This first CD from this new duo is a winner. It’s rare to find first efforts so well done. I marvel at the blending of not just their voices and instruments, but their obvious personal connection which adds a delightful robustness and maturity that is truly wonderful. In their case, the sum is greater than the parts. I look forward to much more music from these two fine musicians. - NW HOOT review Artists’ statement: Duet singing is a lot like life – it’s important to engage your whole self, make sure you are in tune, and leave enough time and space for anything that might happen unexpectedly. In our case, we happened unexpectedly in 2008, meeting and discovering a shared passion for music in the folk tradition. We hope you enjoy the songs chosen for this first CD. We might be covering a John Prine song, digging into traditional or composed mountain music, sharing our own original tunes, or interpreting a contemporary folksong in our own style. Each one tells a story, inspires good harmonies, and touches us—in the heart, in the funny bone, or in the memory of who we are and where we came from. More details about Hank and Claire: Pacific Northwest duo Hank Payne and Claire Favro offer close harmonies and vibrant intensity in their acoustic renditions of a wide range of songs. Their combined repertoire includes original songs, traditional folk, and tunes from contemporary singer/songwriters. Each has a long and varied musical background, with involvement in professional gigs and community music-making since the coffee house days of the 1960’s. Hank and Claire met in 2008 while training to become certified music practitioners. They share a dedication to perpetuating the tradition of live music, recognizing its powerful potential for healing and nurturing the human spirit. An evening of their musical collaboration is an evening with everything: joy, whimsy, melancholy, and just plain fun. Hank and Claire have entered the folk scene with a splash, pleasing audiences with their songwriting and duet-singing. Their set lists are crafted to impact each audience in a way that will touch hearts, build community, and send people out into the world refreshed and renewed. More at their website www.hanknclaire.com. Duet singing at its finest. Liner Notes: 1. LONG MONDAY (John Prine & Keith Sykes): No matter what he sings, John Prine sounds as if he is grinning ear to ear. When we sing this song, we can’t help grinning ourselves. 2. SLOW TIME KID (Chuck Pyle): How many years does it take to learn what we knew when we were just kids? Chuck Pyle, the self-styled Zen Cowboy from Boulder, writes a lot of songs that beg to be sung, like this one. We’re doing our bit to spread them around. 3. THE DUTCHMAN (Michael P. Smith): A poignant, universal story of loss and true love; it is an honor to sing this gem of a song. 4. BLUE WATER (Hank Payne): Claire thought the original ending of this song was too melancholy and Hank graciously allowed her to add an alternate final verse. They’re both here, just after the guitar break. You may find yourself singing along on the chorus. 5. THE GOOD GUYS WORE WHITE HATS (Bill Gallaher): Bill refers to this song as TGGWWH—as much a mouthful as the actual title. There’s a sweet surprise in the middle of it for anyone old enough. Laurie Riley adds harmony vocal to make it a trio. 6. THE OLD TRAIL (Steve Gillette & Charles John Quarto): Steve may be more well-known for his Darcy Farrow hit, but we enjoy the way The Old Trail moseys right along. 7. THE MOUNTAINS AND THE MUSIC (Hank Payne): West Virginia was Hank’s home state until his folks made the move north to provide a better life for the family. The music that felt like home to Hank was left behind, and he’s never forgotten it. Matt Sircely adds a little mountain-style mandolin. 8. SOME WALLS (Pamela Rose, Mary Ann Kennedy, & Randy Sharp): This is one of those songs that manages to sing a deep truth right into your heart while you’re picturing its beautiful images. 9. RUSTY OLD RED RIVER (Tim Henderson): Healing is often associated with water, and we can’t help but feel how much the world needs both. 10. GOD IS GOD (Steve Earle): Steve wrote this for Joan Baez. She’s been performing it live on tour and included it on her CD, Day After Tomorrow. Singing it is as close as Claire will probably ever come to her teenage dream of being Joan Baez. 11. SHADE TREE MECHANIC (Hank Payne): A tale of the road, the kindness of strangers, and the magic of banjo-picking. Matt Sircely’s mandolin adds sparkle. Laurie Riley sings harmony vocal and sneaks in a little “tasty” banjo as well. 12. DOUBLE YODEL (Lou and Peter Berryman): The best cowboy comedy song we’ve come across—Lou and Peter have a way with words that leaves us speechless, or nearly so. 13. HOME TO ME (IS ANYWHERE YOU ARE) (Tom Paxton): It’s fun to find a song for those of us who stumbled a bit on the path to true love and found a sure footing a little later in life. Thanks for giving us a theme song, Tom. 14. STEP BY STEP (Chuck Pyle): Hand in hand, this old world’s a better ride. Yes, indeed 15. WAITING FOR ME (Hank Payne): No matter what life brings, there is comfort in realizing we belong. Like birds that flock together, we need each other and that’s a good thing. Laurie Riley joins her voice to make it a trio.