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. The group’s lyrical
nature and songwriting seems to evoke reminiscent feelings of inspiration. In the live setting, Head for the
Hills can venture into a myriad of musical styles and sonic landscapes that caters to a boundless array of
listeners.
Head for the Hills is poised to announce the release of their sophomore studio effort, aptly entitled "Head
for the Hills." This endearing release captures the true essence of the consistently evolving group. Nestled
deep in the mountains of Colorado, in Bill Nershi's Sleeping Giant Studios, the quartet began a musical
journey.
What transpired was a thoughtful and dynamic time-piece that captures the essence of their awe-inspiring
live performance. Head for the Hills continues to garner increased attention all across the country. There is
no telling what successes lay ahead for these talented musicians.
To get a sense of Head for the Hills’ snowballing momentum, look no further than the surrounding talent
on their self-titled sophomore release, Head for the Hills. The six-year old pickers attracted heavyweights
like longtime jamband and bluegrass vet, Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon) as their producer who took them
up to Bill Nershi’s Sleeping Giant studio to record -- where he and Emmitt recently laid down their own
release, New Country Blues. Studio engineer Gus Skinas worked the knobs, who boasts a particularly
intriguing CV having digitally remastered Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon; helped Sony develop the
early iterations digital audio; and invented an innovative multi-tracker called Sonoma that combines the
warmth of analog with the ease and efficiency of digital. In addition, Vance Powell -- who adorns his
mantle with a Grammy for his work on the Raconteurs wildly successful Consolers of the Lonely album --
mixed the record. Finally, the recent studio release benefits not only from guest picking and vocals from
Nershi and Emmitt, but also Anders Beck of another group of burgeoning picksmiths, Greensky Bluegrass .
In addition Kyle James Hauser (Gregory Alan Isakov) and James Thomas supply their talnts on banjo and
Keyboards.
The new self titled, release is now available via H4TH’s website. The album has been receiving amazing
recognition and is spreading coast to coast. The album peaked at #111 on the CMJ TOP 200 Radio
Listings nationally. The band is poised to begin the next chapter of their youthful existence.
2008 and 2009 have seen the band touring heavily. The band embarked on a massive national tour of
theaters, amphitheatres, and high profile music festivals, including: Wakarusa Music Festival, Northwest
String Summit, Green Apple Music Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival (Night Grass Series), Mulberry
Mountain Harvest Festival, Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival, Yarmony Grass Music Festival, Bristol
Rhythm and Roots Reunion and many more.
The band is also heavily interfaced in charitable efforts. Head for the Hills is proud to partner with
Conscious Alliance, a Boulder, CO based non-profit group, and their mission to fight hunger in Native
America. A limited edition “Head for the Hills 2009 Commemorative Poster” by Rob Marx will be
available at all 2009 performances while supplies last. Proceeds from the poster will go to benefit
Conscious Alliance and their valuable efforts.
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 draws significant inspiration from the sounds of the bluegrass forefathers such as 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.
After several career defining sold out performances in Fort Collins, CO, performing to capacity crowds in
Colorado & beyond, consistent national touring, and appearances at music festivals around the country, this
quartet is emerging as a mainstay in the roots music community.
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, Colorado their home. In their short but
prosperous career, Head for the Hills has performed, supported, & shared programming with such notable
acts as: David Grisman, Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, The Flaming Lips, Bruce Hornsby, Yonder Mountain
String Band, Emmylou Harris Nickel Creek, Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan, Doc Watson, and Railroad Earth
among many others.
2007 was a huge year for the quartet as they were the named winners of Yonder Mt. String Band’s 2007
Northwest String Summit Band Completion held at Horning’s Hideout in North Plains, OR. In addition
they completed their debut album, Robber’s Roost, produced by Grammy Award Winning
musician/producer Sally Van Meter (Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, and Yonder Mountain String Band).
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.
Many respected avenues have sighted Head for the Hills as the next breath of fresh air to emerge from the
acoustic realm. 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.