Ranger & the Re-Arrangers

Ranger and The Re-Arrangers have been garnishing praise after praise with their debut recording "Gypsy Moon". At the heart of their sound is Ranger Sciacca's sweet violin playing. Drawing comparisons to the Man of Gypsy Jazz himself, Stephane Grappelli, not just for his stylistic presence but also for his sense of melody and daring improvisations. This is especially evident on the title track. Lending pivotal support is Ranger's dad, Michael on the rhythm guitar. Not operating in the Django Reinhardt role but as the supplier of chords and tonality. Although they have the dazzling ability to perform as a duo they are also supported by the rhythm section of Jeffrey Moose (Percussion) and Todd Houghton (Bass) on the recording and at performances. This ensemble sound is put to great effect on "Stuff's Blues", which really swings overall and the violin takes front and center stage in a rather saucy display.
Staying in the spirit of Gypsy Jazz, Ranger never loses sight of the melody and the main rhythmic pulse of the each said composition. Yet there is enough flair and dare in his improvisations to keep the enthusiast interested and the causal listener comes away with pleasure and not confusion. Ranger's playing features frantic staccato runs, pizzicato plucking that keeps one on the edge and an overall sense of tone that reveals many shades and moods. The curiously titled "Undecided" probably comes closest to one's expectations of Gypsy Jazz with all the instruments providing a rather jaunty vibe.
- Cameron Blades -

- World Rhythm Webzine

Ranger Sciacca is a twenty year old gypsy jazz fiddle phenom from Bainbridge Island, and he’s hitting the ground with both feet running. His debut Gypsy Moon is a polished, wholly-thought-out work that puts him solidly in the company of the best of the Northwest’s formidable “Django scene.” Ranger has seven of his own compositions that reflect a precocious understanding of the genre and an inspired passion for it – they fit seamlessly with the classics that make up the other half of the record. Those classics, he chose to show off some range and to have fun with some favorites, but his own material is so good that it’s the classics that often become “throwaways.” The keepers are “Lady Be Good” (how can you miss with Gershwin?), “Undecided,” and “Kansas City Kitty,” which Ranger gives a strong gypsy twist to keep it distinctly different from GreenerBlue’s grassy version of the same song released last spring.... The young man has arrived.

(Tom Petersen)

- Victory Review

On Saturday, Janaruy 12th the Haller Lake Arts Council produced a concert, Violin-to-Fiddle, with two talented local violin/fiddle players. If you weren’t there you missed a fantastic concert - one of the best I've heard in the past year, even if I am biased (disclaimer: I produced the concert).
It started off with Ranger and the Re-Arrangers, a full 5-piece band on a not-too-large-stage. But they filled the hall with some driving gypsy jazz. Ranger Sciacca, of course, was superb with his hot licks, slides and creative, syncopated leads on violin. And he had some great backup. David Stewart on mandolin played lead along with Ranger and was also very hot. Michael Sciacca, Ranger's father played backup guitar along with Todd Houghton on bass and Jeff Moose on percussion. They played mostly fast jazz, but also a few nice slower tunes. They were a very tight-knit group. After the concert Ranger had to hit the road to Walla Walla to get ready for his classes at Whitman College.

By Stewart Hendrickson

- Arts Alive