a brief biography From where else but the wonderful world of Winnipeg music could come an operation like the D. Rangers? Their brand of musical joy is a somehow simultaneously dangerous-as-hell and brilliantly inventive blend of bluegrass, western swing, punk rock, and just about anything else that ever put a bulge in a tough little rock and roll Prairie kid's pants. Described as "mutant bluegrass," "un-country,"and "arm-swinging hillbilly-stomp," their live shows are an engaging mix of originals, traditional classics, and off-the-wall covers. With a stage show featuring a "muckbucket" bass (made from a plastic tub, some old lumber and two rope strings), a musical saw, and a rambunctiousness that would set Bob Wills spinning in his grave, they've built an increasingly loyal and devoted fan base playing folk festivals, bluegrass festivals, bars, halls and clubs throughout much of Canada. Their self-titled debut was released in December 2001, and was met with rave reviews and enthusiastic response. Well respected U.S.-based No Depression magazine raved, as did the Winnipeg Sun, who gave it four and a half stars out of five. It received airplay on the CBC and reached number one on both CKUW and UMFM's college charts as well as charting on the national campus charts. They have shared the stage with such notables as the Sadies, Bill Bourne, the Be Good Tanyas, the Corb Lund Band, and Fred Eaglesmith, who has taken a particularly special interest in the band. Their newest recording, "We Stay High and Lonesome," released in 2004 on Eaglesmith's AML imprint, is garnering equally impressive response. The D.Rangers consist of five distinct talents: impassioned frontman Jaxon Haldane (vocals, banjo, saw); former blues-kid-prodigy Chris Saywell (acoustic guitar); Aaron Goss (mandolin, background vocals) who adds a little fire to the mix with his unique and intense playing style; Tom Fodey (bass, background vocals) who lays down rock solid lines on the previously mentioned home-made "muck bucket" bass and adds sweet harmony singing; and Don Zueff (fiddle, background vocals) who is the newest member of the band, but whose work with the band reveals his thirty-plus years of professional experience in groups like RCA recording artists Prairie Dog and the Chicken Flat String Band. Together, the D.Rangers look to create a heartfelt and infectious take on traditional music that is all their own.