“Passes and Peaks” features 13 songs, 6 original compositions and 7 songs by other writers, most of whom are friends of the Rifters, like Chuck Pyle, Bob Livingston and Shake Russell. The three Rifters handle most of the instrumental and vocal duties on the new CD, but are joined on selected tracks by some special guests, including Michael Hearne on guitar, James Doyle on drums, Valerie Naranjo on percussion, Travis Buster on piano, and Jordan Wax on accordion.

“We're pretty excited about this new record,” says Richmond. He continues, “I think we've got some strong original tunes and have picked some great songs by some of our favorite songwriters to add to the mix. I think people will enjoy it very much.”

The Rifters are one of the most popular acts in the region of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, playing innumerable dances, concerts and festivals. The deliver songs rooted in the world of the high southwest they love through their trademark varied acoustic arrangements and soaring vocal harmonies.

The Rifters are Rod Taylor, from Cimarron, New Mexico (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Don Richmond of Alamosa (guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, pedal steel guitar, dobro, harmonica, vocals), and Jim Bradley, from Taos, New Mexico (bass, vocals). The Rifters have released 6 albums since forming in 2002, featuring both their own compositions and selected songs from other writers. The most recent studio release prior to “Passes and Peaks” was the totally original “Architecture of a Fire”, followed by the popular double CD “Live at Uptop”, recorded at the old dance hall on top of old La Veta Pass.

“Passes and Peaks” features 13 songs, 6 original compositions and 7 songs by other writers, most of whom are friends of the Rifters, like Chuck Pyle, Bob Livingston and Shake Russell. The three Rifters handle most of the instrumental and vocal duties on the new CD, but are joined on selected tracks by some special guests, including Michael Hearne on guitar, James Doyle on drums, Valerie Naranjo on percussion, Travis Buster on piano, and Jordan Wax on accordion.

“We're pretty excited about this new record,” says Richmond. He continues, “I think we've got some strong original tunes and have picked some great songs by some of our favorite songwriters to add to the mix. I think people will enjoy it very much.”