Glen Hansard at LPR (06/28/12)

John Smith, Lisa Hannigan and Glen Hansard

Glen Hansard and K’naan

Photos: Geoff Green

The night before he played his big sold out show at the Beacon Theatre, Glen Hansard played to a more intimate sold out crowd at NYC’s Le Poisson Rouge. Guests on that incredible night included Desmond Child, Cristin Milioti, Paul Whitty, J. Michael Zygo, John Smith, Lisa Hannigan and K’Naan.

…[The] Le Poisson Rouge was less a concert than an intimate and rare peek into a private jam session. Hansard, with a seven-piece band behind him, played an epic three-hour set whose focus drifted from his solo debut to Levon Helm covers about halfway through. The show, the night before a much larger one at the Beacon Theater, felt special, not only because of its small size but also because of its casual, comfortable feel. According to Hansard, they had to play there (a much smaller venue than he is used to nowadays) because it was on that very stage that the beginnings of his recent album began to take shape.

Because of the unconventional location and size, Hansard felt free to mix things up and have fun with it. Hence, the set was full of guests and surprises. Legendary songwriter Desmond Child took the stage to play “Livin’ On A Prayer,” the song he wrote a few decades earlier. Singer/songwriters Lisa Hannigan and John Smith joined Hansard for a beautiful cover of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” and even K’naan showed up to perform a mini freestyle, using Hansard’s guitar as percussion. [CMJ.com]

In other related news, Glen penned a new track for the heavily advertised new Disney film The Odd Life of Timothy Green entitled “This Gift”. In addition to the movie soundtrack, “This Gift” can also be found on the deluxe edition of Rhythm and Repose. TOLOTG opens in theaters on Wednesday, Aug 15.

Stream “This Gift” and view more amazing photos of Glen Hansard and friends at LPR after the jump.

“This Gift” – Glen Hansard

Glen Hansard at LPR by Geoff Green

Desmond Child