Josh T. Pearson

Josh T. Pearson
Background information
Instruments Guitar
Labels Mute Records
Associated acts Lift to Experience
Website joshtpearson.com

Josh T. Pearson is a musician from Texas. He is known for his work with the band Lift to Experience and his subsequent solo career.

Lift To Experience

In 1996, Pearson formed the short-lived, but critically acclaimed band Lift to Experience, who released one double album, The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads on Bella Union in 2001, before splitting up soon after.

The Wilderness Years

After Lift To Experience disintegrated, Pearson retreated to Limestone County, Texas, doing odd jobs to get by while he continued playing and writing music. Eventually, he left Texas for Europe, where he lived in Berlin and Paris while playing live to support himself.[1] He also toured with Dirty Three, Archie Bronson Outfit, 65daysofstatic and notably performed at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival several times including those curated by Dirty Three (2007) and My Bloody Valentine (2009).[2][3]

His only studio recording during this time is a cover of Hank Williams' song I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, which was released on 7" split single also featuring Dirty Three, and appearance on West Country Night - Session One compilation album. He also provided guitar and backing vocals on two songs, "Seal Jubilee" and "Trophy", on Bat for Lashes 2006's Mercury Music Prize nominated album Fur and Gold.[4][5][6]

Solo career

In January 2010, Pearson recorded an album of epic acoustic ballads at Klangbild Studios in Berlin.[7] During album recording sessions, he also did a session with Berlin-based pianist and composer Dustin O'Halloran (two songs from this session were later released in support of Record Store Day 2011)[8][9] and later that year took part in Yann Tiersen's project Dust Lane Inc.[10]

In November 2010, Mute Records announced the signing of Josh T. Pearson and release of his debut solo album Last Of The Country Gentlemen in March 2011.[11][12]

Pearson spent most of 2011-12 promoting the album and touring extensively in its support,[13] playing many solo shows including South by Southwest Music Conference in Austin[14] and sold out nights at Union Chapel, Islington and Barbican Centre in London, festivals including Primavera Sound Festival, Latitude Festival, Green Man Festival and End of the Road Festival, while also sharing stage with likes of Fleet Foxes and Joanna Newsom.[15][16][17] He made his TV debut on the BBC show Later with Jools Holland in April 2011.[18]

Last of the Country Gentlemen was named Rough Trade (shops) "Album of the Year 2011"[19] and nominated in two categories, "Best Album" and "Breakthrough Act", at MOJO Awards 2011[20] and shortlisted for Uncut Music Award 2011.[21] Uncut placed the album at number 5, while Mojo ranked it number 7, Rolling Stone number 33 and Q number 42 in their "Top 50 Albums of 2011".[22][23][24][25] In December 2013 Uncut included Last of the Country Gentlemen in their pick of the top 50 Greatest Singer/ Songwriter Albums of all time.[26]

In October 2011, Pearson took part in "A Room for London - Sounds from a Room" art project, in which leading artists of all disciplines used a one-bedroom Joseph Conrad’s book Heart of Darkness-influenced architectural installation in the form of a riverboat perched on a rooftop of Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre in London as a workspace. During his 2-day residency, Pearson recorded 10 gospel songs followed by a live webcast.[27][28][29]

Pearson played and appeared in the 2002 French experimental film by Philippe Grandrieux entitled La vie nouvelle.[30] Pearson's song "Country Dumb" appears in the 2012 Martin McDonagh directed motion picture Seven Psychopaths[31] and "Woman, When I've Raised Hell" in the 2013 Ridley Scott's thriller film written by Cormac McCarthy The Counselor.[32]

Mark Lanegan called Pearson "a one of a kind artist", while Guy Garvey of Elbow called him "the greatest male vocalist of our time".[33]

Discography

Albums

Singles/ EPs

Live Bootlegs

External links

Further reading

References

  1. ↑ Louder Than War Interview with Ian Johnston
  2. ↑ Dirty Three ATP - Drowned In Sounds Review
  3. ↑ MBV ATP NME Review
  4. ↑ Josh T. Pearson/ Dirty Three single
  5. ↑ West Country Night - Session One details
  6. ↑ Bat For Lashes w/ Josh T. Pearson
  7. ↑ Last of the Country Gentlemen Discogs
  8. ↑ Josh T. Pearson performs Country Dumb with Dustin O'Halloran.
  9. ↑ Josh T. Pearson - Record Store Day 2011
  10. ↑ Yann Tiersen & Dust Lane Inc. feat Josh T. Pearson
  11. ↑ Josh T. Pearson Signs To Mute
  12. ↑ Josh T. Pearson signing contract with Mute (photos)
  13. ↑ 247 Magazine: Josh T. Pearson About Life on the Road
  14. ↑ SXSW goes to church with Low and Josh T. Pearson
  15. ↑ Josh T. Pearson at Union Chapel
  16. ↑ An evening with Josh T Pearson and guests
  17. ↑ Josh T. Pearson Concert Dates on Songkick
  18. ↑ Later... with Jools Holland, Series 38, Episode 2
  19. ↑ Last of the Country Gentlemen named Rough Trade's Album of the Year 2011
  20. ↑ Mojo Honours List 2011 - The Shortlist
  21. ↑ Uncut Magazine Music Award 2011 Nominations
  22. ↑ Uncut's Top 50 Albums of 2011
  23. ↑ MOJO's Top 50 Albums of 2011
  24. ↑ Rolling Stone's 50 Best Albums of 2011
  25. ↑ Q's 50 Albums of The Year 2011
  26. ↑ Uncut: 50 Greatest Singer/Songwriter Albums
  27. ↑ A Room For London
  28. ↑ Sounds From A Room
  29. ↑ Twelve Gigs On A Boat
  30. ↑ A New Life IMDb
  31. ↑ Seven Psychopaths Soundtrack
  32. ↑ The Counselor - Soundtracks - IMDb
  33. ↑ Dog Day Press - Josh T. Pearson
  34. ↑ Josh Pearson on Discogs
  35. ↑ Country Dumb single
  36. ↑ Sweetheart I Ain't Your Christ / Country Dumb - Record Store Day 2011
  37. ↑ Woman, When I’ve Raised Hell single
  38. ↑ Sorry With A Song single
  39. ↑ Rough Trade Christmas Bonus
  40. ↑ To Hull And Back bootleg
  41. ↑ The King Is Dead bootleg