Pierce Pettis

“one of the more vital and critically acclaimed folk stars of recent years.”—Performing Songwriter Magazine

“Pierce Pettis doesn’t write mere songs, he writes literature...End to end the songwriting is brilliant...Pierce Pettis albums are events in my listening. His writing just gets better all the time and his singing is marvelous, wry and warm..." Sing Out!

Pierce Pettis, adored by both critics and public alike, is one of this generation's most masterful songwriters. His music is distinguished by his uncanny ability to capture universals in human experience by drawing on the humor and trials in daily life. Pettis' music can simultaneously pull on our hearts and keep us laughing. The beautiful harmonies, inventive yet subtle percussion, strong guitar, and Pierce's rich vocals are a constant throughout his body of work.

Before releasing his most recent albums (Making Light of It, Everything Matters, State of Grace and his most recent, Great Big World) on Compass Records, Pettis released three critically acclaimed albums on the prestigious Windham Hill/ High Street label. Pierce Pettis has performed in all 48 continental states as well as in Canada and Europe, appeared nine times on American Public Radio's Mountain Stage, been featured on National Public Radio's E-town, Morning Edition and World Cafe ... appeared on VH-1, CBS News, and the Nashville Network.

During his long career Pettis has been a writer at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama, recorded for Fast Folk Musical Magazine in New York, won the prestigious New Folk competition for songwriting at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, and was a staff songwriter at Polygram and Universal Music Publishing in Nashville. He has received numerous songwriting awards including a 1999 Country Music Award from ASCAP for You Move Me --co-written with Gordon Kennedy and recorded by Garth Brooks on his album, Sevens.

His songs have been covered by a long list of artists, including Joan Baez, Susan Ashton, Garth Brooks, Art Garfunkel, Jonathon Edwards, Tim O’Brien, Dion, Kim & Reggie Harris with Magpie, Heather Heywood, Walt Michael, Claire Lynch, Carrie Newcomer, Tom Prasada-Rao, Paul Reisler & A Thousand Questions, and Dar Williams. His song, “A Mountaineer is Always Free,” was included on the CD released by the WV Lottery in 2002.

Pierce Pettis proudly plays Avalon (and Lowden) guitars --handmade in County Down, Ireland

"A torrent of musical language that speaks to the head and the heart" -- The San Francisco Chronicle

"Across the entire range of his styles, Pettis constantly reinforces the sensation that he is a thoughtful, sensitive, serious poet, a man who looks deep and ponders long." -- William Michael Smith in Rockzilla World

"Your collection should include every album he has released as Pierce's music is an integral part of any singer/songwriter's collection." -- WFCF 88.5 FM, St. Augustine, FL

"Don't miss a Pierce Pettis concert if he is in your area. He is a skilled performer with songs that are profound and beautifully delivered." "Pure dynamic enregy and well refined raw talent. Moving lyrics and music that ranges from sensitive to kick-a**. Pierce is awesome!" -- Concert-goers on Epinions.com "Pettis offers sustenance for mind and spirit, packaged in an amiable, easily digestible musical form." -- Dirty Linen

"Across the entire range of his styles, Pettis constantly reinforces the sensation that he is a thoughtful, sensitive, serious poet, a man who looks deep and ponders long." -- William Michael Smith in Rockzilla World

"Pure dynamic enregy and well refined raw talent. Moving lyrics and music that ranges from sensitive to kick-a**. Pierce is awesome!" -- Concert-goers on Epinions.com

"Pettis offers sustenance for mind and spirit, packaged in an amiable, easily digestible musical form." -- Dirty Linen

Performers who have covered Pettis songs include:

Tim O'Brien "A Mountaineer Is Always Free"

Claire Lynch: Love Will Find You Again "New Day", Natchez Trace" Front Porch String Band

Art Garfunkel, Buddy Monlock, and Maia Sharp
"Everything Waits to Be Noticed" (Perfect Moment --co-write w/Art and Buddy)

Joan Baez "Honest Lullaby"

Garth Brooks "You Move Me"

Dion "You Need A Love"

Heather Heywood "Paul's Song*"

Walt Michael & Company "Legacy"

Carrie Newcomer "Something Worth Fighting For"

Paul Reisler & A Thousand Questions "Somewhere In The Song"

Dar Williams "Family"

"Perfect Moment" Soundtrack Felicity, #3.16 "It's Raining Men"

 

 

http://www.piercepettis.com