Random Happening — Chris Pierce Tours American Silence

Singer, songwriter Chris Pierce has something to say when it comes to silence in the face of violence. He turned those words into harmonic narratives on American Silence, his latest album which he is now touring. The Billboard-charting artist comes to the Grand Annex April 1. 

With its rich collection of songs, American Silence brings powerful reflections of contemporary social issues and has earned stellar reviews from NPR Music, No Depression, Rolling Stone and many more. 

In a 2021 review of  American Silence, Random Lengths wrote;

“ … The title song, indeed the album, bears contrasts, harmonizing metaphorically to the complacency that plagues this society. It asks of those who enjoy the works of people different from them, will they stand up for them? Stripped down to only acoustic guitar, harmonica and Pierce’s vocals — even on chorus, the album’s Americana-folk sounds shine light on complex subjects, striking both your heart and the core of these matters.”

In the spring of 2020, Pierce said he found himself suddenly at home, learning how to be an “overnight audio engineer.” While trying to schedule online shows, and attempting to be productive, he began to write. Simultaneously, “amid the usual violence … ”  he felt the beginning of a great awakening in this country. American Silence is the channel to that awakening. 

Pierce, aka Reverend Tall Tree with his blues-soul band, has also written a Blues Opera, which he continues to perform. It’s a 21 song tale following the journey of a fictional street preacher, many years ago in the American deep South. Pierce performed his Blues Opera at the Grand Annex in 2018.

The singer, songwriter has gained national attention for his work on many television and film soundtracks, including No One from the series A Million Little Things and his co-writing We Can Always Come Back to This from the series This is Us. The ladder song peaked at number-one on the Billboard blues chart and garnered nominations for Best Song/Recording Created for Television from The Guild of Music Supervisors and The Jerry Goldsmith Awards.

In addition to his own touring and musical projects, Pierce has collaborated with artists like renowned fingerstyle blues guitarist Sunny War. He also lends his warm soul vocals, guitar and harmonica to other artists’ recordings. Pierce has performed on stage with or opened for: Seal, Cold War Kids, B.B. King, Al Green, Sara Bareilles, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Blind Boys of Alabama, Aaron Neville and others.

Opener: Joselyn & Don – soulful modern folk

Montana natives turned Angelenos, Joselyn and Don’s intoxicating music will take you to locales of mountain wildflowers and desert Joshua trees. The duo’s expressions of blues, folk and jazz form an understory illuminated with lyrical truth. Joselyn Wilkinson and Don Barrozo forage musical ideas from many sources, adding their own blend of talent and musicianship contributing to a rich Americana soil. Their debut album Soar received positive press and airplay from more than 100 radio stations across the U.S. Their upcoming EP Seeds & Bones digs deep into modern roots with an urgency born of truth seeking.

As part of the Roots and Rambles series, a song writing workshop will be held before the concert from 7 to 7:45 p.m.

COVID-19 Safety at the Grand Annex

For everyone’s safety and health, and in compliance with City of Los Angeles protocols, face masks are required for all unvaccinated attendees ages 2 and up during all events. All attendees must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours, or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours. Attendees ages 18 and up must show a valid ID along with proof of vaccination.

Chris Pierce American Silence Tour

Time: Songwriting Workshop 7 to 7:45 p.m. Concert 8:15 p.m. April 1

Cost: $23 and up

Details: 310-833-4813; www.grandvision.org/event/chris-pierce 

Venue: The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro