"Man, I think music can help people heal and get through the ups and downs of life, and bring people together. We’ve all seen music bring about social change and impact the world. I truly hope our music is able to touch people."

Piper & The Hard Times: Fun & Passion!

The eclectic and entertaining roots music group Piper & the Hard Times deliver intense, rhythmically dynamic music. Each member enjoys a wide array of musical genres, and they bring those diverse influences into their performances. The blues are one of the foundations that buttress their work, along with an instrumental prowess that enables them to improvise with flair, while still creating music that has a melodic appeal and can immediately connect with audiences that want both a high degree of musical competence and songs with a strong groove, familiarity and sensibility. Piper & the Hard Times enjoy doing original music, but also are comfortable with established blues, R&B, rock and soul standards. Their shows mix contemporary and classic influences and material, and the band is known to improvise for the crowd, but never so that they become self-indulgent. Each principal member has an interesting and intriguing personal story to tell. Al "Piper" Green's lead vocals combine the flamboyance and earthiness of blues with the power and authority of gospel and represent the two biggest influences in his life.                                  (Photo: Nashville based band of Piper & the Hard Times)

Growing up in a very musically inclined family in Bolivar, Tennessee, he sang in a gospel choir growing up while also hearing the best of soul, pop and rock on radio. But Green remembers perhaps his biggest influence, as well as mentor from a sensibility/style approach, was his uncle. Green contributes to the band's original songs with lyrics based on personal stories and experience. Guitarist Steve Eagon grew up in Northern Ohio and has been playing guitar since his teen years. Unlike Green, Eagon did not grow up in a musical family but was drawn to the guitar because of its “coolness factor.” A multitude of artists have served as influences from Muddy Waters' blend of electrified Delta blues to B.B. King's more urban stylings and the dynamic, power approaches of Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Stevie Ray Vaughan. As the band's principal composer, his writing style meshes multiple elements into an engaging and captivating personal group sound. That collective firepower is also indicative of the closeness shared by Eagon, Green, and drummer Dave Colella. Piper & the Hard Times take the 1^st place in 2024 International Blues Challenge, Memphis TN! PIPER & THE HARD TIMES will be released their debut recording, REVELATION, on August 16, 2024. Over the course of three days in February 2024, Nashville-based Piper & the Hard Times held court in the legendary Ronnie’s Place at Soundstage Studios in Nashville to record Revelation. The album features a collection of 12 original songs deeply anchored in the blues from the New Orleans-flavored groove of “Trouble Man” to the Texas shuffle “The Hard Times”, the funk-rock “Heart for Sale”, and the slow ache and emotion of “Twenty Long Years”.

Interview by Michael Limnios                     Special Thanks: Karen Leipziger

How has the Blues music influenced your views of the world ? What does the blues mean to you? 

Steve: As a guitarist, songwriter, and performer, blues has shaped my life by showing me that storytelling and playing an instrument is about passion, emotion and simplicity. As a young guitarist I thought playing revolved around a lot of notes and flash. The same with songwriting. I thought you had to write like McCartney, Lennon, and Dylan. The blues taught me differently. It’s a perfect form of music to communicate passion, sadness, happiness, and social messages in a direct heartfelt way for ALL to connect. The blues has influenced my views of the world by being respectful and empathetic of its heritage, and accepting and open to its evolution over time.

How has the Blues and Gospel influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken? What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

Piper: For me, all music is therapy for my soul. It truly helps me through the bad times and allows to celebrate the good times. Blues music takes a person through one’s life and draws you in through relatable stories.

"I absolutely believe there is an audience for the blues in its current state, but I believe people need to push the boundaries to reach younger audiences to keep it alive. Today’s blues audiences are predominantly older and that’s not sustainable. Who’s to say you can’t take the sound and feel of Muddy Waters and combine it with rap or non-traditional instruments." (Photo: Piper & the Hard Times)

Currently you’ve one release with Piper & The Hard Times. What is the story behind the band’s name “Hard Times”?

Steve: One of the very first songs we wrote together was “The Hard Times” over 20 years ago, which is also on the new album. We’re still very proud of that song, and it’s a crowd favorite. I don’t recall how the decision was made, but the band name came from “The Hard Times”.

Do you have any interesting studio stories about the making of the debut album “Revelation” (2024)?

Steve: There were so many incredible memories made while recording “Revelation.” There is a funny one that stands out to me. While recording a song that we had played a thousand times, “You’re Gonna Miss Me”, the band was having a difficult time finding the groove and feel. We started getting frustrated and agreed to stop and have a shot or two of bourbon. Before going back into the studio, I found a beat up pair of sunglasses in the kitchen and put them on. The band had a good laugh and started calling me “Shady Steve”. When we went back in the studio, we nailed the song the very next take. I took the guitar solo live with no overdubs, and there’s so much energy in that track. I wore those sunglasses on most of the songs afterwards for their mojo! On the back of the CD, there’s a photo of me wearing them.

Piper: Easily the most memorable moment for me was the recording of “Twenty Long Years.” We were originally supposed to record a song Steve and I wrote several years ago. For whatever reason, we disagreed on a lyric re-write and I told Steve I didn’t like it and wasn’t going to record it. There was some tension over this, and then Steve said he had a chord melody that he had been playing and showed me. Given that the band had been together over 20 years, Steve and I sketched out the first verse and then quickly walked into the studio with the idea. Steve showed the band the chord progression and arrangement, we started recording, and what’s on the album is one take. I poured more into that song than anything I have ever recorded. I was in tears towards the end, and you can hear it. I get emotional every time I hear it.

"For me, all music is therapy for my soul. It truly helps me through the bad times and allows to celebrate the good times. Blues music takes a person through one’s life and draws you in through relatable stories."  (Photo: Piper Green in the legendary Ronnie’s Place at Soundstage Studios, Nashville TN)

How do you describe band’s sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

Steve: Piper & The Hard Times sound can be described as emotional, energetic, relatable, and full of love and passion. Our sound is guitar and groove driven with lyrics that tell heartfelt and fun stories. We have a deep admiration and respect for the blues, yet we approach it with hooks, twists and turns to keep it fresh and exciting. Our influences cover gospel, traditional blues of all styles, rock, and soul. Piper & The Hard Times is so lucky to have incredibly competent players who are able to use technique to enhance the soul and passion of our music. The soul of the band’s music never takes a backseat to technique or egos.

Piper: The band’s sound is one of energy, emotion, while keeping it focused on the history of the blues. We try and create different ideas to keep things fresh. My creativity in writing lyrics comes from keeping it real about what I’m living.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

Steve: When I first started making music, I intentionally tried to be creative, unique, and felt the guitar parts had to be complex. It was too exhausting to write, and the songs didn’t connect with people. The past several years, I’ve learned that it’s best to just let the songs happen organically. Today, If a simple riff and chord structure comes alive, which allows for memorable lyrics and a catchy melody, then I’m happy and the song was meant to be.

The one part of making music that has always come easy for me is writing guitar hooks and riffs. I can thank Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Albert King for that!

Piper: For me, I’ve had to grow and mature as a person first. I’ve always had a love for music, wanted to perform, and have had an ability to connect with people. I was very raw and didn’t work as hard as I needed to in the early years of the band. When playing with a group like the Hard Times, and with the level of players they are, I’ve had to grow as a person and musician and be responsible for being the best singer and entertainer I can. I now put more thought into writing lyrics than I ever have.

The part of my musicianship that has remained the same is that I write lyrics that are emotionally connected with me in some way. By feeling what I sing, I can pour my heart out to the audience. I also have NEVER left the stage not having given the audience every ounce of me!

"Piper & The Hard Times sound can be described as emotional, energetic, relatable, and full of love and passion. Our sound is guitar and groove driven with lyrics that tell heartfelt and fun stories. We have a deep admiration and respect for the blues, yet we approach it with hooks, twists and turns to keep it fresh and exciting." (Al "Piper" Green & Steve Eagon on stage / Photo by Roger Stephenson)

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Steve: While in college playing a festival, a local respected blues and jazz guitarist approached me after a gig, paid me a compliment, and asked me to meet him at his record shop the next day to chat. The next day he told me, “Steve, you’ve got tons of technique and flash but you’re not playing with any passion. You need to slow down and say more with less.” He then gave me two albums, told me to dig into them, and then wanted to get together and mentor me about finding soul and passion in my playing. Those two albums were Muddy Waters’ “Fathers and Sons” and B.B. King’s “Live at the Regal.” Listening to those records were life-changing for me.

Career and life highlights have been numerous. Marrying my wife, Ellen, and raising our two beautiful kids are at the top. I would not have begun playing the guitar if not for the support and encouragement of my parents. From there the number of memorable gigs have been too many to mention. That being said, the past year with Piper & The Hard Times have seen the band grow into a fine oiled groove machine. Winning the 2024 IBCs with this group was beyond memorable!

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

Steve: I try to exercise regularly to keep my body healthy and need to stay connected with nature which is an important part of my life. I also just love to play my guitar, which has never diminished. I still love to learn new things, write music, and find that the older I get I have to play to keep my hands strong.

Piper: I live on a farm in south Tennessee and love living in the country. I have chickens, cows, horses, goats, and other animals, and there’s always lots of work to do. It’s my escape from everything and keeps my soul fresh! To keep my voice strong, I’ve been working with a vocal coach which has helped so much! I need to stay strong to help take this band as far as it can go.                                  (Photo: Piper & the Hard Times)

"The blues scene in Nashville has just exploded in recent years. The level of musicianship is so inspiring and jaw-dropping. There is also a strong focus on songwriting and performing because Nashville is the songwriting capital of the world. Most of the blues bands are part of a big family and there’s not a level of competition you might think since there’s room for all of us to do our own thing. Being a musician and playing in a band in Nashville really forces you to be the best you can be!"

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

Steve: We recently performed a show in Birmingham, Alabama in the spring and hosted a youth blues workshop a few hours before the show. This was something we did with their local blues society, Magic City Blues, and a local music store, Mason Music. We met some amazing kids that day, played for them, did some teaching, and hopefully exposed them to the blues in a new hands-on way. We also hope that we started something as a band that we can do in other cities as we tour. It was such a fun and rewarding day!

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

Steve: I would love to magically take a day and be whisked around the world to play sets of our original music with this band in all the iconic music venues where my musical heroes played.

Piper: I have always been fascinated by the old USO Tours where music and entertainment celebrities entertained our military troops. I would love to go back in time and entertain our troops with my musical heroes.

What would you say characterizes Nashville (Music City) blues scene in comparison to other local US scenes and circuits?

Piper: The blues scene in Nashville has just exploded in recent years. The level of musicianship is so inspiring and jaw-dropping. There is also a strong focus on songwriting and performing because Nashville is the songwriting capital of the world. Most of the blues bands are part of a big family and there’s not a level of competition you might think since there’s room for all of us to do our own thing. Being a musician and playing in a band in Nashville really forces you to be the best you can be!

"In my opinion, the blues has lost some of it’s original essence over time. I yearn for the authentic and unadulterated blues music of the past characterized by its raw and soulful nature. While I want our band to push the boundaries to define our sound, I don’t want to lose that sense of heritage." (Photo: Piper & the Hard Times, the band take the 1^st place in 2024 International Blues Challenge, Memphis TN)

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Piper: My music career started in Nashville many years ago. I was sitting in a blues club close to the stage and singing out loud to the band. The singer liked what he heard, called me up on stage to sing with him, and I got the bug. That’s also how I met Steve Eagon, our guitar player. The highlight of my career was winning the IBC this year with the band.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Steve: When listening to old blues records, I love how raw everything sounds and how they’re not “perfect”. The limited technology, especially recording equipment, didn’t allow for everything to be dissected and perfected. I hope that the future embraces all types of blues. Like everything I believe we need to allow the blues to evolve and experiment while keeping the key pillars of the music intact.

Piper: In my opinion, the blues has lost some of it’s original essence over time. I yearn for the authentic and unadulterated blues music of the past characterized by its raw and soulful nature. While I want our band to push the boundaries to define our sound, I don’t want to lose that sense of heritage.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? How do you want the music to affect people?

Steve: I believe it’s important to preserve the history of the blues to understand its roots and essence, and then use it as a launching pad to grow its appeal. Here’s an example of how we want our music to affect people. Piper & The Hard Times recently had a show in which a woman came to tears after we played our original, “Preacher Blues.” Shortly after that moment we had people dancing on tables. A recent show at a college frat party had students hanging on everything we did and shouting at Piper’s stories. That’s what the blues should do – elicit emotions and appeal to all ages!

"Piper & The Hard Times sound can be described as emotional, energetic, relatable, and full of love and passion. Our sound is guitar and groove driven with lyrics that tell heartfelt and fun stories. We have a deep admiration and respect for the blues, yet we approach it with hooks, twists and turns to keep it fresh and exciting. Our influences cover gospel, traditional blues of all styles, rock, and soul. Piper & The Hard Times is so lucky to have incredibly competent players who are able to use technique to enhance the soul and passion of our music. The soul of the band’s music never takes a backseat to technique or egos." (Photo: Al "Piper" Green & Steve Eagon of Piper & the Hard Times)

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications?  How do you want the music to affect people?

Piper: Man, I think music can help people heal and get through the ups and downs of life, and bring people together. We’ve all seen music bring about social change and impact the world. I truly hope our music is able to touch people.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Steve: First, have fun! Music is supposed to elicit various emotions and you don’t have to master an instrument to get there. Do what moves you! Second, when playing in a band surround yourself with people you like and respect. A great band checks their egos at the door, listens to each other, and plays to the song. Third, not gigging during Covid taught me to play every show as if it were possibly my last.

Piper: Just be true to yourself and what you believe in. It’s as simple as that.

Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Steve: I absolutely believe there is an audience for the blues in its current state, but I believe people need to push the boundaries to reach younger audiences to keep it alive. Today’s blues audiences are predominantly older and that’s not sustainable. Who’s to say you can’t take the sound and feel of Muddy Waters and combine it with rap or non-traditional instruments.

Piper: Yes. I believe there is an audience for the blues, but we have to make an effort to educate people, especially the younger audience.

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(Photo: Al "Piper" Green of Piper & the Hard Times)