“We just like to play acoustic.”
There was a small covered stage at the bottom of the gently sloping lawn on the grounds of the French Legation Museum (we still don’t know exactly what this is), but A Hawk and a Hacksaw chose instead to wander up the hill a ways and play “all natural” (well, they did have clothing on). Fans circled around them and sat quietly on the grass, faces turned upward and focused intently on the New Mexico-based trio.
Heavily influenced by the sounds of Eastern Europe and experiences in Budapest, the group has a gypsy folk feel that relies on the delicate interplay between Heather Trost on violin and Jeremy Barnes (formerly of Neutral Milk Hotel) on accordion, all held together by tuba. The sound ranges from tragic to playful, with Barnes providing plaintive vocals and Trost creating some unique and squeaky tones by occasionally sounding her instrument by pulling her fingers across a string rather than using the bow. In the end, even if the band had not been playing next to a patch of Irises under a clear blue sky, AHAAH still would have charmed the crowd with their offbeat and appealing songs.
DOWNLOAD: A Hawk and a Hacksaw - Kertesz (MP3) or Follow us for more A Hawk and a Hacksaw MP3s (Twitter)
Saul Williams + Earl Greyhound + American Fangs - 11/15
Aladdin Theater
The Black Crowes + Truth & Salvage Co. - 11/20
Roseland Theater
Deastro + Max Tundra - 11/27
Doug Fir
Morrissey + Doll and the Kicks - 11/30
Roseland Theater
Portland Cello Project - 12/4
Aladdin Theater
Passion Pit - 12/7
The Crystal Ballroom
Ben Sollee + Daniel Martin Moore - 11/17
Tractor Tavern
The Fiery Furnaces + Cryptacize + Dent May - 11/18
Chop Suey
Mr. Lif + Dnaebeats - 11/19
Neumos
Built to Spill + Disco Doom + Finn Riggins 11/19
Showbox at the Market
Blind Pilot + Laura Veirs & the Hall of Flames 12/2
Neumos
Brett Dennen + Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - 12/6
Moore Theatre
I was very impressed with your objective review. But one thing all reviewers (and yes, I have read them all) have missed is the ages of the fans at GLO shows. Not only are there teens, frat boys and college cuties, there is also those of us who are quite a bit older. I am well into my 50’s and a member of a group who have followed these guys for almost 2 years. We have logged many miles to watch a show like no other. These guys transcend age and gender. Do we feel awkward at these shows, HELL NO! Do we rock out as much as these younger fans, HELL YES. And appreciate it much, much more. When we are recognized by Thomas and Aaron at these shows we are asked if we are their mothers. LOL I told Aaron that once and he said did you tell them HELL NO. While we stand in line waiting for a show, someone will always say to us “Do you know who is playing Tonight?” “Yes!” “You know it is Ghostland Observatory?” “YES!” (Oh no, we thought it was Tom Jones) “Well you know it gets pretty rowdy in there.” “Yes!” “You may have beer spilled on you” By now we are asking how many GLO shows they have attended. 3 or 4 or an occasional, “this is my first” is the usual answer. Well, This is our 10th show and we just flew 1500 miles to see them and will fly back home right after the show. To this the response it always “No Way”. And after the show it is always “You guys rock” and we gets many hugs from all these kids. Now that is respect. So, not all fans are young, we somewhat olders love them also. And we will continue to follow them (as long as we can).
by Arline on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 10.52 pm from the entry: Ghostland Observatory - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 8, 2009)
Yep, excellent documentary.
by Matt on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 03.19 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
I’m sure that Friend the Devil cover will be great. I remember when I got the DVD doc. of his band’s career (Runnin’ Down A Dream) it came with this bonus cd of songs. And one of the songs was a cover of Hank Williams’ classic “Lost Highway.” Stellar. I’m sure his abilities will find their way into this song as well.
by Colin on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 02.26 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
Tom Petty is the reason I got into music. Looking forward to this, especially that “Friend of the Devil” cover
by Matt on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 03.49 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
Don’t listen to Jarrod. Buy it! Every track is a gem, a bargain for $9.99 and you are supporting an independent artist.
by Pedro on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 02.14 pm from the entry: Keb' Mo' - "Live and Mo'" - Borrow It
great prose.
by colin on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 02.07 pm from the entry: Ghostland Observatory - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 8, 2009)
MOM IS ON FACEBOOK LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC LOOKING AT PIX FROM DR. PEPPER. WHERE ARE YOU DAVID & EVAN?? COSTUMES LOOK GREAT.
by WACKYMOM on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 12.40 pm from the entry: Love in Stockholm - Precinct (Somerville, MA; Oct. 31, 2009)
I’m so jealous! Love these guys. And love your photos.
man this looks like fun. great pictures!
I think you made some good points in your post.
thanks guys!