Album Profile
Girls, Guns and Glory
A Tribute to Hank Williams Live!
PRODUCTION NOTES
The album A Tribute to Hank Williams Live!, released on February 24, 2015, via Dry Lightning Records (an imprint of Lonesome Day Records), showcases Girls Guns & Glory—the Boston-based roots-rock/country band led by Ward Hayden—in a lively homage to the iconic Hank Williams. Captured during a New Year’s Eve performance at The Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this 12-track, approximately 42-minute live set revives Williams’ classics with the band’s twangy grit, rockabilly swing, and heartfelt authenticity, blending honky-tonk energy with themes of heartache, revelry, and redemption through upbeat shuffles, bluesy grooves, and poignant ballads.
Recorded live without overdubs to preserve the raw, festive crowd atmosphere, the album features faithful interpretations infused with the group’s road-honed vitality—highlighting tight playing, dynamic builds, and collaborative spirit that honor Williams while adding fresh, barroom flair.
Standout performances include the rollicking “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”, the bluesy “Moanin’ the Blues”, the infectious “Hey Good Lookin’”, “Move It On Over” (with guest vocals for spirited interplay), the aching “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, “Honky Tonk Blues”, “Dear John”, “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (as a memorable duet), “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It”, and the bonus closer “The Old Log Train”, among others that capture the set’s joyful reverence.
The core band delivers the live magic: Ward Hayden on lead vocals and guitar (guiding the tributes with twangy passion); Chris Hersch on guitar and backing vocals; Paul Dilley on upright bass (and piano on “The Old Log Train”); Josh Kiggans on drums. Guests enrich the proceedings: Jason Anick on fiddle throughout; Celia Woodsmith (of Della Mae) sharing vocals on “Move It On Over”; Miss Tess duetting on “Your Cheatin’ Heart”; Josh Higgins on piano for “The Old Log Train”; and Michael Calabrese on bass for “The Old Log Train”—adding textural depth and communal energy.
Critically praised for its respectful yet fun approach, the album earned accolades from Rolling Stone for covering hits and rarities with honor, and reviews lauded the proper respect infused with lively interpretations. It stands as a vibrant extension of the band’s roots-rock ethos, appealing to fans of traditional honky-tonk and modern revivals.
TRACK LISTINGS
1. Jambalaya
2. Moanin' the Blues
3. Hey Good Lookin'
4. Move It on Over (feat. Celia Woodsmith)
5. So Lonesome I Could Cry
6. Honky Tonk Blues
7. Dear John
8. Your Cheatin' Heart (feat. Miss Tess)
9. My Bucket's Got a Hole in It
10. Rockin' Chair Money
11. I Saw the Light
12. The Old Log Train (feat. Michael Calabrese)
STREAM/PURCHASE
SOUND CLIPS
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