Tracey
Tracey
Singer/Songwriter
Tracey Lynn Piergross was born on June 6, 1970 in Riverside, New Jersey, a small town across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Tracey grew up as a self-described “tomboy” and chased frogs and played with boys, and got good at some of the “boy” stuff—like soccer—at which she became quite proficient, and then got into music as an early teenager. She was always curious about the rich and diverse music scene across the river in Philly and would go into town at every opportunity to absorb the culture and dig the music.
Tracey describes herself as a combination of crazy & cool with a voice that will make your ears sigh in relief... sometimes smooth, sometimes aching. Her songwriting comes from the heart and REAL life experiences, mostly her own. Be prepared to shed a tear or fight off a smile when experiencing her live performance or just listening to her CD.
Her music is a combination of styles like pop, rock, r&b, country, folk and a peppering of jazz, creating a sound reminiscent of Sade and Norah Jones vs. Melissa Ethridge and Annie Lennox. Without categorizing, Tracey’s songs have reached the hearts of many through the melodic lyrical content that relates to the masses.
Her true love is songwriting and recording. Performing is the icing on the cake. Tracey has had the pleasure of working with some very talented and well known musicians like Larry Coryell, Bernard Purdie, Jorma Kaulkanen, Victor Bailey, Mark Egan, Paul Wertico, Jeff Berlin, Thierry Arpino, Murali Coryell, Karma Auger, Julian Coryell and studio engineers Ron & Howard Albert (Derek & The Dominoes, Firefall, Crosby Stills & Nash), (Jazz Guitarist), Steve Alaimo (TK Records President/ KC & The Sunshine Band) to name a few.
Her main musical influences have been singer/songwriters like Colin Hay and Sara McLachlan. Although Tracey built her musical foundation from the pop/rock and R&B scenes she has recently developed a taste and deep appreciation for the true foundations of music . . . jazz and classical, especially Tchaikowsky.
Tracey considers herself first and foremost a singer/songwriter; a vocalist with a touch of acoustic guitar playing. Live, Tracey accompanies herself on guitar (when the song calls for it) and, when required by the music, she’s usually accompanied by a second guitarist or bassist. For larger venues, she takes a rhythm section (bass/drums) plus some keyboards.
Tracey has been studying percussion with ex-Pat Metheny stalwart Paul Wertico and under his tutelage she has honed her drumming and percussion skills to the max; she always had a great time-feeling (listen to her rhythm guitar work) and now she couples that inherent natural pulse with new techniques and ideas.