The Hammer and The Hatchet
~ story and photos by Paige Langenderfer
The moment he heard her voice, John Bowyer knew he had found his musical soul mate. Bowyer had been dating Jayme Hood for a little while, but had never heard her sing.
“ One night, we were at a jam and she just started singing harmony with me,” Bowyer said.“ Her voice was perfect. I said,‘ You aren’ t going anywhere,” and we’ ve played together ever since.”
A year-and-a-half later, performing as The Hammer and
16 Our Brown County Jan./ Feb. 2016
The Hatchet, Bowyer and Hood have now played more than 150 shows and are working on their second CD.
“ It’ s been a whirlwind,” Hood said.“ Everything has just worked out and we’ ve gotten really good reception from people.”
The duo creates an original sound that is a mix of folk, bluegrass, country, and Americana music. The exceptional guitar and mandolin work fits perfectly alongside the duo’ s gorgeous
Jayme Hood and John Bowyer at the Pine Room.
harmonies and beautifully crafted songs.
Bowyer and Hood describe their somewhat vintage, soulful sound as American Roots Music.
The name of their band, The Hammer and The Hatchet, came to Bowyer at the spur of a moment.
“ We were driving to our first gig and trying to come up with a name, but we couldn’ t decide on anything,” said Bowyer.“ Then the organizer asked me what our name was and I just blurted out, The Hammer and the Hatchet.”