Album Notes

"Hat on, Drinking Wine follows the singer-songwriter tradition by putting plenty of passion and poetry into their refreshingly honest and emotionally resonant songs. Whether it’s the conversational, confessional lyrics, the intimate, bare-bones vocals or the homespun and hands-on arrangements; intimacy and honesty are two qualities that are very important to this three-year-old, Worcester-based rock ’n’ roots combo.

Citing influences including Wilco, Counting Crows, Van Morrison, the Band and Bob Dylan, Hat On, Drinking Wine’s seven-track, self-titled debut features tunes from the band’s three songwriters (pianist, accordion and tin whistle player Jim Lang and guitarists Matt Robert and Ed Whalen) and two lead singers (Robert and Whalen). And, despite all having distinct voices, these great storytellers and musicians combine forces for a cohesive unit."

Craig Semon
Worcester Telegram and Gazette
June 11, 2009

Hat on, Drinking Wine, based out of Worcester, Massachusetts, brings together a group of musicians who also have literary backgrounds. The result is great songs rooted in rock, but influenced by great books, too.

Lovers of shtick-free music will enjoy HODW for their modern but straightforward approach and sincerity.