By Joseph Knoop
The history and sound of bluegrass run as deep as a river, so it only makes sense that Harpeth Rising would choose to name themselves after the 115-mile Tennessee stream of the same name. Darkly passionate lyrics and earthy tones are set to collide at the 1st Avenue Folk Concert Series at the Warehouse this month.
Though currently based out of Tennessee, each member of Harpeth Rising earned their performance degrees at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. After a chance meeting between violinist Jordana Greenberg and banjoist Rebecca Reed-Lunn at a folk festival, the addition of Maria Di Meglio allowed the trio to begin blending their own fusion of bluegrass, folk, rock, and a clash of their American and foreign influences.
Banjoist Rebecca Reed-Lunn learned from more than her classical training, having taught herself the banjo thanks to time spent consulting YouTube videos. This was all in addition to learning the viola. Reed-Lunn is also featured in the 2012 Women of Banjo calendar, a celebration of female instrument players.
The band has released five albums in as many years, including their most recent, “Shifted,” which debuted at #1 on the Folk DJ Charts for August 2015. The album’s opening track “I Am Eve (I Am The Reason)” also debuted at the #1 song spot on the same chart.
Harpeth Rising is currently finishing up a tour that’s taken them through England, including Yorkshire and Glossop. The band is scheduled to play the Warehouse in Carmel at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the performance.
