What people are saying

  • “A twelve-track tour de force steeped in a New Orleans groove, delivering a tense, eclectic mix of blues, R&B, soul, and rock…powerhouse collection…the ensemble’s synergy is palpable” (Colin Campbell/Blues Matters UK)

    - Colin Campbell/Blues Matters UK

  • "Whoever thought Howlin’ Wolf’s voice could return from the dead in a dynamic blues singer with a fully loaded band...12 originals anchored in a New Orleans-flavored blues tradition with takes on Texas shuffles, incisive grooves, funk-rock & slow emotive ballads...lively & imaginative music... The songs are well-crafted & convincing…The last time I heard this type of music it was delivered with live gusto by Otis Redding on "I Can’t Turn You Loose", from the exceptional Live In Europe”LP. Piper’s songs get out of the starting gate with nostrils huffing & puffing like a dragon who swallowed jalapeno peppers…superb...a real stunner... “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” will remind blues enthusiasts of works by the Paul Butterfield Blues & Cream. It has a deep trench of rock shoveled in around it. The late Janis Joplin would’ve dueted with Piper on this excellently.”

    John Apice/Americana Highways

  • “Revelation is a searing, musically delightful portrait that includes everything that makes Piper & the Hard Times special...a contemporary group steeped in and fortified by the blues, yet easily able to incorporate elements of rock, jazz, soul, pop and gospel into their blend...hard-edged musical energy, driven by Green’s soulful, powerful lead vocals.”

    Ron Wynn/Nashville Scene

  • “Surprise Pick! …masterful debut release. Piper & The Hard Times have set the bar very high with Revelation, but something tells me that they are more than up to the challenge. ..outstanding album.”

    Graham Clarke/BluesBytes

  • "From the first track, “Trouble Man”- a band original, not the Marvin Gaye classic, Al “Piper” Green defines the proceedings with his gruff, full-bellowed vocals. The band reciprocates with its own big, brawny presence.  Further self-penned treats from this Nashville-based five-piece include the urgent shuffle “The Hard Times”, an insistent rocker- “Revelation” and the naughty, nasty “Crave You” which sports an ear-grabbing Willie Dixon-esque chorus hook."

    Duane Verh/Roots Music Report

  • "There’s something to be said for hard-core Electric Blues done right, especially when it’s as rough and rowdy, down and dirty as the songs on Revelation, the fiery debut album by Nashville’s own Piper and the Hard Times...Music this authentic; this tough, isn’t easily captured in a studio setting, but three days in Nashville at Soundstage Studios and they were able to record a dozen of the strongest Electric Blues songs you’re likely to hear nowadays...a breathtaking band at the peak of their collective powers.”

    Roy Peak/The Rocking Magpie

  • "Solid as any band on the contemporary blues scene...Al ‘Piper' Green’s voice is reminiscent of an evangelist, hinting in tonal quality and raw power to that of Howlin’ Wolf... tunes that are solidly written...There is no filler, no fluff...I recommend it highly.” (Bill Wilson/Reflections In Blue)

    Bill Wilson/Reflections In Blue

  • “A well-greased combo rolling on a chassis of solid blues rock rhythm."

    Morton Shlabotnik/Shepherd Express

  • "They deliver tense, eclectic and rhythmically dynamic blues-based music flavored with R&B, soul, and rock…a fine album debut."

    Richard Ludmerer/Making A Scene

  • "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...Fresh off the release of the band's latest CD, Revelation, Piper & The Hard Times...are a terrific mash-up of gritty guitar and smooth singing. A CD that fans of blues and blues-based hippy music will love.”

    Jeff Napier/NUVO

  • Winning the International Blues Challenge is quite an accomplishment, and it definitely opens some doors. However, it is this listeners belief that this must have album is going to kick down doors...Mark my words, Piper & The Hard Times will become a force to be reckoned with within the blues world. Who knows, one day they may actually have to consider changing the name of the band to Piper & The Formerly Hard Times.”


    Peter Lauro/Mary4Music

  • "They were selected as the best band at the International Blues Challenge, certainly well-deserved as this album proves...Piper drives his blues with the power of a gospel voice and in live shows proves himself as a consummate entertainer...the band is very tight and constantly presents as the well-oiled professional band that it is.”

    John Sacksteder/Kentuckiana Blues Society Newsletter

  • "12 self-penned tracks of tough, no-nonsense blues...Piper has a deep rich voice which occasionally breaks with emotion..Guitarist Steve Eagon adds mightily to many of the tracks but really steps forward in Come Back Knockin’ with a tasty opening riff and mid-song soloing...a solid listen.”


    Mark Smith/Jazz & Blues Report

  • Nashville-based Piper & the Hard Times are pure power. There is little subtle about their blend of good time, R & B- infused rockin’ blues. ..From Texas blues, to Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans, Piper & the Hard Times deliver a full-bodied set of original, visceral, and hardscrabble blues with just a hint of the power of the spiritual...The band’s grooves are deep, their hooks catchy, and the lyrics offer ‘hard times’ balanced by momentary joys...Al ‘Piper’ Green is a hell of a singer and is—quite reasonably—the focus on initial listen: totally different from Nathaniel Rateliff, but just as appealing. But the group has a lot more going for it, from the keyboard wizardry of Amy Frederick and Parker Hawkins’ bass to the power of Dave Colella’s drumming and Steve Eagan’s guitar. Mix in a few guests (notably the saxophones of Eddie Meyer and Dick Aven on half the tracks), and man—you have one heck of a recording replete with infectious, repetitive beats and licks.”

    Donald Teplyske/Fervor Coulee

  • Wholly-nourishing contemporary blues, featuring the throaty, muscular vocal delivery of Al ‘Piper' Green...The whole of Hard Times is completely sustaining, with the union of Steve Eagon’s guitar proficiencies, Dave Colella’s tight drumming, Amy Frederick’s pulsating keyboard efforts, and Parker Hawkins’ firm low-end bass work being the perfect foils for Green’s singing…impressive...well-engineered and sounding disc.  Terrific work!”

    William Brown/Curt’s Blues

  • The eclectic and entertaining roots music group Piper & the Hard Times deliver intense, rhythmically dynamic music.”

    Michael Limnios/blues.gr