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January 11, 2019: A
songwriter’s songwriter, Pierce Pettis is
back with his first new studio album in nearly a decade with FATHER’S SON, out
January 18 on Compass Records. NPR Folk Alley is
premiering the entire album online as part of their “Hear It
First” seires; listen to it here:
Folk Alley’s Kim Ruehl writes: “Well beyond its crack lyricism
and intuitive arrangements, ‘Father’s Son’ is populated by some truly
great players. Among them, guitarist Doug Lancio (Patty Griffin),
fiddler Andrea Zonn (James Taylor), and vocals from Ruth Moody (The
Wailin’ Jennys). Together, the band backs Pettis’s songs in a way
that is artfully subtle and supportive, always in service to the song
rather than showing off their own chops. This is in part thanks to
producer Garry West, but is also a testament to how well Pettis
writes a song.”
Featuring 10 tracks, including a
cover of Jesse Winchester’s “A Showman’s Life,” the Alabama
songwriter writes about friends he’s lost, childhood memories, and
the relationships he’s experienced both as a son and a father on
these deeply moving, literate songs. FATHER’S SON,
reuniting Pettis with producer Garry West, was
recorded “live on the floor, with the band, with minimal overdubs, to
capture the energy and authenticity of Pierce’s performances.”
Pettis was joined in the studio by a
cast of old friends and veterans from his previous albums: Reece Wynans, widely
known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe
Bonamassa, contributed piano and Hammond B-3 tracks.
Longtime collaborator Stuart Duncan contributes his multiple
Grammy-winning fiddle skills along with some beautiful mandolin
parts. Also back is violinist Andrea Zonn (James
Taylor Band), who contributed the string
arrangement for “Mr. Ziedman.”
“Adding backing vocals for the
second time is my daughter, Grace, who last recorded with me on EVERYTHING MATTERS when
she was 9 years old! “ Pettis says. And of course, my long-time
producer and friend, Garry West, joins us on bass and produced for
the fourth time.
Some newcomers to Pierce’s world are
guitarist Doug Lancio, known for his work with John Hiatt
and Patty Griffin, drummer/percussionists Josh Day (Sara
Bareilles, John Oates) and Jordan Perlson (Adrian
Belew, Alison Brown, Blue Man Group), and vocalist Ruth Moody from
renowned vocal trio, the Wailin’ Jennys
At this point in his life, as a
career touring artist and father of four, Pettis has reached a period
of reflection and peace with his life as well as a comfort zone as an
artist.
“The biggest change,” he says,
“has been getting over myself and realizing this is a job and a
craft. And the purpose is not fame and fortune but simply doing good
work.”
TOUR DATES
Sat, JAN 12 Ponte Vedra Beach,
FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall (Marica Ball opener)
Sun, JAN 20 Durham, NC –
Birdland NC
Fri, FEB 1 Santa
Rosa Beach, FL – St. Rita’s Catholic Church
Sat, FEB 2 Panama
City Beach, FL – St. Helen State Park
Sun, FEB 3 Youngstown,
FL – Americana Cafe Sundays at Maggie’s Musical Farm
Fri, FEB 8 Waco,
TX – Partnership for Psychological and Spiritual Care Fundraiser
Sat, FEB 9 Houston,
TX – 2nd Saturday Concerts
Wed, FEB 13 Baton Rouge, LA –
Dyson House (Danny Burns opener)
Fri, FEB 15 Dallas, TX –
Poor David’s –w/keyboardist, David Webb
Sat, FEB 16 Fayetteville,
AR – Cove Concerts
Thurs, Mar 7 Nashville, TN –
Bluebird Cafe w/Rayvon Pettis & the Big Dumb
Fri, May 10
Mentone, AL – Mentone House Concerts
Thu, May 16 Buffalo, NY –
Nickel City Sessions
Fri, May 24
Rochester, NY – Lake Effect House Concerts
Sat, Nov 16 Austin,
TX – Acoustical Cafe –w/keyboardist, David Webb
Sat, Nov 23 Edom,
TX – The Old Firehouse
Sun, Nov 24 Bonham, TX –
Harmony House Concerts
Check https://www.piercepettis.com/shows for
tour updates.
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