Q: When did you join Sisters?
This is a brand new alliance of three singer/songwriters. We have some important things in common – we all play piano, we all write and compose our own material, and we are all hardworking, independent women in the music business.
Q: Where has the current tour taken you?
These shows this month will be our first outing as this show, and hopefully not our last shows! I’m very excited to experience the chemistry and to share that with others!
Q: With Aretha’s passing, Janis Joplin’s popularity and the world waiting for a Supremes reunion what is the niche that you and your colleagues fill?
I think there has long been a hunger for strong women in music, and I think Phoebe, Carrie, and I each have something unique to add to that chorus of voices.
Q: What is “Musical Meditations”
In September 2017, I launched an online project called Musical Meditations (www.heatherpierson.com/musical_meditations). Every three days, I upload a brand new, completely improvised piece of piano music that I record at home, and make it available for free or donation. This past spring, I started a series of monthly live events in Bridgton, Maine, with the same premise – an hour of unplanned piano improvisation. All of this is intended to help cultivate a space for mindfulness, peace, and reflection for both me and the listener. The project has been a great success and I’ve heard from listeners all over the world who tell me how much they are enjoying these pieces.
Q: Your personal thoughts on the shape of music today, from film soundtracks to shows like the Voice and American Idol
Where do artists with heart, soul and integrity fit in
There will always be a hunger for artists with heart and soul. Humans are social animals. We long for connection to others. Artists who can beautifully and memorably express this fact in song will always be sought out to show the way.
Because of the ubiquitous nature of affordable technology, the bar for entry is so low. Virtually anyone can record and release music today. And though that fact only contributes to the overwhelming amount of music to choose from, I think it’s a good thing. More art and expression are better than less!
I personally don’t enjoy shows like The Voice and American Idol because I find something very strange about overtly competing with art and expression. I also don’t value the judges’ opinions on these shows any more than I value the opinions of anyone else. Sure, we all outsource knowledge to experts on lots of other things, but why do so in the domain of art?
Q: Who are your favorite artists?
In no particular order: Oscar Peterson, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Mike Patton, The Wood Brothers, and Tuba Skinny, just to name a few.
Heather Pierson
Heather is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and performer. From New Orleans-style jazz and blues to rousing Americana and poignant folk narratives, Heather’s live performances, both solo and with her acoustic trio. Best known for her virtuosity at the piano, her bell-tone vocals, and her quiet yet engaging stage presence, Heather’s latest project is MUSICAL MEDITATIONS. Her growing catalog of wildly divergent CD releases reflects her boundless creativity.
www.heatherpierson.com
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out:
Sisters in Song featuring Phoebe Legere, Heather Piersen and Carrie Ferguson with separate sets and a round-robin fourth set for Sept. 27 at 10 PM.
Phoebe Legere
Phoebe’s current Americana album, HEART OF LOVE broke the big roots radio chart’s Top 20 ROOTS MUSIC RADIO. Born and bred in New England, Phoebe grew up to be a National Treasure, performing music across the spectrum from folk to classical to jazz and avant garde. She’s appeared in movies, TV, on the stage. Recently she debuted her play, SPEED QUEEN in New York City, and has shows in Florida this winter. Of Acadian and Native American heritage, Ms. Legere performs this music at clubs, homes, festivals, fairs, on TV… Phoebe and her Canadian cousin Ray (a bluegrass performer) have a cajun EP, ACADIAN MOON now on over 40 stations in Canada. We’re working now on a French language EP in Montreal for all French territories. Phoebe has opened for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Slambovian Circus of Dreams, John Hall, and Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre.
phoebelegere.com
HEART OF LOVE song about Phoebe’s part time job, driving trucks:
Carrie Ferguson
“Devilishly catchy folk-pop tunes and melodic ballads, exuberantly heartfelt lyrics…infectious joy” – The Valley Advocate
Hailing from Western Massachusetts via Northern California, singer-songwriter and pianist Carrie Ferguson creates soaring folk-pop with haunting melodies and carefully-crafted lyrics. Her songs have been featured on WUMB in Boston, WRSI The River in Northampton, and other folk radio shows across the US. Carrie’s song, The Grumpy Time Club, received a Silver Award for her song, in the 2014 MASC songwriting contests and First Place in the Eventide Songwriting Contest. She was chosen for the 2013 Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist Showcase, and was a finalist in the VT Solar Fest 2014 Songwriter Showcase. She has opened for Catie Curtis, Antje Duvekot, Cheryl Wheeler, Meg Hutchinson, Charles Neville, Shelley Wright, Patty Larkin, Jill Sobule, and Livingston Taylor.
www.CarrieFergusonMusic.com
The Many I Am:
