Steep Canyon Rangers Join Steve Martin on New Album

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steep canyon rangers, steve martin
Steep Canyon Rangers and Steve Martin

Nashville, Tenn. – The Steep Canyon Rangers (SCR), have joined iconic comedian, Steve Martin on his sophomore album entitled Rare Bird Alert to be released TODAYMarch 15, 2011. Bringing bluegrass music to new audiences, SCR continue their meteoric rise as passionate ambassadors for the bluegrass music they love. With Martin, SCR played for more people than any other bluegrass band in 2010.  This year will be even bigger, as the group prepares a nationwide tour with Martin to support their collaborative project.  The Rare Bird Tour will kick off in New York City with three sold-out performances at the famed Joe’s Pub March 15-17 as well as a return appearances to the Late Show with David Letterman on March 16 and The View on March 17.

When Martin, an accomplished banjo player and songwriter, handpicked SCR to tour and record with him last year, they jumped at the chance.  “Serendipity has made a better match than any bluegrass computer dating service,” jokes Martin. With Rare Bird Alert, Martin and Steep Canyon Rangers have created an album filled with the traditional bluegrass sound, bursting at the seams with banjo, fiddle and lyrics that are both fun and reflective.

The title track “Rare Bird Alert” perfectly scores the lonely ache and melancholy of bird watching. Paul McCartney guests on “Best Love” a foot-stomper about love and the little things.  On “Go Away, Stop, Turn Around, Come Back” SCR’s lead singer, Woody Platt, tells the story of love, breakup and reunion while “Jubilation Day” bounces with the delight and renewed vigor that can come from a breakup. The Dixie Chicks lend their considerable talent to “You” the saddest un-sad song about a past love with no regret. The closing tracks on the record showcase Martin’s comedy roots.  On “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs” Martin and SCR create a gospel song for those without one while “King Tut” allows Steep Canyon Rangers to put their bluegrass-spin on an old Martin favorite.

After a year jam-packed with tour dates, including Carnegie Hall, and headlining festivals such as Bonnaroo, Merlefest, New Orleans Jazzfest, Newport Folk Festival, Martin helped SCR introduce bluegrass to millions of who may have been hearing it for the first time and SCR show no sign of stopping. For more information, please visit www.steepcanyon.com.

Upcoming TV Appearances:

03/16/2011 – Late Show with David Letterman

03/17/2011 – The View

03/21/2011 – The Colbert Report

 

Upcoming Tour Dates (Rare Bird Tour Dates in Red)

03/14/2011 – New York, NY – Highline Ballroom

03/15/2011 – New York, NY – Joe’s Pub

03/16/2011 – New York, NY – Joe’s Pub

03/17/2011 – New York, NY – Joe’s Pub

03/19/2011 – New York, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

03/25/2011 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Festival

03/26/2011 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Festival

03/31/2011 – Newberry, SC – Newberry Opera House

04/01/2011 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head Tavern

04/02/2011 – Groton, MA – Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center

04/09/2011 – Tampa, FL – Skippers Smokehouse

04/10/2011 – Palm Beach, FL – The Society Of The Four Arts

04/29/2011 – Las Vegas, NV – The Mirage Resort & Casino

04/30/2011 – Las Vegas, NV – The Mirage Resort & Casino

05/01/2011 – Los Angeles, CA – Largo

05/13/2011 – Gettysburg, PA – 62nd Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival

05/18/2011 – Portland, ME – Merrill Auditorium

05/19/2011 – Englewood, NJ – Bergen Performing Arts Center

05/20/2011 – Charleston, WV – Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences

05/21/2011 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center

05/22/2011 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium

05/24/2011 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theater

05/26/2011 – Chattanooga, TN – Memorial Auditorium

05/27/2011 – Nashville, TN – The Woods at Fontanel

05/28/2011 – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theater

05/29/2011 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center

06/04/2011 – Scottown, OH – 10th Annual Appalachian Uprising Festival

06/09/2011 – Lexington, KY – Festival of the Bluegrass

06/11/2011 – Falls Church, VA – State Theatre

06/21/2011 – Lexington, KY – Lexington Opera House

06/22/2011 – Effingham, IL – Effingham Performance Center

06/23/2011 – Owensboro, KY – R.O.M.P. Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival

06/28/2011 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Center for the Performing Arts

06/30/2011 – Torrington, CT – The Warner Theatre

07/01/2011 – Chautauqua, NY – Chautauqua Amphitheater