Rooted in the tradition of bluegrass, the music of Head for the Hills is a high-energy mixture of homegrown compositions, traditional harmonies, and an innovative approach to improvisation that reflects the band's experiences living the mountain life. The group's lyrical nature and songwriting seems to evoke a feeling of inspiration in listeners, often embracing nature, personal epiphanies, or even their experiences growing up around Colorado ski towns. In the live setting, Head for the Hills can venture into a myriad of musical styles while staying in a context that is still widely respected by the traditional bluegrass community.
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 seems to appeal to those who enjoy the sound of the bluegrass forefathers like 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.
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 their home. In their short but prosperous career, Head for the Hills have had the honor of performing and sharing the stage with the legendary mandolin extraordinaire David Grisman, members of Yonder Mountain String Band, Pete Wernick (Hot Rize), Drew Emmitt, Hot Buttered Rum, and Benny Galloway and the Wayword Sons among others. For 2 years running, Head for the Hills successfully headlined & produced Pickin' on the Poudre, their own multi-day campout festival which attracted over 1,200 enthusiastic concertgoers to Northern Colorado. 2006's festivities included artists: Jeff Austin and Dave Johnston of Yonder Mountain String Band and members of Great American Taxi and Shanti Groove among many others.
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 this young band. With direction from two esteemed musical veterans, Head for the Hills is primed and ready to bring their dynamic sound to the ears of listeners far wide. With just a few short years of existence, there is really no telling what is in store for these young Colorado pickers.
