FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
PETRA HADEN

November 28, 2016 | by Rusty Aceves

Jesse Harris and Petra Haden

Here are five things you should know about violinist Petra Haden performs with guitarist/composer Jesse Harris.

1. She was a founding member of the iconic 1990s Los Angeles alternative rock band That Dog, and has contributed to albums and performances by The Decemberists, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Weezer, Victoria Williams, and Beck, among others.
2. She has recorded three albums as a solo artist, including her 1996 debut Imaginaryland, a 2005 multi-tracked a capella version of The Who’s The Who Sell Out, and 2013’s Petra Goes to the Movies, a vocal album of classic film music.
3. Petra is the daughter of bassist and jazz legend Charlie Haden, and appeared along with sisters Rachel and Tanya on her father’s autobiographical 2008 album Rambling Boy.
4. She has memorably collaborated with guitarist and former SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director Bill Frisell on their 2003 duo album Petra Haden & Bill Frisell, and again on Frisell’s latest release, When You Wish Upon a Star. The pair appeared on legendary jazz drummer Paul Motian’s final album, The Windmills of Your Mind.
5. Haden’s latest collaboration is with composer and guitarist Jesse Harris, a superlative musician best known for writing the smash “Don’t Know Why” for Norah Jones and songs for Willie Nelson, Melody Gardot, and Emmylou Harris. Their album, Seemed Like A Good Idea, features music written by Harris and includes appearances by guest musicians Aaron Parks and Jon Brion.