Instrumental acoustic supergroup Hawktail is understandably excited about their new album, Formations. So, when they rolled through Nashville on their winter tour in support of the album, it was time for celebration.

The band came to Little Harpeth Brewing on the city’s east side for the official Formations release show on Friday night. The quartet performed selections from the album, in addition to cuts from its 2018 release, Unless. The hour-plus set was marked by the craftily-woven, emotive musicianship that continues to lead the band to big stages and festivals across the country. One particular highlight, the Scandinavian-influenced “Annbjørg” featured the tandem of Brittany Haas (fiddle) and Grammy-nominated Paul Kowert (bass) working together to create a deeply intricate, adventurous soundscape that captivated the audience early in the set.

The evening was opened with a supporting set from contemporary folk duo Paper Wings, comprised of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists Emily Mann and Wilhelmina Frankzerda. The duo’s set was a pleasant and intimate introduction to the night; a timeless snapshot of Appalachia at its finest.

We’re thrilled to have been there, and we’re excited to share our view of the night with you below!