Pierce Pettis
Pierce Pettis is on tour celebrating the release of his first CD in nearly a decade, Father's Son, out now on Compass Records. he will be in concert at McCoy Farms and Gardens at 1715 Anderson Pike on Signal Mountain Friday, July 19.
Review for Pierce Pettis:
"I began my alleged career at Muscle Shoals," Pettis deadpans."I was signed as a writer and had an artist development deal." From there, he was a part of the “Fast Folk” movement in New York that featured such fellow artists as Shawn Colvin, John Gorka and Suzanne Vega, going on to record three albums for Windham Hill. He spent several years as a staff writer for Polygram Records before signing to Compass Records.
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.” 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.”