Free Range Pickin' is a bluegrass quartet from Minneapolis, MN, formed by brothers Steve Schley (mandolin) and Geoff Schley (guitar) with two childhood friends from St. Paul, MN, Tony Ihrig (banjo) and Dan Christensen (bass). Playing original songs in both traditional and "newgrass" or "jamgrass" styles, the group built up a following in the upper Midwest, opening for established headliners such as Béla Fleck & the Flecktones and appearing at festivals. In 2002 they released their debut album, From the Other Side of the Fence. Their second CD, Free Range Pickin', followed in May 2004. ~ William Ruhlmann