Bumper Jacksons, Heather Pierson, Underhill Rose

HEATHER PIERSON is an award-­winning pianist, multi-­genre singer/songwriter, arranger, bandleader, 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 (Davy Sturtevant on strings/cornet and Shawn Nadeau on bass) move seamlessly and effortlessly from one style to the next, and a growing catalog of wildly divergent CD releases reflects her boundless creativity. In November 2014, she released her eighth studio recording, Motherless Child, a collection of inspired originals and renditions of blues and jazz standards that is her best and most ambitious release to date. In bringing a Dr. John-­meets-­Dave-­Brubeck sensibility to songs like “The Gumbo’s Too Hot” and embodying the very meaning of heartache in her Nina Simone-­infused renditions of classics like “I Loves You, Porgy” and the stunning title track, Heather’s formidable talents as a vocalist, pianist, songwriter, arranger, and bandleader are on full display.


"One of the most promising rootsy women artists in the Americana scene." – No Depression

Harmonies. Soul-touching lyrics. Eye-catching stage presence. Underhill Rose has put its talents to work to become synonymous with beautiful music, charming personalities and, recently, increased momentum.

With Eleanor playing her distinctive claw-hammer style on a Deering banjo along with harmonica, Molly Rose on guitar and Salley plucking the upright bass, the trio has carved out a place in the Americana scene with songs that run the gamut from heart wrenching to sassy and playful to thought-provoking. Eleanor's salty blues-inspired voice and Molly Rose's soaring range lead the group in tandem with Salley's country twang to create three-part harmony music that is real and inspired, and rooted in everything life has thrown at Asheville, North Carolina's pre-eminent female trinity.

Molly Rose and Eleanor Underhill's musical partnership is the result of a chance meeting at a makeshift performance of "Angel from Montgomery" between classes at Warren Wilson College. Molly Rose's beautiful voice resonated with Eleanor, and the two eventually started performing live together. Their affinity for the music they make has kept them together for more than 12 years. Underhill Rose formed in 2009, and the addition of Salley Williamson two years later created the foundation for an internationally-recognized female trio known for blending aspects of Americana, rhythm and blues, country and bluegrass into an authentic sound that is all their own—"Heartfelt Country Soul."

The successful completion of a crowd-funding campaign kick-started 2013, a year that will go down as career-defining for the trio. The financial support from fans led to the recording of the group's second release, the Cruz Contreras (The Black Lillies) produced "Something Real," at the multi-Grammy Award generating Echo Mountain Recording Studios. The product is a result of the boot-wearing trifecta's close-knit collaboration that, for the first time, features all three women singing their self-written material.

"Something Real" debuted in May 2013 and quickly began climbing the Americana Music Association (AMA) Airplay charts. The release would peak at #18 and spend 10 weeks in the Top 40 and an additional 12 in the Top 100. By the end of the year, the album was named an AMA Top 100 album of the year. The group's record also appeared in the Top 25 on the EuroAmericana, Freeform Americana Radio (FAR) and The Alternate Root "Roots 66" charts. The band has earned critical-acclaim from No Depression, Music News Nashville, Common Folk Music, The Alternate Root, The Roots Music Report, and numerous other publications throughout the United States and Europe.

The group took the album release as an opportunity to expand its touring footprint, spending multiple weeks playing Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado during the summer of 2013. The trio wrapped up the year with debut performances in the northeastern United States, including an appearance at New York City's The Bitter End, where multiple rock-and-roll legends were in attendance, and an opening slot for legendary singer-songwriter Chris Smither in Pennsylvania.

Underhill Rose continues to delight audiences throughout the Southeast, from the bluegrass of Kentucky to the sandy shores of the Florida coast. They have entertained crowds at festivals ranging from the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion to the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam and venues as renowned as the Grove Park Inn and the Biltmore Estate. The ladies have shared the stage with the likes of singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale, Kevn Kinney of Drivin' N Cryin', Blackberry Smoke, Col. Bruce Hampton, Larry Keel, and the Everyone Orchestra featuring Jon Fishman and Papa Mali and have been praised by industry legends, fans and media outlets throughout the country. The recent album success has also led to strong support from radio, which opened the door for appearances on the legendary WSM in Nashville and WAMU in Washington, D.C., among others.

Underhill Rose makes music from the heart, drawing inspiration from life-long listening to folk, old country, and rhythm and blues. Armed with a fresh sound, visually appealing performances and an extraordinary ability to blend a multitude of musical genres, Underhill Rose is a trio with a sound that clings to listeners and audience members alike.

For more information and complete tour schedule, visit underhillrose.com.