Playing old-school twang with an up-to-date energy, California country-rock band Rancho Deluxe were formed in 2005 by songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist Mark Adams and lead guitarist Jesse Jay Harris. Harris came by his interest in roots music naturally; his father is Greg Harris, a musician who recorded with Skip Battin, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, and the post-Gram Parsons Flying Burrito Brothers in the 1970s and '80s. Adams and Harris met in college and bonded over their shared interest in classic country and roots rock styles, and in time they began working up songs together. Rancho Deluxe released their self-titled debut album in 2006, with Adams, Harris, and bassist Graham Harris joined by a handful of notable guest musicians, including drummer Don Heffington (formerly of Lone Justice), pedal steel guitarist Jaydee Maness (who worked with Buck Owens, Eric Clapton, and The Byrds), and keyboard man Skip Edwards (who has cut sessions with Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, and Michelle Shocked). While Graham Harris left Rancho Deluxe as a full-time member following the release of their debut album, he played on the sessions for their second release, 2008's True Freedom, which reunited the studio crew that recorded the first disc. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
See also: http://www.ranchodeluxe.org
The Musicians on the CDs:
Mark Adams - Vocals, Guitar
Jesse Jay Harris - Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin
Graham Harris – Bass
JayDee Maness - Pedal Steel
Don Heffington – Drums
Michael Witcher - Dobro, Lap Steel
Megan Lynch - Fiddle, Harmony Vocals
Greg Harris - Banjo, Guitar, Vocals
David Vaught - Keyboards & Engineer
Skip Edwards - Piano, Organ, Keys
More Quotes:
"Great songs, done very well."
-Dirty Linen
“Conviction, intelligence and twangy hooks”
No Depression
“Rancho Deluxe's new alt.country CD, True Freedom, was just released a couple of days ago, and I can happily inform you that it's awesome. The whole collection demonstrates a level of musicianship and production values that rival anything coming out of Nashville.”
-Glen Starkey, SLO New Times
"The playing is spirited and genuine from start to finish...sometimes absolutely mind-blowing. This band is easily one of the best kept country/pop secrets in the United States.”
-®LMNOP, ®Babysue Review
"A showcase of fine musicianship and songwriting." -
Playback STL
"There's a well-crafted pop group purring in this old-time engine."
-The Big Takeover
“One of the best damn country/honky tonk volumes in today's music scene.”
-Max W. Achatz (Country Jukebox, Munich, Germany)
“I've never felt this comfortable with country music, and that must mean that Rancho Deluxe is not only winning new fans for themselves but for country music in general. “
-Beatrice Clark
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