues or English rock. Representing the best aspects of where we call home is important to us as we share this music.
Aaron Burdett is the newest member of Steep Canyon Rangers and this is his first recording with the group, what is one of his strengths that really shines on the new album?
Graham: Aaron is an exceptional vocalist. He has a deep emotion in his delivery that moved us the very beginning of our partnership. He also has a ‘top gear’ to his voice that can sail above everything that we’re just learning to highlight in our music.
Any memorable moments or shows from times you’ve played in Chicago?
Graham: We always love playing the Old Town School of Folk Music, from the very first time we opened for the Del McCoury Band to now. We’ve had some really fine shows at Ravinia with Steve Martin, as well.
And any top places you or other members of the band like to stop when you’re in town?
Graham: A few of the guys love Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, but I’m more of a thin crust person.
Lastly, do you have any tips or words of advice to our Chicago community of bluegrass musicians and bluegrass music lovers?
Graham: Support your local bands; there are some really great ones there in Chicago. Find friends to play with and have fun!
Thank you to Graham and Megan for connecting with Bluegrass Chicago! You can see the Steep Canyon Rangers LIVE at the Old Town School of Folk Music on Saturday, October 21st, TICKETS HERE