On How Did We Do It, Graham Sharp, celebrated songwriter and founding member of the Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers, delivers a solo album steeped in gratitude, humor, and love. Building on the stripped-down charm of his 2021 debut, Truer Picture, this collection showcases Sharp’s ability to craft thoughtful songs that evoke warmth and optimism.
“This is a group of songs I’ve written over the last few years that loosely fell into the basket of love songs,” Sharp shares. “All of these tunes are tied to specific moments and places; so for me, it almost reads like a photo album through the past decade or so. Most of these tunes fit nicely onto the banjo, so the bluegrass setting seemed like the obvious choice. Living in Western NC, I’m lucky to have some of the finest bluegrass musicians anywhere as neighbors. This group had never played together as a band so we had a lot of fun putting these little song together.”
The album’s first single, “A Good Year,” exemplifies Sharp’s ability to weave vivid imagery into his songwriting, painting a vivid picture of a carefree Southern escape, blending nostalgia, resilience, and celebration. Reflecting on the song, Sharp explains, “We were in a bar on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, listening to a band while visiting my wife’s family. The band started playing ‘Come Together,’ and just as the singer hit the line, ‘hair down below his knees,’ she ripped off her wig and threw it on the floor. My mind was blown.” The chorus serves as both a reflection and a resolution: a desire to move forward, shake off the past, and make the most of the time ahead. Ultimately, it’s a song of renewal, optimism, and letting the good times roll.
Driven by Sharp’s distinctive banjo playing and deep, resonant vocals, How Did We Do It moves effortlessly between poignant ballads and lighthearted tracks. Its title track encapsulates the record’s overarching message—a statement of wonder looking back on challenges overcome, expressed with humility and pride. Sharp describes the album as a “thank you” to his family and a reflection of the joy and the difficulties that mark life’s milestones.
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