Matt and Jon seeded the idea for The Hawken Rifle over a glass of whiskey in 2009. It has since become an incredibly heartfelt effort to champion the integrity of music. Claiming the talents of other great musicians along the way, The Rifle took on it's own shape and beckoned a new and unique songwriting approach.

From January 2010 through the fall of the following year, the ever broadening ensemble began forging a broad sonic landscape. Stitching together improvised jams, focused songwriting and meticulous production; this collection of songs emerged.

Special thanks to Chuck Lettes (Pedal Steel & Lapsteel) and Judy Hagerman (Violin).

Listen To The Hawken Rifle

Musicians

Matt Fontaine

Jon Fuller

Eric T. Olson

Kyle Stevenson

Mike Tess

Jim Pigsley

Audia

Albums

.50 Caliber Vinyl Record

180 gram vinyl includes digital downloads of .54 Caliber as well as 2 exclusive bonus tracks.

$15.00

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.50 Caliber Vinyl Record (artwork)

.54 Caliber

Expanded 12 track version of .50 Caliber featuring 4 extra songs and alternate artwork. Available on compact disc and digital download.

$8.00

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.54 Caliber (artwork)

Songs

1. Trade Whiskey

The guitar tracks for Trade Whiskey were recorded in Denver Colorado at the Fontainium studio. It was the very first song to feature Senator John Adams (the banjo). Most of the percusssion in this song came from Jon bangin on kitchen pots and pans. If you get a .50 Caliber vinyl album, the digtal download includes an alternate mix of this track with a nice heavy Chuck Lettes pedal steel part.

  • Matt Fontaine: resonator, banjo, and acoustic
  • Jon Fuller: bass/percussion
  • Jim Pigsley: cajon drum
2. April Thaw

The resonator, acoustic guitar, and percussion were recorded live in North Hollywood California at the first Cattlemask studio by Audia April 1st 2011. Eric's drums were recorded in Milwaukee Wisconsin by Jeremy Helbling in the summer of 2011. April Thaw features an incredibly haunting, patient and delicate ending.

  • Jon Fuller: bass, percussion, acoustic guitar, piano
  • Matt Fontaine: resonator
  • Mike Tess: percussion
  • Eric Olson: drums
3. Rattlesnakes

This truly is the trace of a magnificent struggle becoming one of most complex songs on the album. The Double Barrel ukulele was used to accomplish the ghosty harmonics in the quiet moments. The snare used in this track is a 1920 Ludwig snare. This tune features some amazing lap steel work by Chuck Lettes.

  • Matt Fontaine: resonator, electric guitar, ukulele, banjo and acoustic
  • Jon Fuller: bass/percussion
  • Eric Olson: drums
  • Chuck Lettes: lap steel
4. Battle Creek

Enough whiskey erased all memory of playing or recording the original guitar tracks. One of the last songs to be unearthed, Battle Creek showcases what can happen if ya dig just a little bit deeper.

  • Jon Fuller: bass, percussion, acoustic guitar
  • Matt Fontaine: banjo
5. Hatchet Jack

The Resonator guitar, bass and percussion were recorded live in one take relying on cool guy nods for the changes. The guitar solo was unrehearsed and adlibbed... a suprise to everyone including the guitarist. Recorded April 1st 2011.

  • Matt Fontaine: resonator
  • Jon Fuller: bass/percussion
  • Mike Tess: percussion
  • Jim Pigsley: cajon drum
6. Diesel Valley

Inspired by my best friend Diesel (the dog). The guitar pieces were written entirely outdoors in the valley were he was laid to rest above Cottonwood Lake in the Collegiate Peaks of Colorado.

  • Jon Fuller: bass
  • Matt Fontaine: resonator, acoustic guitars, electric guitar
  • Kyle Stevenson: drums, keys
7. Noble Anna (Part 1)

Noble Anna was the first finished song on this album. Part one is a tale of a mother's grace and a child's introspection. Deep huh? This song features a very sweet violin piece by Judy Hagerman.

  • Jon Fuller: bass, piano
  • Matt Fontaine: resonator, acoustic guitars, electric guitar
  • Kyle Stevenson: drums
  • Judy Hagerman: violin
8. Noble Anna (Part 2)

Part 2 is the fight and the struggle. Audia recorded Kyle's drums at Chalice studios in Hollywood in the Spring of 2011.

  • Jon Fuller: bass, piano
  • Matt Fontaine: resonator, acoustic guitars, electric guitar
  • Kyle Stevenson: drums
9. River House

The very first song recorded by The Hawken Rifle, named after the cabin we stayed in during the winter sessions of January 2010. It was recorded live in the living room. Matt had fierce cold with such a fever that if you listen really close, you can hear sweat drippin off his head and hitting the guitar.

  • Eric T. Olson: acoustic guitar, electric guitar
  • Jon Fuller: bass
  • Matt Fontaine: resonator
  • Jim Pigsley: drums
10. 1823

Like Battle Creek, 1823 was another late discovery... dug up, dusted off and polished up.

  • Jon Fuller: bass, acoustic guitar, piano, loops
  • Matt Fontaine: resonator, acoustic guitar
11. Train Robbin'

Recored in North Hollywood April 1st. The first and only time it’s ever been played, a little jem improvised in between takes.

  • Jon Fuller: acoustic guitar, bass,piano
  • Matt Fontaine: acoustic guitar
  • Mike Tess: percussion
12. The Mountain

Also recorded during the winter session of January 2010 in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains. The Mountain features a ghosty vocal track by Audia.

  • Eric T. Olson: acoustic guitar
  • Jon Fuller: bass
  • Matt Fontaine: resonator
  • Kyle Stevenson: drums & percussion
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