The Bottom Line
As it did back in the seventies and eighties, California is producing some strong country-rock groups who sound WAY more "country" than anything Nashville has been handing out. Out of Los Angeles comes Rancho Deluxe, a group with more than a few roots in those early California country sounds, including sons of Flying Burrito brother Greg Harris, who lends a hand with banjo, and the incomparable JayDee Maness, former pedal steel player for Gram Parsons.
Pros
- "Rock Bottom"
- "Hometown Blues"
- "Lonesome Home Security"
Cons
- None
Description
- Eleven original tracks, written by band members Mark Adams, Jesse Jay Harris, and Graham Harris.
- Featuring musicians Don Heffintgon, JayDee Maness, Greg Harris, and David Vaught.
- Produced by Jesse Jay Harris.
Guide Review - Rancho Deluxe - Rancho Deluxe
California has produced a number of amazing country artists in the past, as well as amazing country rockers - Rancho Deluxe skirts the edge of both, coming much closer to country than, say, The Eagles, yet straying just enough from "traditional" country to plant them firmly in that nebulous and delightfully variant genre we call "Americana." Whatever, they're pretty awesome. For a debut CD, these boys have a tight, solid, practiced sound that gives them a certain authority. This has the feel of a group who've been playing together for a long while (they have been, actually, since Jesse Jay Harris and Mark Adams were in college together).The duo brought along Harris brother Graham, then gathered some really fantastic musicians to help 'em out, including father Greg and JayDee Maness, a Pedal Steel Hall of Fame mmember who has played with Vince Gill, Beck, and The Byrds, as well as National Fiddle Champion Megan Lynch. The combination works extraordinarily well.
With some sharp tunes, strong playing, and solid vocals, Rancho Deluxe has a pretty awesome debut on their hands. These independent artists don't get the kind of attention they would have in the days when a record could get some play on the radio, but at least there's some underground stations and satellite out there now to get guys like this out on the airwaves.