Rooted in the tradition of bluegrass, the music of Head for the Hills is a vibrant mixture of homegrown compositions, traditional harmonies, and an innovative approach to improvisation that reflects the band's experiences living the mountain life. The group's lyrical nature and songwriting seems to evoke a feeling of inspiration in listeners, often embracing nature, personal epiphanies, or even their experiences growing up around Colorado ski towns. In the live setting, Head for the Hills can venture into a myriad of musical styles while staying in a context that is still widely respected by the traditional bluegrass community.
The shared vision amongst the members of Head for the Hills is not only to carry on the spirit of bluegrass, but also to expand the general definition as we venture through the post-traditional bluegrass era. Head for the Hills seems to appeal to those who enjoy the sound of the bluegrass forefathers like John Hartford, David Grisman, or Bill Monroe, but also appeals to anybody who enjoys experiencing the excitement, innovation, or element of youth that is incorporated into each and every performance.
The foundation of Head for the Hills stretches back several years to the mountain town of Golden, Colorado, but the current lineup prefers to call Fort Collins their home. In their short but prosperous career, Head for the Hills have had the honor of performing and sharing the stage with the legendary mandolin extraordinaire David Grisman, Sam Bush, Nickel Creek, Tim O'Brien, The Infamous Stringdusters, members of Yonder Mountain String Band, Pete Wernick (Hot Rize), Drew Emmitt, Hot Buttered Rum, Tim Carbone (RRE) and Jason Hann (SCI), and Benny Galloway and the Wayword Sons among others.
2007 was a big year for the quartet as they were the winners of Yonder Mt. String Band's 2007 Northwest String Summit Band Competition held at Horning's Hideout in North Plains, OR. In addition they performed in the 2007 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition. Head for the Hills extensive 2007 Summer Tour included stops all over the country, including Northwest String Summit-North Plains, Oregon, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Yarmony Grass, Nederland Music and Arts Festival and many more. The band has been blazing through the country and turning heads left and right.
2008 presents another large year for Head for the Hills as The band will be embarking on Midwest, West Coast and Southeast tour over the next 6 months-hitting all major markets the country has to offer. In addition the band will be performing at many premier festivals this summer including: Wakarusa Music Festival, Northwest String Summit, Green Apple Music Festival, Yarmony Grass, and Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion. With direction from a Grammy award winning musician and an ever-evolving approach to progressive acoustic music, there is no telling what successes lay ahead for this group of talented musicians.
For their debut studio effort entitled, "Robber's Roost," Head for the Hills joined forces with the talented and revered producer/performer Sally Van Meter. Ms. Van Meter, among her impressive list of accomplishments, is credited for her 1994 Grammy Award Winning work on The Great Dobro Sessions as well as her work with Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, and David Grisman on The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers- A Tribute. In addition, she has produced albums and recordings for several artists including Yonder Mountain String Band and Open Road Bluegrass. David Glasser (Airshow Mastering) joined Head for the Hills in the mastering process of "Robber's Roost." Glasser's credits include two Grammy's for his work on the culturally significant: Anthology of American Folk Music (1997), and Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton (2002). Glasser has also mastered over 60 Grammy nominated records.
On "Robber's Roost", one can expect a collection of organic compositions ranging from traditional stylings to the progressive sound that has come to define these young musicians. With direction from two esteemed musical veterans, Head for the Hills is primed and ready to bring their dynamic sound to the ears of listeners far wide. Many avenues have recognized Head for the Hills as a primary avenue for the future and next phase of acoustic/NewGrass music. With just a few short years of existence, there is really no telling what is in store for these young Colorado pickers.
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"Not bound by any societal standards regarding bluegrass music, they pick and strum their way through many different styles with equal mastery of all." -(2007) Rocky Mt. Music Resource-"Their sundry blend of ancestral bluegrass, moving harmonies, & original composition, creates a sound nothing short of exceptional." -(2008) Stray Pickers Magazine-
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Head for the Hills are:
Mike Chappell- MandolinAdam Kinghorn- Guitar/Banjo
Joe Lessard- Fiddle
Matt Loewen- Bass
View Head for the Hills's EPK
Booking, Management, and Publicity: Sean MacAskill
Live Mountain Music
Fort Collins, Colorado
[email protected]
Eric Farnan
Live Mountain Music
Fort Collins, Colorado
[email protected]
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Press Clips: Click Here to Read "Rocky Mt. Music Resource's" Review of Head for the Hills w/ Pete Wernick
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2007 NWSS Band Competition Winners!