PIPER & THE HARD TIMES Proves to be GOOD COMPANY August 29, 2025
"a tight-ass band...Piper's silky, soulful throat propels the band through a wild ride that blends southern music from The Allmans to Stax into a butt-shaking blues orgasm that would make ol' Muddy blush…a terrific mash-up of gritty guitar and smooth singing.” (Jeff Napier/NUVO)
Nashville, TN - Hard Times Records is proud to announce the release of PIPER & THE HARD TIMES' GOOD COMPANY, the follow-up to their award-winning debut album Revelation, on AUGUST 29, 2025.
The core of the band Piper & the Hard Times, Al “Piper” Green (vocalist/songwriter), Steve Eagon (guitarist/songwriter/bandleader), and Dave Colella (drummer/songwriter) have been playing and writing together for over 20 years while establishing themselves as a premier live act on the roots music scene. The band is rounded out by Amy "The Professor" Frederick on keyboards and Parker "Funkstick Porkchop" Hawkins on bass.
As the band’s frontman, Al "Piper" Green's lead vocals and charisma combine the flamboyance and earthiness of blues with the power and authority of gospel which represent the two biggest influences in his life. He takes the band and audience on a wild journey every show and does his best to turn the room upside down come showtime. Growing up in a musically inclined family in Bolivar, Tennessee, he sang in a gospel choir while also hearing the best of soul, pop and rock on the radio. Green contributes to the band's original songs with lyrics based on personal stories and experience which he sings with authority.
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, powerful 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, Piper, and drummer Dave Colella.
New Jersey native Dave Colella shares arranging duties on the original songs and brings a percussive edge and energy to the group's performances. A drummer since age seven, Colella's prior associations include studies with the great jazz drummer Joe Morello, best known for his years with Dave Brubeck. Colella says that it taught him "how" to play as opposed to "what." His playing also reflects a widespread knowledge and love of multiple idioms, as well as a thorough knowledge of vintage and contemporary blues. With Colella driving the band’s engine, a foundation is created for each band member to add their own flair.
Piper & the Hard Times have been delighting audiences across the South for many years. When you hear them, you're getting a lot more than just inspired covers or retooled bar band material. Instead, you're hearing poignant, inspired "from the soul" music from these talented guys who love playing, and they bring that energy and vitality to the bandstand each and every night.
"After playing almost 150 shows and touring the United States since our IBC win, we grew close not just as bandmates, but more so as friends. The sheer joy we have playing together is captured on this album and truly represents who we are musically. To say we're proud of "Good Company" is an understatement.” (Steve Eagon)
"We may not see each other for some time/our love and friendship last a lifetime” (“Those Days”)
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