Harpeth Rising

Artist Information

Biography

Voted 'Best Local Band' in Nashville, Tennessee in the Toast of Music City Awards!

“Harpeth Rising, warm, honest and true music by four exquisite musicians.” Peter van Zeijl, Folk en Zo

"...deep in presentation. Pushing the perimeters of Americana style, Harpeth Rising will be an interesting and unique band to watch."
The Nashville Examiner

Billed as an “Americana Sensation” by WSM 650, this young group is making an immense impact wherever they play. The four classically trained musicians bring an exciting and distinctive sound to the Americana genre. With a banjo and fiddle, you might think they’re traditional bluegrass, but think again: cello and hand drums round out the group, creating a truly new sound. A little bit bluegrass, a little bit folk, a little bit classical and whole lot of original, Harpeth Rising is a band to watch.
Harpeth Rising recently returned from a tour of the UK, where they were acclaimed as “absolutely fabulous”, “brilliant” and “…some of the best three-part harmonies we’ve heard…” They were invited to return the play the illustrious Cambridge Folk Festival in Summer 2011. Additional recent accomplishments include being voted ‘Best Local Band’ in Nashville, Tennessee, appearances on the critically acclaimed shows “Music City Roots,” and “Nashville Traditions” and successful US tours of the Midwest, South, and Northeast. The ensemble’s debut album was released in 2010, and is available on iTunes and at live shows. In July 2011 they released their second album, with Grammy-award winning producer Bil VornDick, entitled 'Dead Man's Hand'.

"The future of original string music..." Keith Harrelson, Moonlight on the Mountain

"Spellbinding." - Maui Time

"Is it possible to be charmed out of your sould while being blown out of your mind?" - Kathy Kent and David Gordon, hosts of The 8 'o' Clock Show

2011 Summer Festival Appearances:
GreenSong Festival, Dahlonega, GA
Lotus Dickey Hometown Reunion, Orleans, IN
Maysie's FarmFest, Glenmoore, PA
ROMP, Owensboro, KY
Niles Americana Festival, Niles, MI
Frome Festival, Frome, UK
The London Folk Festival, London, UK
The Cambridge Folk Festival, Cambridge, UK

plus dozens of other dates across the US and UK!

Instrumentation

Jordana Greenberg - Violin / Vocals
Rebecca Reed-Lunn - Banjo/Vocals
Chris Burgess - Hand Drums/Vocals
Maria Di Meglio - Cello/Vocals

Discography

Dead Man's Hand, 2011

On multiple 'Best of 2011' lists!

Harpeth Rising, 2010

On multiple 'Best of 2010' lists!

#1 at WUSC 90.5, June 2010
Now playing on radio stations across the country!

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter

Audio

• Next Year's Rain
  Listen  
• Coyote
  Listen  
• California 1854
  Listen  
• Crash Test Dummy Blues
  Listen  
• Hey Driver
  Listen  
• Amends
  Listen  
• Tough As Nails (Love Song for a Toyota Corolla)
  Listen  
• Dead Man's Hand
  Listen  

Lyrics

• The Time You Need
• Last Honest Man
• Abraham

Video

HARPETH RISING VIDEO.mp4

Goin My Way Live.mp4

Photo Gallery

Press

• If Pentangle were hillbillies that rocked... [+ Show ]
  

  GRIMM RISING HARPETH RISING/Dead Man's Hand: This bunch has their nerve not sending me their debut...GRIMM RISING
  HARPETH RISING/Dead Man's Hand: This bunch has their nerve not sending me their debut album. Four classically trained musicians started rocking when they met up in college and somehow found their way to old timey music, but damn if there's no dust on this. If Pentangle were hillbillies that rocked, you might get some idea of what's going on here. A stone cold killer for people who can't get enough of traditional music, but with a wily edge that takes it places you never imagined, the only thing this crew demands of you is that you put the headphones on and enjoy. This sets the bar high for adult music that is proud of residing outside the mainstream. Hot.

• CD Review - Dead Man's Hand by Harpeth Rising [+ Show ]
  

  An album with Americana feel, Dead Man’s Hand by Bowling Green based band Harpeth Rising mixes folk ...An album with Americana feel, Dead Man’s Hand by Bowling Green based band Harpeth Rising mixes folk with Bluegrass, and throws in a bit of jazz for kicks. To top it all off, the vocals are as haunting as they are beautiful.
  
  The album is rich in instrumental talent, and the lyrics are nothing to take lightly. Harpeth Rising may be composed of young members, but they are musicians that are deeply talented and classically trained. Dead Man’s Hand will appeal to both traditional Bluegrass fans, as well as those looking for something with a more modern feel. They are, as one radio described a true “American sensation” and they will be a musical force to be reckoned with in the future.

• Harpeth Rising - deep, thoughtful and engaging energetic folk - July 13, 2011 [+ Show ]
  

  There’s a distinctive sound arrived from America, part folk, part bluegrass with a touch of classica...There’s a distinctive sound arrived from America, part folk, part bluegrass with a touch of classical and it’s wholly wonderful - Harpeth Rising bring a deep, thoughtful and engaging energetic edge to folk music, and their album ‘Dead Man’s Hand’ includes each in equal measure. The deceptively unadorned combination of violin, banjo, cello and hand percussion belies its simplicity to fashion intensely engaging tunes overlaid with penetrating lyrics and potent vocals.
  The title track ‘Dead Man’s Hand’ is a fascinating melange of jazzy folk riffs and sparkling vocals rolled round an attractive melody as violin and banjo wander across a landscape of dulcet cello tones. The moving ‘California 1854’ begins with soft vocals picking their way across gently picked strings and builds through the superb soaring melody into a mournful anthem of longing. Were that not sufficient, ‘Time’ majors on the fabulous harmonic vocal interplay between Jordana and Rebecca while violin and banjo duel beneath.
  The difference in this album is the way the band demonstrate their total lack of fear in tackling a new and constantly varying approach to folk. ‘Crash Test Dummies’ with its enigmatic title washes more towards a blues feel to create a surreptitiously engaging song – and you’ve got to listen to the lyrics. Then again there’s a step change as ‘Tough as Nails’ marches along with vitality and punch to make its point in no uncertain terms. For my money, the best of the album lies in hypnotic, drum-driven chant-like quality of ’Next Year’s Rain’.
  The precocious blending of bluegrass-influenced American folk and flawless intricate vocals with classical education and the desire to move their music down roads un-trod or those less travelled makes this an album worth taking the time to know.
  

• Artist of The Week [+ Show ]
  

  Harpeth Rising are a collective that have chosen a timeless sound as foundation for their music. The...Harpeth Rising are a collective that have chosen a timeless sound as foundation for their music. The quartet mix violin, banjo, cello and hand drum to support the words and the blend of harmonies. Maybe it is the Celtic texture or the airy delivery but the word I keep coming back to in this sound is magic. The music is a soundtrack for both Beltane and a midsummer night’s eve. Though their sound comes from the mists of time as much as from the mists of the forest, Harpeth Rising infuse a modern sense of structure and intuitive arrangement, both musical and vocal. The music offers strength while the delicate vocals bring tenderness.
  The group has released its self-titled debut. The songs capture the sound and accomplishments of the classically trained members, Jordana Greenberg (violin), Rebecca Reed-Lunn (banjo), Ruth Burgess (cello) and husband, Chris Burgess (hand drum). The songs are both unique and familiar. The harmonies on “Last Honest Man” are well crafted. The voices come together for only a word or two throughout the verses and join on the title. The use of voice for emotional purposes is very well done. Breathless harmonies support the hurt and anger of the lead. “Abraham” is a reverent take on the biblical as much as “Train Fare and 50 Cents” deals with a more physical, worldly theme. Harpeth Rising tackle story lines that mirror the surrounding times yet still manage to offer a sidelong glance at the past.

• Warm, Honest and True Music [+ Show ]
  

  A few weeks ago this copy of the album by Harpeth Rising landed on my door mat. Sceptical as ever bu...A few weeks ago this copy of the album by Harpeth Rising landed on my door mat. Sceptical as ever but with an open mind I put it in the player and soon found that I shouldn't have worried. From the first notes onward I was fascinated by the enchanting music that was reaching my ears. This is Folk music of the highest order! The songs take you each on their individual journeys thru different styles on to their destinations. Although unmistakenly American there are lots of European influences reminding of sounds from days long gone by. The first song Here I Stand takes you back into the Apalachian Mountains around the time the first settlers put down their roots and is just an apatizer of what's to follow. Sometimes there, intentionally or not, are small hints of Gipsy or even Jiddisch influences to be heard. The two songs that really stand out on this cd are "Last Honest Man" and "Abraham" wich are the most American of them all. They have a more contemporary feel and sound and may well express the direction of future albums. Harpeth Rising, warm, honest and true music by four exquisite musicians.
  If there ever was an album wich gives right of existence to stations like Folk Alley, this is it!

• Harpeth Rising - Last Honest Man [+ Show ]
  

  "Occasionally I find a new song that is so beautiful, it's my duty to promote it by sharing it with ..."Occasionally I find a new song that is so beautiful, it's my duty to promote it by sharing it with the world via my own little blog. It's WHY I blog. "The Last Honest Man" is that kind of song. Sublime, gentle, yet full of emotion, this song shines in every way: superb harmonies/vocals, and a stunning acoustic arrangement. I can't resist the lightly played banjo in the far background, set against the cello and female harmonies, and the subtle, rising and falling percussion. This is very good songwriting, stuff that turns a simple love story into a compelling listen, full of imagery and excitement. This one is Call it Folk certified."

• Another Night of Amazing Music [+ Show ]
  

  The weather man did his job well Friday night! Quoting Ed McKeon: "He intoned to calm while inciting...The weather man did his job well Friday night! Quoting Ed McKeon: "He intoned to calm while inciting panic!" A storm was storming! A storm was coming! Stay home! Stay home! But over twenty hardy New Englander's braved the storm, three - even after sliding down their driveway and nearly crashing, relentlessly persevered to hear a wonderful group of talented musicians! I had never seen the band before, but before the end of the night I understood why these brave souls had come together at The Buttonwood Tree!
  
  Saturday night the quartet, Harpeth Rising, played at The Buttonwood Tree on that snowy winter's night and they grabbed hold of the audience from the very start and didn't let go until the final notes! These classically trained musicians, with a passion for bluegrass, directed their talents on the genre and played it flawlessly! Especially enchanting was the vivacious Jordana Greenburg on violin. she seemed to capture the audience with ease and grace. Her persona was clearly one of the lead entertainer but elements of her considerable classical training and expertise also came shining through! The vibrant harmonies of the group blended softly and smoothly to produce beautiful music! It seemed that they could just as easily move from Bach to Charlie Daniels! There was nothing to dislike about them. From their personas, to their appearance and their minimalistic percussion, they were polished and professional!
  
  Rebecca Reed-Lund, the group's very talented banjo player, who's melodic voice meshed well with Greenburg's and together their duets were at times sad and thought provoking and at other times joyous and even raucous!
  
  Rachel Gawell was just marvelous on cello and brought a depth and clarity to the renditions with her steady, smooth and almost hypnotic vibes!
  
  Chris Burgess affected fast and smooth roles with just with his fingers on percussion. His timing complimented the groups' sound at all times with what looked like minimal effort fused with passion!
  
  Dr. Freddie Carroll, the "TBT House Artist" who was sitting and drawing, commented: "I didn't think I saw them bring in a full drum kit", but what Burgess did was accomplish the same sound with just a bass drum, a "conga" type drum and his own two hands!.
  
  They played effortlessly and were clearly comfortable with each other, which added to the band's overall tone and tempo. We are very pleased to have had Harpeth Rising play The Buttonwood Tree's stage! For more information check out their site:
  www.harpethrising.com

• Harpeth Rising, Changed More Than I Know [+ Show ]
  

  Harpeth Rising is simply a joy to listen to. They were one of the first bands to submit their music ...Harpeth Rising is simply a joy to listen to. They were one of the first bands to submit their music to the Orient Lodge Music Review Page on SonicBids. I listened to their music and decided they were one of the bands that needed to be highlighted.
  Perhaps the song that appeals to me most is their song, “Can’t Find the Revolution”. It talks about a woman who “used to be a rambler...now she’s trapped inside a swivel chair”. The final line of the chorus is something like, “Can’t find the revolution, but I’m looking every day”. Another verse talks about a guy who
  ...used to be a poet and a minstrel by his trade
  I strum along beside him when I could
  Now he’s pushing the assembly line
  and my strummin’ don’t do no good.
  Another line that jumped out at me towards the end of the song was when the singer was told that she changed more than she knew.
  Another song that particularly appealed to be was “Abraham”
  Abraham Abraham
  Where you goin' with that knife in your hand?
  Why are we lost in this foreign land?
  Where we goin now Abraham?
  It made me think of the great work by Soren Kierkegaard, “Fear and Trembling” which presents another view of the great story of Abraham.
  In looking at their website, I found a link to a very interesting music video that one of their fans had made.
  
  I was glad to see that they we’re highlighting such a creative remix.
  Their calendar lists them as having performed at the 8th Annual Niles Bluegrass Festival in Niles Michigan this last weekend. It sounds like it was a rainy weekend there and I hope they got a chance to perform. Over the coming days, they will be performing in Indiana, Kentucky and Wisconsin. Then in July, they head off for the United Kingdom. They recently did a tour of the Northeast and hopefully will be coming back soon.

• Spellbinding Tunes [+ Show ]
  

  Arts & Entertainment Spellbinding Tunes The Sisters Grimm by Jessica Armstrong Jordana Green...Arts & Entertainment
  Spellbinding Tunes
  The Sisters Grimm
  by Jessica Armstrong
  
  Jordana Greenburg furiously plays the fiddle while Rebecca Reed-Lunn's fingers work up and down the neck of her banjo. The Sisters Grimm, as these lovely young ladies call themselves, are playing before an awestruck crowd at swanky Ambrosia in Kihei. As they deftly execute an impossibly fast version of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band, I wonder what inspired the duo to bring heartland America music to Maui.
  
  Before coming to Maui, the girls traveled for more than a month across 11 states. Along the way they worked for food and gas money by busking.
  
  Not long ago, Greenberg and Reed-Lunn drove from their Indiana University college town to the Telluride, Colorado Bluegrass Festival, camping through Utah to Nevada where they slept under a streetlight in an RV park on the Las Vegas strip. Then they traveled on to California, sweltering without air conditioning in temperatures of up to 115 degrees, finally saving enough to buy one-way tickets to Maui.
  
  They prefer contemporary music. They do a mean version of "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty and an instrumental version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." They've also got a repertoire of traditional bluegrass songs like "House of the Rising Sun" as well as originals and a few songs Greenberg's singer-songwriter father wrote.
  
  "The most fun part is sitting down together for three hours and saying, 'Okay, you do this and I'll do this,' and it evolves," Greenberg said. "We get so excited when we realize it's going to work out."
  
  At the end of lunch, I joked that the Sisters Grimm should make their Westside busking debut in costume on Front Street this Halloween. The idea seemed to spark some interest, so be careful if you see a bluegrass duo raking in the cash--they just might put their spell on you. MTW

• Music That is Meant to be Listened To [+ Show ]
  

  One of the great things about Stage on Herr is we get the chance to support up and coming original m...One of the great things about Stage on Herr is we get the chance to support up and coming original music, not only from Central Pa, but the world. A great example is this Thursday. Not really knowing what to expect, Harpeth Rising blew us away when they stopped in for a show last year. One of the most interesting bands in the Bluegrass scene. They cannot be called New Grass, Jam Grass, and definitely not traditional. Their classical training and open minded approach, creates a style of Bluegrass that is uniquely their own. They create music that is meant to be listened to

Setlist

We have up to four hours of music, both original and covers.

Originals: Here I Stand, Sinkin', Last Honest Man, The Road, Can't Find the Revolution, Man of Circumstance, Fadin', Train Fare and 50 Cents, Coulda Been, Small Town Girl, Abraham, Coyote, Take it From Me, The Time You Need, Sleep, Time, Over Olympus, Dead Man's Hand, Amends, Next Year's Rain, Coyote, California 1854, Hey Driver, Tough As Nails (Love Song for a Toyota Corolla), Crash Test Dummy Blues, Four Days More, You Won't Hear it From Me, Day After Day

Covers: (Don't Fear) The Reaper, Tiny Dancer, Mama Tried, People are Strange, Hallelujah, I Won't Back Down, City of New Orleans, Ode to Billie Joe, Red and Blazing, Warfare, Maggie's Farm, All Along the Watchtower, This Sad Song, Hide Your Live Away, Boondocks, Days Like This, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Guysborough Train

Instrumental arrangements: Norwegian Wood, Istanbul Not Constantinople, Billie Jean, Eleanor Rigby, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Thriller, House of the Rising Sun, Helter Skelter

Instrumentals: Cattle in the Cane, Blackberry Blossom, Stoney Lonesome, Ashokan Farewell, Back Up and Push, Beaumont Rag, Black and White Rag, Tom N Jerry, Orange Blossom Special, Acorn Song, Danny Boy, Brown County Breakdown, Northern White Clouds, Star of the County Down, Canadian Waltz, Gardenia's Waltz, Draggin' the Bow

Basic Requirements

Calendar