Steep Canyon Rangers

Woody Platt

Seeing how it was a Thursday night I was surprised to see a large crowd on hand at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center, but then again the "Steep Canyon Rangers" are a hot band. It was obvious by the loud applause even before the band was announced that the audience knew what they were going to get, high energy, tight and right instrumentation, perfect harmony and stellar vocals. The band sensed right off that this was going to be a good audience and performed accordingly, tearing up the place, giving 100 percent of their talent and effort. They were rewarded with ear splitting applause and several encores. They offered up much of their own material written by banjoist Graham Sharp with contributions by mandolinist Mike Guggino. Woody Platt, the lead vocalist and guitarist delivered beautiful melodies and Mike Guggino provided the tenor. Sharp, and the fabulous fiddler, Nicky Sanders contributed fine harmony. Sanders is up there with the best fiddlers in the country, I mean he just adds so much fun to the band. Bassist Charles Humphrey was not with the band as he had to rush home to North Carolina to become a new father. He was replaced by the one and only Mike Bub who thrilled the audience and had a good time for himself as well. This was a wonderful show and thanks to Roger Moss and his volunteers at the EHCCC for bringing these top bands up to "Cold Country." Happily, I can look forward to seeing the SCR in February at the Joe Val Festival in Boston

Graham Sharp, Mike Guggino,and Mike Bub

Graham Sharp

Nicky Sanders

Graham Sharp and Mike Bub

Mike Bub

Roger Moss