HARD ROAD TRIO

Steve Smith, Anne Luna and Chris Sanders are The Hard Road Trio, original southwestern acoustic music at the crossroads of Roots and Bluegrass. Where The Trio sound is even greater than the sum of these parts:

PERFECT HARMONIES, STUNNING MANDOLIN PLAYING AND AWARD WINNING SONG WRITING.

Life-long musicians Steve Smith (vocals, mandolin, mandola and guitar) and Chris Sanders (vocals and guitar) are joined by emerging artist Anne Luna (vocals and bass), capturing audiences across the country with the depth of their songwriting and the power of their distinctive voices. Their music grows from Steve’s love of bluegrass rooted in his native Virginia, the beauty of choral singing ever-present in Chris’ Minnesota childhood and the tradition of music in Anne’s New Mexico family. Together, their Southwestern blend of Roots and Bluegrass music provides a unique heartbeat and lilt underscored by Anne’s driving and elegant bass. Their “perfect harmonies” (Audiophilereview.com) are “…delivered with a sense of connection and joy, both in the music and in sharing of it.” (Kerry Dexter, Wandering Educators)

Appearances by the Trio include Tucson’s Desert Bluegrass Festival, Pickin’ in the Pines, Bighorn Mountain Festival, Swallow Hill in Denver, Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, Black Rose Acoustic Society, Wildflower Concerts, Albuquerque Folkfest, Berkeley’s Freight and Salvage, Rice Festival, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass as well as an official showcase at FAR West.

“This music will wash over you like a warm desert sun. Sanders and Smith sing together with rich, knowing voices that seem melded together in time”. Missy Raines, Nashville

“Perfect three-part harmonies, Spartan arrangements and awesome mandolin playing make Monticello something special.”Audiophilereview.com

“With songs covering topics ranging from a love of nature (My Walden) to the pain of poverty (Crack in the Sky), while also hitting on the common themes of love and heartbreak, the Hard Road Trio shows that they are not just a standard, everyday band.” John Goad, Bluegrass Today

“The Hard Road Trio present their music like waves reaching for dry land. There is constant movement but nothing ragged. Each stroke or chord strum is performed with grace, the music taking on a dignity and class.” The Alternate Root Magazine

"…a special New Mexico ambience that feels both very specific and completely universal. The Trio has the kind of empathic harmony that comes from deep listening and familiarity (as in "familial")." Bruce Bergathon, WGLT, Station manager and host of "Acousticity"