Sand County is an experiment in merging contemplations on the natural world and instrumental music -inspired by the writings of Aldo Leopold and the music of Marisa Anderson – Sandy Bull – Bert Jansch – John Renbourn and Fahey among others/ This guitar driven project begins each tune with an original reading on the ‘out of doors’ and is followed by an improvised piece of music influenced by the provocations of the reading. The project was founded by Luke Callen – who performs guitar – and is often accompanied by Chris Gray on Drums – alongside a variety of special guests on bass – second guitar and pedal steel.
The First Piece is title Buck Moon – a contemplation on regrowth and renewal – recorded during an extended period of sessions sometime in 2024/2025 – featuring electric guitar – Bass – Synth and drums.
The Second number – Upon The Ridge Pt. III – was written in August of 2025 a top the Mississippi River Valley – and is accompanied by 12 String Guitar – Organ – and a field recording Luke captured of a Catbird and a Tufted Titmouse in May of the same year.
The third piece was written and recorded in January of 2026 after the murders of Renee Goode and Alex Pretti at the hands of the state.
Videos featuring B-Roll footage from the National Park Service
Upcoming Performances:
March 15th – Minneapolis, MN Dusty’s Big Green Both – w/ The Beavers
April 6th – St. Paul, MN – White Squirrel Bar – w/ TBA
May 7th – Winona, MN – No Name Bar – w/ Luke Schneider and Sleeping Jesus
May 10th – Eau Clare, WI – The Big Back Yard – w/ Luke Schneider and Eli Winter