A Hawk and a Hacksaw
Encyclopedia
A Hawk and a Hacksaw is a band from Albuquerque, New Mexico
, currently signed to L.M. Dupli-cation. The band consists of accordionist Jeremy Barnes
, who was previously the drummer for Neutral Milk Hotel
and Bablicon
, and violinist Heather Trost
. The music is inspired by Eastern European, Turkish and Balkan traditions, and is mostly instrumental.
The band's self-titled first album
(released in 2002) provided the soundtrack for the documentary Zizek!
, directed by Astra Taylor
, which features Slovenian cultural theorist Slavoj Žižek
. Darkness at Noon (released in 2004), was the band's second release, and was recorded in England, the Czech Republic and New Mexico. It was during the recording of this album that Barnes met Trost.
In 2005, the band met Zach Condon of the band Beirut
and gave his bedroom recordings to the small independent label, Ba Da Bing Records. They also played on the first Beirut album, Gulag Orkestar
.
The band's third record, The Way the Wind Blows
(released in 2006), was partially recorded in the small Romanian village of Zece Prajini, and features members of the brass band Fanfare Ciocarlia
.
In 2007 they were awarded a grant by the CMN branch of the UK arts council, which enabled them to do a collaborative tour of the UK with the Hungarian folk group The Hun Hangár Ensemble. Barnes and Trost ended up staying in Budapest for 2 years.
Délivrance
(released in 2009), the follow-up to The Way the Wind Blows, was recorded in Budapest
, Hungary
. It includes collaborations with some of Hungary's best folk musicians, including Ferenc Kovacs
, Balazs Ungar, and Kálmán Balogh
.
The first four albums and an E.P. were released on The Leaf Label
.
In 2010 Barnes and Trost started their own label, L.M. Dupli-cation, and released their 5th album, Cervantine
, in February 2011. The label aims to release music from around the Eastern European region.
A Hawk and A Hacksaw have appeared at All Tomorrow's Parties Festival, Roskilde (Den), The Green Man Festival, Pitchfork Music Festival, The Calgary Folk Fest, Wellington Arts Fest (N.Z.), among others. They have also toured with Wilco
, Calexico, Andrew Bird
, of Montreal
, Beirut
and Portishead.
The name "A Hawk and A Hacksaw" is a reference to the book "Don Quixote" by Miguel De Cervantes. "Don Quixote" was written in 1604. This quotation comes from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" probably written in 1600; I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw. The original quote was changed from "Handsaw" to "Hacksaw" to reference the "Aksak" meter that is so prevalent in Balkan and Turkish music.
In the original "Don Quixote", Cervantes contrasts black and white rather than a hawk and a hand-saw. The Smollet translation, however, reads, "...therefore, let every man lay his hand upon his heart and not pretend to mistake an hawk for a hand-saw; for, we are all as God made us, and many of us much worse."
Joined by an ever expanding and contracting line-up of musicians, A Hawk and A Hacksaw seeks to create an ecstatic sound much like the village bands of old- virtuosity is appreciated but not over-emphasized- and it is the communal aspect of folk tradition and musicianship that becomes important. They have been chosen by Jeff Mangum
of Neutral Milk Hotel
to perform at the All Tomorrow's Parties
festival that he will curate in December 2011 in Minehead, England, where they will perform a new and original soundtrack to “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
”
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico, United States. It is the county seat of Bernalillo County and is situated in the central part of the state, straddling the Rio Grande. The city population was 545,852 as of the 2010 Census and ranks as the 32nd-largest city in the U.S. As...
, currently signed to L.M. Dupli-cation. The band consists of accordionist Jeremy Barnes
Jeremy Barnes
Jeremy Barnes is an American musician. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the son of a local businessman. In 1995 he moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University but later dropped out. He joined the band Neutral Milk Hotel in January 1996. The band disbanded in 1998 and Barnes spent time...
, who was previously the drummer for Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel was an American indie rock band formed by singer, guitarist and songwriter Jeff Mangum in the early 1990s. The band was noted for its experimental sound, obscure lyrics and eclectic instrumentation....
and Bablicon
Bablicon
Bablicon was an Elephant 6-related free-jazz band consisting of members of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Gerbils.The band was formed in 1996 when Dave McDonnell , Jeremy Barnes , and Griffin Rodriguez teamed up to write and improvise music...
, and violinist Heather Trost
Heather Trost
-Biography:Trost was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is one of the two members of the American Balkan Folk band A Hawk and a Hacksaw, with Jeremy Barnes ....
. The music is inspired by Eastern European, Turkish and Balkan traditions, and is mostly instrumental.
The band's self-titled first album
A Hawk and a Hacksaw (album)
A Hawk and a Hacksaw is the eponymous debut album by A Hawk and a Hacksaw released in July 2002 on Cloud Recordings and re-released in June 2004 on The Leaf Label....
(released in 2002) provided the soundtrack for the documentary Zizek!
Žižek!
Zizek!, sometimes written as Žižek!, is a 2005 American/Canadian documentary film directed by Astra Taylor. Its subject is philosopher and psychoanalyst Slavoj Žižek, a prolific author and former candidate for the Presidency of Slovenia in the Council of Presidents of Yugoslavia.Zizek! premiered at...
, directed by Astra Taylor
Astra Taylor
Astra Taylor is a Canadian-American documentary filmmaker and writer, best known for her 2005 film, Zizek!, about the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek, and for her 2008 film, Examined Life....
, which features Slovenian cultural theorist Slavoj Žižek
Slavoj Žižek
Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian philosopher, critical theorist working in the traditions of Hegelianism, Marxism and Lacanian psychoanalysis. He has made contributions to political theory, film theory, and theoretical psychoanalysis....
. Darkness at Noon (released in 2004), was the band's second release, and was recorded in England, the Czech Republic and New Mexico. It was during the recording of this album that Barnes met Trost.
In 2005, the band met Zach Condon of the band Beirut
Beirut (band)
Beirut is an American band which was originally the solo musical project of Santa Fe native Zachary Francis Condon, and later expanded into a band. The band's first performances were in Wollaston, United Kingdom, in May 2006, to support the release of their debut album, Gulag Orkestar...
and gave his bedroom recordings to the small independent label, Ba Da Bing Records. They also played on the first Beirut album, Gulag Orkestar
Gulag Orkestar
Gulag Orkestar is the debut album of Beirut. It was recorded in 2005 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.It is written in the booklet that the front and back photos were found in a library in Leipzig, torn out of a book...
.
The band's third record, The Way the Wind Blows
The Way the Wind Blows
The Way the Wind Blows is the third studio album by A Hawk and a Hacksaw, released in 2006 on The Leaf Label.-Track listing:# "In the River"# "The Way the Wind Blows"# "Song for Joseph"# "Fernando's Giampari"# "God Bless the Ottoman Empire"...
(released in 2006), was partially recorded in the small Romanian village of Zece Prajini, and features members of the brass band Fanfare Ciocarlia
Fanfare Ciocarlia
Fanfare Ciocărlia is a popular twelve-piece Romani brass band from the northeastern Romanian village of Zece Prăjini. The band began as a loose assemblage of part-time musicians playing at local weddings and baptisms. In October 1996, the German sound engineer and record producer Henry Ernst...
.
In 2007 they were awarded a grant by the CMN branch of the UK arts council, which enabled them to do a collaborative tour of the UK with the Hungarian folk group The Hun Hangár Ensemble. Barnes and Trost ended up staying in Budapest for 2 years.
Délivrance
Délivrance
Délivrance is the fourth full-length studio album by A Hawk and a Hacksaw, released in 2009 on The Leaf Label.-Singles:"Foni Tu Argile", a traditional Greek Rembetika song, is the first single from the album. It was released as a 500 copy, limited edition, hand-numbered 10” single, cut at 78rpm...
(released in 2009), the follow-up to The Way the Wind Blows, was recorded in Budapest
Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary, it is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. In 2011, Budapest had 1,733,685 inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2,113,645 due to suburbanization. The Budapest Commuter...
, Hungary
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
. It includes collaborations with some of Hungary's best folk musicians, including Ferenc Kovacs
Ferenc Kovács
Ferenc Kovács , is a former Hungarian footballer and coach.He played for MTK and capped once for Hungary, and won the bronze medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics.-References:...
, Balazs Ungar, and Kálmán Balogh
Kálmán Balogh
Kálmán Balogh is one of the foremost Hungarian cimbalom players, descending from a famous dynasty of Hungarian Gypsy musicians. His virtuosity is matched only by his understanding and respect of his heritage. A graduate of Franz Liszt Academy of Music of Budapest, he has completed many successful...
.
The first four albums and an E.P. were released on The Leaf Label
The Leaf Label
The Leaf Label is an independent record label based in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Initially known as an electronic music label, releasing mainly instrumental music, the company's approach has broadened over the last few years and now features an eclectic range of artists, with a focus on strong...
.
In 2010 Barnes and Trost started their own label, L.M. Dupli-cation, and released their 5th album, Cervantine
Cervantine
Cervantine is A Hawk and a Hacksaw's fifth studio album, and the first to be released on the new label, L.M. Dupli-cation. The album's sound stands out from previous recordings, drawing a stronger influence from Greek Romani music, and the mariachi that had surrounded the group in New Mexico.-Track...
, in February 2011. The label aims to release music from around the Eastern European region.
A Hawk and A Hacksaw have appeared at All Tomorrow's Parties Festival, Roskilde (Den), The Green Man Festival, Pitchfork Music Festival, The Calgary Folk Fest, Wellington Arts Fest (N.Z.), among others. They have also toured with Wilco
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup has changed frequently, with only singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John...
, Calexico, Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird is an American musician, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.- Early life and the Bowl of Fire :...
, of Montreal
Of Montreal
Of Montreal is an American rock band from Athens, Georgia. It was founded by frontman Kevin Barnes in 1996, named after a failed romance with a woman "of Montreal." The band is one of the bands of the Elephant 6 collective...
, Beirut
Beirut (band)
Beirut is an American band which was originally the solo musical project of Santa Fe native Zachary Francis Condon, and later expanded into a band. The band's first performances were in Wollaston, United Kingdom, in May 2006, to support the release of their debut album, Gulag Orkestar...
and Portishead.
The name "A Hawk and A Hacksaw" is a reference to the book "Don Quixote" by Miguel De Cervantes. "Don Quixote" was written in 1604. This quotation comes from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" probably written in 1600; I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw. The original quote was changed from "Handsaw" to "Hacksaw" to reference the "Aksak" meter that is so prevalent in Balkan and Turkish music.
In the original "Don Quixote", Cervantes contrasts black and white rather than a hawk and a hand-saw. The Smollet translation, however, reads, "...therefore, let every man lay his hand upon his heart and not pretend to mistake an hawk for a hand-saw; for, we are all as God made us, and many of us much worse."
Joined by an ever expanding and contracting line-up of musicians, A Hawk and A Hacksaw seeks to create an ecstatic sound much like the village bands of old- virtuosity is appreciated but not over-emphasized- and it is the communal aspect of folk tradition and musicianship that becomes important. They have been chosen by Jeff Mangum
Jeff Mangum
Jeff Mangum is a musician best known for being the lyricist, vocalist and guitarist of the band Neutral Milk Hotel, as well as being one of the cofounders of The Elephant 6 Recording Company. Mangum, along with the other founding members of the Elephant 6, attended Ruston High School in the late...
of Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel was an American indie rock band formed by singer, guitarist and songwriter Jeff Mangum in the early 1990s. The band was noted for its experimental sound, obscure lyrics and eclectic instrumentation....
to perform at the All Tomorrow's Parties
All Tomorrow's Parties (music festival)
All Tomorrow's Parties is a music festival which takes place at Camber Sands holiday camp in East Sussex and Butlin's holiday camp in Minehead, Somerset, England....
festival that he will curate in December 2011 in Minehead, England, where they will perform a new and original soundtrack to “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors , also called Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors, Shadows of Our Ancestors, or Wild Horses of Fire – is a 1964 film by the Soviet-Armenian filmmaker Sergei Parajanov based on the book by Ukrainian writer Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky...
”
Studio Albums
- A Hawk and a HacksawA Hawk and a Hacksaw (album)A Hawk and a Hacksaw is the eponymous debut album by A Hawk and a Hacksaw released in July 2002 on Cloud Recordings and re-released in June 2004 on The Leaf Label....
(2002 - Cloud Recordings, 2004 - The Leaf LabelThe Leaf LabelThe Leaf Label is an independent record label based in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Initially known as an electronic music label, releasing mainly instrumental music, the company's approach has broadened over the last few years and now features an eclectic range of artists, with a focus on strong...
) - Darkness at Noon (2005 - The Leaf LabelThe Leaf LabelThe Leaf Label is an independent record label based in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Initially known as an electronic music label, releasing mainly instrumental music, the company's approach has broadened over the last few years and now features an eclectic range of artists, with a focus on strong...
) - The Way the Wind BlowsThe Way the Wind BlowsThe Way the Wind Blows is the third studio album by A Hawk and a Hacksaw, released in 2006 on The Leaf Label.-Track listing:# "In the River"# "The Way the Wind Blows"# "Song for Joseph"# "Fernando's Giampari"# "God Bless the Ottoman Empire"...
(2006 - The Leaf LabelThe Leaf LabelThe Leaf Label is an independent record label based in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Initially known as an electronic music label, releasing mainly instrumental music, the company's approach has broadened over the last few years and now features an eclectic range of artists, with a focus on strong...
) - DélivranceDélivranceDélivrance is the fourth full-length studio album by A Hawk and a Hacksaw, released in 2009 on The Leaf Label.-Singles:"Foni Tu Argile", a traditional Greek Rembetika song, is the first single from the album. It was released as a 500 copy, limited edition, hand-numbered 10” single, cut at 78rpm...
(2009 - The Leaf LabelThe Leaf LabelThe Leaf Label is an independent record label based in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Initially known as an electronic music label, releasing mainly instrumental music, the company's approach has broadened over the last few years and now features an eclectic range of artists, with a focus on strong...
) - CervantineCervantineCervantine is A Hawk and a Hacksaw's fifth studio album, and the first to be released on the new label, L.M. Dupli-cation. The album's sound stands out from previous recordings, drawing a stronger influence from Greek Romani music, and the mariachi that had surrounded the group in New Mexico.-Track...
(2011 - L.M. Dupli-cation)