Hank and Claire

Chris Lunn, founder of Ancient Victorys and a major player in the Seattle folkmusic scene, interviewed Hank and Claire and reviewed thier CD Heart of the Matter. "Have to say, when I saw and heard Hank Payne in the last Ancient Victorys open mic, I was captivated with his performing in the duo with Claire Favro. This duo with his life and music partner, Claire, was tight, clear, direct...they mix original folk with folk singer-songwriters into a warm, upbeat, and focused show. They knock[ed] our socks off." - Ancient Victorys

Diverse and exceptional Americana music filled the theater at the Florence Events Center Jan. 14 and 15 at the 10th annual Winter Folk Festival. Headliner Tom Chapin encouraged adults and children to “Grow Your Own.” He meant food for the body and music for the soul...
But Tom Chapin and Friends, simpatico bass player Mike Mark and pianist Jon Cobert, were only part of this excellent festival. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. five superb performances entertained crowds who enjoyed an artful array of activity and fresh-baked pies on
the flat floor between the acts...Laid back Northwestern per-
formers included Hank and Clare...Hank and Claire strummed guitars and sang gentle duets, passing the music on with healing harmony...
Once again the Winter Folk Festival proved a wonderful gift for the new year. Outright prolonged applause to festival director and folk guru Hal Weiner and to all the folks who worked so diligently to pass the music on. “The Winter Folk Festival has established its reputation as the place to play in the Northwest for both musicians and music
lovers,” says Weiner. “I’m sure it will continue to benefit the Florence community for many years to come...” The first-rate concert sched-
ule, which drew about 1,500 fans, was accompanied by the annual artisan craft fair, raffles and the popular pie contest. Tara Haley of
the Florence Events Center contributed to this story. - Siuslaw News, Florence Oregon January 18, 2012

Hank Payne and Claire Favro are a couple of fine singers and tasteful guitar finger-pickers who teamed up in 2009. At the end of 2010 they released a truly lovely CD they call “Heart of the Matter.” The album includes songs by John Prine (Long Monday), Chuck Pyle (Slow Time Kid and Step by Step), Michael P. Smith (The Dutchman – one of the best arrangements I’ve heard yet of this sweet depiction of long-lasting love).

Other songs are Bill Gallaher’s The Good Guys Wore White Hats (a trip back to a more innocent if not necessarily simpler time), Tom Paxton, Berryman & Berryman, and others, plus four of Hank’s well-crafted songs: Blue Water, The Mountains and the Music, Shade Tree Mechanic, and Waiting for Me.

The covered songs are well-presented, the harmonies and guitar work are perfectly balanced; but for me the greatest treat was hearing the songs from Hank’s own pen! He’s not a well-known songwriter, but he deserves to be heard and heard widely.

His rich baritone voice blends beautifully with Claire’s high alto/low soprano range. Laurie Riley guests with banjo and vocal harmony on a couple of tracks and Matt Sircely sits in on mandolin on another pair of songs.

I love this album, and I am already eager to hear them record again – preferably with even more of Hank’s songs. If you enjoy sweet harmonies, a bit of sentiment, some fun, some nostalgia, and a big dose of heart, you’ll enjoy “Heart of the Matter.” Order via www.hanknclaire.com OR email hanknclaire@gmail.com ($15 plus shipping) -Meryle Korn - Portland FolkMusic Society "Local Lore" Vol 35 ~No. 2~ March/April 2011

Hank Payne and Claire Favro are a couple of fine singers and tasteful guitar finger-pickers who teamed up in 2009. At the end of 2010 they released a truly lovely CD they call “Heart of the Matter.” The album includes songs by John Prine (Long Monday), Chuck Pyle (Slow Time Kid and Step by Step), Michael P. Smith (The Dutchman – one of the best arrangements I’ve heard yet of this sweet depiction of long-lasting love).
Other songs are Bill Gallaher’s The Good Guys Wore White Hats (a trip back to a more innocent if not necessarily simpler time), Tom Paxton, Berryman & Berryman, and others, plus four of Hank’s well-crafted songs: Blue Water, The Mountains and the Music, Shade Tree Mechanic, and Waiting for Me.
The covered songs are well-presented, the harmonies and guitar work are perfectly balanced; but for me the greatest treat was hearing the songs from Hank’s own pen! He’s not a well-known songwriter, but he deserves to be heard and heard widely.
His rich baritone voice blends beautifully with Claire’s high alto/low soprano range. Laurie Riley guests with banjo and vocal harmony on a couple of tracks and Matt Sircely sits in on mandolin on another pair of songs.
I love this album, and I am already eager to hear them record again – preferably with even more of Hank’s songs. If you enjoy sweet harmonies, a bit of sentiment, some fun, some nostalgia, and a big dose of heart, you’ll enjoy “Heart of the Matter.” Order via www.hanknclaire.com OR email hanknclaire@gmail.com ($15 plus shipping) OR get it directly from the performers who should be at Singtime Frolics!
- Portland FolkMusic Society - PO Box 1448, Portland, OR 97207-1448

Hank Payne and Claire Favro are a couple of fine singers and tasteful guitar finger-pickers who teamed up in 2009. At the end of 2010 they released a truly lovely CD they call “Heart of the Matter.” The album includes songs by John Prine (Long Monday), Chuck Pyle (Slow Time Kid and Step by Step), Michael P. Smith (The Dutchman – one of the best arrangements I’ve heard yet of this sweet depiction of long-lasting love).
Other songs are Bill Gallaher’s The Good Guys Wore White Hats (a trip back to a more innocent if not necessarily simpler time), Tom Paxton, Berryman & Berryman, and others, plus four of Hank’s well-crafted songs: Blue Water, The Mountains and the Music, Shade Tree Mechanic, and Waiting for Me.
The covered songs are well-presented, the harmonies and guitar work are perfectly balanced; but for me the greatest treat was hearing the songs from Hank’s own pen! He’s not a well-known songwriter, but he deserves to be heard and heard widely.
His rich baritone voice blends beautifully with Claire’s high alto/low soprano range. Laurie Riley guests with banjo and vocal harmony on a couple of tracks and Matt Sircely sits in on mandolin on another pair of songs.
I love this album, and I am already eager to hear them record again – preferably with even more of Hank’s songs. If you enjoy sweet harmonies, a bit of sentiment, some fun, some nostalgia, and a big dose of heart, you’ll enjoy “Heart of the Matter.” Order via www.hanknclaire.com OR email hanknclaire@gmail.com ($15 plus shipping) OR get it directly from the performers who should be at Singtime Frolics!
- Portland FolkMusic Society - PO Box 1448, Portland, OR 97207-1448

This first CD from this new duo is a winner. It’s rare to find first efforts so well done. This CD is a lesson in good musicianship.

1. LONG MONDAY (John Prine/K. Sykes): The first music you hear is delightful guitar work that is simple, clean and clear. Then comes the perfect blending of two voices … you can hear them smiling. 2. SLOW TIME KID (Chuck Pyle): This piece has a very nice intro and a dramatic beginning. This is a real toe-tapper. 3. THE DUTCHMAN (Michael Smith): I first heard this song in the mid 70’s. I’ve never heard it performed better. 4. BLUE WATER (Hank Payne): Hank draws his songwriting inspiration from real life. He tells me that this song was written with several friends in mind. It speaks to all of us. Notice that clean and clear guitar come ringing through. 5. THE GOOD GUYS WORE WHITE HATS (Bill Gallaher): This tale brings me back to the Saturday afternoon movie matinees. Laurie Riley’s harmonies are a nice addition. 6. THE OLD TRAIL (Steve Gillette/C.J. Quarto): This song is Steve at his warmest. Another fine blending of voices. 7. THE MOUNTAINS AND THE MUSIC (Hank Payne): A very nice piece of writing that reflects Hank’s early years in West Virginia. A poignant song. The mandolin adds a delightful touch. 8. SOME WALLS (P. Rose/M.A. Kennedy/R.Sharp): Another lesson in musicianship and artful arranging. 9. RUSTY OLD RED RIVER (Tim Henderson): Hank’s guitar work is perfect. It’s very tuneful, but not distracting … a very difficult task. 10. GOD IS GOD (Steve Earle): A powerful musical statement that rings like an anthem. 11. SHADE TREE MECHANIC (Hank Payne): Good songs come from good experiences. This story is a blending of characters and circumstances. 12. DOUBLE YODEL (Lou and Peter Berryman): What can I say other than … sit down, put on your seat belt so you don’t fall to the floor laughing. Pure delight! 13. HOME TO ME (Tom Paxton): Another one of Tom’s songs will stick in your head for weeks at a time. 14. STEP BY STEP (Chuck Pyle): Again, superb and tasteful guitar work. 15. WAITING FOR ME (Hank Payne): I predict this will become their signature song. An autobiographical piece from Hank’s past. Very moving. A final comment about Hank and Claire’s voices. Claire has a bright and clear voice with excellent diction. You don’t have to strain to hear the words … that’s a rare talent today. Hank achieves a warm and welcoming vocal tone … it’s warm and fuzzy … just like him.

In closing … 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.
- Pacific Northwest Folklore Society

If you are lucky, Hank Payne and Claire Favro will sing “Do-Re-Mi Healthcare Blues,” a timely tune with lyrics about health care reform with a nod to Woody Guthrie’s original Dust Bowl ballad.

They might sing “Blue Water Run Down,” or maybe the haunting “Some Day We’ll Meet.”

But whatever number they choose, Payne and Favro, otherwise known as the singing folksinger and songwriting duo of Hankster and The Lovely Claire, will create beautiful harmony with entangled guitar accompaniments.

Their appearance is part of the library’s Winter Concert Series sponsored by The Pacific Northwest Folklore Society.
- Everett, WA Herald