ABOUT
Bringing the soul from Greensboro, North Carolina, Ranford Almond is a young singer/songwriter and troubadour that has begun to make his mark across the Southeast. Raspy fresh vocals meet the Appalachian strings of Ranford’s acoustic guitar, reminiscent of John Prine, and Towns Van Zandt with his own unique stamp. Furthermore, his talent extends far beyond composition and strumming, as he is a warrior on the electric as well. Ranford plays as a solo artist and leads a full band.
His full length debut Old Soul arrived in November 2023, and demonstrates the evolution of Almond’s ability as he grows as both a writer, arranger, and player. The album, recorded at Ovation Sound, features a litany of nationally recognized guests, such as Roosevelt Collier, Jeff Sipe, Ryan Cavanaugh, Becca Stevens, Billy Cardine, and many more. Also featured is Bill Stevens, the producer of Old Soul. The release follows his EP entitled Back Burner, which is also available on all streaming platforms.
The degree of anticipation and support of the full length debut was evident immediately following the release where a sold out crowd filled the Flat Iron, in Greensboro to join in celebration of the new album at its release party.
In addition to Almond’s studio explorations, his live history is evident of his growth on stage. Spreading beyond its home of the Piedmont Triad, it has begun to meet new stages and audiences. Festival appearances include Mountain Music Festival, Shakori Hills, The New River Gorge Festival, The Big What?, Trail Days, The Casual Campout, and more. In addition to twice selling out the Flat Iron, other notable stand alone plays include appearing under the lights on the big screen of Winston Salem’s Drive In, a feature and headlining appearance of the North Carolina’s “Writer’s In The Round” series and its live counterpart Singers & Songbirds. As of late Winter 2023, Almond made his Colorado debut as a solo artist in Steamboat Springs, following his prior guest appearances with Big Something in the region.
Ranford’s live collaborative projects link him to significant established talent as well. Red Panda is a six piece unit that sees him join forces with the likes of Nick MacDaniels with whom he also shares a duo, and Jesse Hensley, both of Big Something. He can be found fronting another all star style band with Casey Cranford (Big Something), Daniel Yount (Super Yamba Band), and Seth Barden, the latter two staples of the New York City scene.
“Mature. These days, it is not a term commonly used to describe someone of Ranford Almond’s age. However, with his debut EP, Back Burner, young Ranford displays a maturity in his songwriting that belies his young 21 years of age. Throughout this short journey of folksy tunes, abundant with lyrical depth and emotional songwriting, it can be easy for the listener to mistake these songs as those of a much more rugged and traveled character, grizzled by years of burden and heartbreak.”
-Ryan McBrayer, The Jamwich
