Out in the Open
Out in the Open sounds like the work of a band that knows exactly how much room a song needs. Steep Canyon Rangers bring bluegrass, country and folk together without turning every track into a demonstration. Producer Joe Henry keeps the sound warm and direct. Instruments and voices form a close unit, with enough space to follow the smaller details.
Let Me Out of This Town gains its momentum from Graham Sharp's banjo. The movement suits the desire to leave a place that no longer feels like home. The interplay keeps the song lively, while its melody stays clearly in front. The band's instrumental skill has an obvious purpose here.
The title track chooses a looser rhythm. Harmonica and firm percussion give it a playful quality that reaches beyond a standard bluegrass arrangement. Going Midwest leaves much more space around voice and guitar. This restrained approach makes its sadness feel direct and gives the record a welcome change of pace.
Best of Me gains emotional weight from Nicky Sanders' fiddle, which answers the singing. Roadside Anthems shows how easily the musicians pass the attention around: an active banjo solo gives way to a melodic mandolin part. Nobody needs to stay at the centre all the time. That mutual care gives the music much of its character.
The version of Bob Dylan's Let Me Die in My Footsteps uses several voices to strengthen the protest. Its performance belongs on a record where home, memory and change keep returning. Out in the Open asks for more than admiration of technique. Its main strength lies in the combination of memorable songs, strong harmonies and players who know when to leave room.
