Balsam Range Unveils “When It Comes To Loving You” and Welcomes Don Rigsby: A New Chapter in Bluegrass Excellence
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
“The wait is over!” proclaims Caleb Smith, a sentiment echoed by bluegrass fans worldwide as Balsam Range releases their highly anticipated new single, “When It Comes To Loving You,” via Mountain Home Music Company. This release marks not only a return to form for the award-winning group but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter, as they welcome the renowned Don Rigsby to their ranks.
“From the first time I heard Daniel Salyer’s demo of ‘When It Comes To Loving You,’ I knew it would make a great Balsam Range song — and I believe it has!” Smith enthuses. “It’s our first new single since the release of our last album, Kinetic Tone, in December, 2023, and I couldn’t be more excited for music fans to hear it!”
The single is a testament to the group’s ability to maintain their signature sound while embracing fresh collaborations. The core of Balsam Range – Tim Surrett, Marc Pruett, Alan Bibey, and Caleb Smith – remains intact, providing the familiar foundation that fans have come to love. However, the addition of Don Rigsby on tenor vocals and fiddle introduces a dynamic new element to their sound.
“Tim, Marc, Alan and I are so excited to be joined by the great Don Rigsby on tenor vocal and fiddle,” Smith states. “There will be no mistaking when you hear his powerful voice!”
Rigsby, a seasoned veteran of the bluegrass world, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive vocal style that seamlessly blends with the group’s harmonies. His presence is immediately felt as he adds a keening harmony to Smith’s expressive lead vocal, particularly in the song’s memorable chorus:
“When it comes to loving you, it’s like trying to whittle stone Somewhere in your past somebody did you wrong If you ever learn to love again I won’t know what to do Working’s all I’ve ever done when it comes to loving you”
“When It Comes To Loving You” is a collaborative effort that showcases the individual talents of each member while highlighting their collective synergy. Pruett, Bibey, Smith, and Rigsby deliver spirited solos, each adding their unique flavor to the song’s dynamic arrangement. Surrett’s low harmony vocal acts as a solid anchor, grounding the harmonies and emphasizing the song’s emotional core.
The song’s narrative, a tale of a mournful yet determined lover, is delivered with a poignant sincerity that resonates with listeners. The masterful performance underscores Balsam Range’s ability to seamlessly integrate Rigsby’s talents into their established sound, signaling a promising future for the revamped quintet.
“With a cool groove and lyrics that are so well put together, I truly hope you all enjoy it as much as we do creating it,” concludes Smith. “Thanks to Daniel Salyer and Jeff McClellan for a great song, and thanks to all the DJ’s and streaming platforms for spinning it!”
A Legacy of Excellence:
Balsam Range has solidified their position as one of bluegrass music’s most respected and celebrated acts. Since their formation in 2007, the group has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including the 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Entertainer of the Year award, and 13 IBMA awards in total. Their 13 critically acclaimed albums have consistently garnered praise from fans and critics alike.
The group’s live performances are renowned for their captivating energy and technical mastery, headlining major festivals and selling out venues across the United States. They have also made multiple appearances at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, further cementing their status as bluegrass royalty.
Balsam Range’s artistic vision extends beyond traditional bluegrass boundaries. Their collaboration with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble resulted in two groundbreaking albums, including “Mountain Overture,” which debuted at #5 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart and #6 on the Classical Crossover Chart. Their album “Mountain Voodoo” also achieved significant chart success, spending 45 weeks on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart and producing three #1 singles on the Bluegrass Today Chart, including the chart-topping “Blue Collar Dreams.”
Their subsequent albums, “Aeonic” and “Moxie and Mettle,” continued their streak of success, featuring hit songs like “The Girl Who Invented The Wheel,” “Get Me Gone,” “Angel Too Soon,” “Richest Man,” “Grit and Grace,” “Rivers, Rains and Runaway Trains,” “Santa Barbara,” and “Highway Side.” Their most recent album, “Kinetic Tone” brought the number 1 tune “That’s What The Years Do”, the number 3 tune “Snake Charmer” and the number 2 tune “We’ll All Drink Money”.
With the release of “When It Comes To Loving You” and the addition of Don Rigsby, Balsam Range is poised to embark on a new chapter in their illustrious career. The single serves as a powerful reminder of their enduring talent and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of bluegrass music. As they continue to captivate audiences with their compelling performances and innovative sound, Balsam Range remains a beacon of excellence in the genre.