Gregory and the Hawk

"The Oats We Sow"

by Patrick Rapa

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Published: Nov 11, 2008

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"It's bad to do what's easy, just 'cause it's easy." That's the idea Meredith Godreau keeps coming back to in "The Oats We Sow." It's a blunt truth spoken gently, an Aesopian life lesson tucked into a graceful little pop song. Gregory and the Hawk — Godreau's band that sometimes consists of just her — is certainly not opposed to simplicity. Much of the brand-new Moenie and Kitchi (Fatcat) moves in unfussy but textured acoustic circles. The melodies are impossibly catchy. The drums come in when they're asked. But mostly what you hear is Godreau's high, ghostly vocals and that chiming guitar. "The Oats We Sow" is particularly entrancing, ruminating on heartbreak while hinting at some underlying strength. GatH has been covered quite a few times on YouTube, mostly by young and sensitive solo singer-guitarists. And what's surprising is: Some of them are pretty good. And some don't seem to grasp Godreau's emotive nuances. It's bad to do what's easy, just 'cause it's easy, kids. Also, it's not that easy.

Sun., Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., $10, First Unitarian Church Chapel, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

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