- Words Notion Staff
With a striking assemblage of hooks, melody, and soulful lyrics, Piper & The Hard Times have established their band as a mainstay in the blues world
For 20 years, Piper & The Hard Times had been making roots-rock music with a strong blues foundation, slowly building a reputation as a premier live band. Contented with regional weekend performances, after a few thousand shows the band entered and won the Nashville Regional Blues Challenge in the summer of 2023, followed shortly by the 2024 International Blues Challenge in January 2024. In February of the next month, the band recorded the album that changed everything.
A Rapid Rise after “Paying Dues”
Centred around Al “Piper” Green’s gospel voice and abundant charisma, accompanied by Steve Eagon, Dave Colella, Amy Frederick, and Parker Hawkins’ remarkable soundscape, the Revelation album was released on August 16, 2024, and catapulted Piper & The Hard Times into the spotlight. After 20 years of “paying their dues,” this was certainly a welcome change of pace.
In less than a year, the band turned the heads of old fans, new fans, and festival bookers alike with their unique sound and remarkable perseverance. It isn’t every day that you see a band stick together for five years, let alone 20. They’ve overcome trial and tribulation, forging strong friendships and truly believing in one another as band members, and this is apparent in the chemistry they bring to the table.
“Stay true to yourself,” Steve Eagon said, “especially if you believe in the music you create. Don’t be afraid to collaborate and listen to others. We learn so much as human beings when we take the time to listen and respect what others have to say. Perseverance is key to anything, especially in the music business. Finally, don’t be an a******. Treat people with dignity and respect because you can’t do it alone.”
A Broad and Energetic Appeal
During their time, the band has seen people of all ages be moved by their music, taking crowds on a journey through sound and ramping their excitement and energy to the next level. It’s this same kind of spirited vibe that Piper & The Hard Times captured in their Revelation album, reaching #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart just 11 days after their debut by combining years of experience with fresh and vibrant creativity. Simply working for a music career, they have defined a unique sound and created a live experience that moves people, knowing there is no limit to their collective appeal on the stage.
Their remarkable growth reflects the impact of their words and the stirring capacity of their music, utilizing collective experience to make a worldwide debut in less than a year. The music created by Piper & The Hard Times extends beyond the world of the blues, resonating with fans of many musical tastes.
Positioned to Make a Name for Themselves
With a striking assemblage of hooks, melody, and soulful lyrics, Piper & The Hard Times have established their band as a mainstay in the blues world and a bridge across the musical landscape. Blues is the foundation for many kinds of music, creating a universal draw for audiences and festivals of all kinds. Built on the success of Revelation, Piper & The Hard Times is prepared to grow and thrive on the world’s stage.