“We were all classical music majors at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, which is where the three of us met,” said Maria Di Meglio, the band’s cellist, .
All three members – Rebecca Reed-Lunn, banjo; Jordana Greenberg, violin; and Di Meglio – are classically trained musicians, something recognizable in their harmonies and musicianship.
The band’s name is derived from a river that runs through Middle Tennessee, the Harpeth River. Next Wednesday will be the band’s first time in Tuscaloosa.
“We’re like tropical birds,” Greenburg said. “We like to fly South for the winter.”
From a live show, attendees can expect something similar to what would normally be seen at a local dive bar or restaurant.
Reed-Lunn describes a typical Harpeth Rising show as “a high energy mix of originals that stretch over several genres.” That includes cover songs ranging from Led Zeppelin to Nancy Sinatra.
Their covers come directly from their wide variety of influences, including The Beatles, Paul Simon, The Band, The Allman Brothers and Grayson Capps. Right now, the band is covering Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” instrumentally.
“We’re always discovering new music and our influences are ever expanding,” Greenburg said. “There is more music to be inspired by than we could ever listen to. We all bring different artists that we are passionate about to the table.”
Recently, the band put out its first live album, “Live at The Dreaming Tree,” which has 10 songs, including a cover of “These Boots Are Made For Walking.”
The group just bought a new touring vehicle, a Toyota Prius V, and they have booked an extensive world tour. They will also be releasing a new album this spring.
“Remember you are doing what you love. No matter how difficult things can be, you still get to play music for a living, and that is a gift,” Greenburg said.
Harpeth Rising will play at the Bama Theatre Wednesday, Jan. 14. Tickets are $15.
