Steep Canyon Rangers have re-upped with Rebel Records, and will begin work on their fourth Rebel project later this month.

They have tapped Ronnie Bowman again as producer, reprising his role in the success of the band’s last project, Lovin’ Pretty Women. Tracking is scheduled to begin in late February at Wyatt Rice’s studio just outside of Nashville.

Rangers banjo man Graham Sharp tells us that sticking with what works was the band’s philosophy this time out.

“After a few different prospects and a lot of thinking we decided our next record would be with Rebel.  The decider was simply the fact that Mark and Dave Freeman, and everyone else there, have always been great to work with and so supportive.

Making this record will be a little different than others because it will be the first time we’ve used the same producer on consecutive albums. Needless to say, Ronnie Bowman is one of the more inspiring people to work with; his work ethic is unbelievable.

The Rangers have been plowing through a ton of material, all of it written within the band, and it’s hard to say exactly what shape the finished product will have, but we’re going to find out.”

Rebel is hoping for a Fall ‘09 release, as are the many Steep Canyon Rangers fans worldwide.

After the success of last year’s bluegrass rhythm guitar workshop with Wyatt Rice, a second has been scheduled for next weekend (November 7-9) at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in southeastern Ohio.

When we spoke with Wyatt recently, he mentioned that a few spots are still open for the three day workshop, and that the facility and the grounds were ideally suited for an event like this. Like last year, there will be both morning and afternoon sessions, with enrollment limited to 10 students for maximum interaction with Wyatt.

Full workshop details and tuition information can be found online.

Wyatt also spoke about the latest version of The Tony Rice Unit,where he has performed with his brother for a good many years. The current lineup contains Tony and Wyatt on guitar, Rickie Simpkins on fiddle, Bryn Davies on bass, and the newest member, Josh Williams on mandolin and lead vocals.

“It’s working out great with Josh in the band. He is singing a bunch of Tony’s songs, and he sounds great.”

Flatpicking and bluegrass guitar superstar Wyatt Rice will be conducting a four-day workshop on bluegrass rhythm guitar at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch, August 24-27, 2007.

Bluegrass fans know Wyatt for his many years playing guitar with brother Tony in The Tony Rice Unit, and well as stints with Santa Cruz and Ronnie Bowman. Wyatt also has an instructional DVD on bluegrass rhythm with Flatpicking Guitar.

In recent years, he has focused his attention more on recording and producing with his own studio, Rice Recording.

Jorma Kaukonen made his name as a member of the legendary San Francisco rock band, Jefferson Airplane, and with his own Hot Tuna which followed. Since 1989, he has operated The Fur Peace Ranch as a site to host both guitar workshops and concerts in Pomeroy, OH.

Wyatt’s workshop will cover his trademark style, incorporating crosspicking, syncopated rhythms, passing chords and chord substitutions. It is designed for intermediate to advanced level players, though many fundamental concepts will be taught to benefit skilled players who are interested in branching into serious bluegrass rhythm.

Tuition for the weekend (Fri-Mon) runs just under $1,000, and includes meals and accommodations in addition to all workshops and concerts.

Get more details by visiting the Fur Peace Ranch site.