Search - Steep Canyon Rangers :: Mr Taylor's New Home

"Mr. Taylor's New Home" Review

Dr. James E. Kelley | Atlanta, GA USA | 09/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This new CD, the second offering from the Rangers,
is well worth owning. This group of young musicians
perform fresh material, most of it written by Graham
Sharp, who also is a consummate banjo player. Each of
the Rangers is a top notch musician. The vocals are
well done and smooth. Lizzie Hamilton on fiddle is a
real standout, and her vocal lead on Sharp's
"Hibriten Mountain" is possibly the best I have heard
in years. If you have a chance to see this group in
person don't miss the opportunity; they are superb
entertainers. This CD offers the Rangers at the top of their game."

AMG Review

Jim Smith | AMG | 02/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The second album from this accomplished young group features a majority of strong original material, led by banjoist Graham Sharp, whose best contributions are the lovely harmony piece "Hibriten Mountain" and the humorous "Money Out of Sand." "Knob Creek" is a wonderfully forlorn instrumental piece built around Mike Guggino's mandolin, and bassist Charles Humphrey supplies the car-crash drama "Norma Jean." Perhaps the most striking thing about the Steep Canyon Rangers is their restraint - they exude a naturalness in their playing that is remarkable for such a young group, and the fact that they play within their limits deserves extra applause. Each note is well placed, each song fully realized, and with five strong vocalists, their harmonies (especially on the beautiful "Good Old Country Baptizing") are among the warmest in bluegrass.



Jim Smith - All Music Guide"