Flanfire

Faultline's Just Fine (For Now!)
Once upon a time there was a band called Faultline -- but then the boys learned that somebody else had been using that name, so they sought out a new band name. Liking none of them, they just decided to continue as Faultline -- For Now! In the meantime, what had begun as largely a venue for B Sterling Archer's songs has become a full-band collaboration with lead guitarist (and mandolin player) Micah Miller (who divides his time between music and law school) and brothers Ricardo (drums) and Michael (bass) Torres.

The boys are working on a brand-new CD, but last week their show at Club 115 was perhaps the best I have seen to date. Archer, a long, tall drink of water, plays guitar and trumpet and does most of the singing. He and Miller are native El Pasoans, while the Torres brothers hail from Lubbock -- and such a combination makes for intricate rhythms and a jazzy rock sound. This is adult music that sometimes has a message (Strike a Nerve) and at other times is just playful (Sweet Mama Booze, for example). Out of Reach is a gentle ballad, while Nothing New rocks out -- and there is a lot in between, including lyrics in Spanish. The band saved the best (and newest) for last -- When the Dust Settles marks a major turning point in the story of this band and its development from a leader and side men toward that all for one and one for all spirit that is the mark of any truly great BAND (as opposed to a front man and side men combo).

My pal Natalie Zoe is pumped about her new project, Candiland, which features Candice Sanders (Alpha Rev, Adam McInnis) on vocals and keyboards. At Guero's on Saturday, the duo were accompanied by Sarah (from Tbird and the Breaks) on saxophone and John Skozcen on percussion -- and Sasha Ortiz jumped up on stage for a couple of numbers.

One can never get too much SAX. SO, on Sunday, I took some out of town friends to Central Market to catch a couple of sets from Kaz Kazanoff and his new group DANK -- Derek O'Brien on guitar, Art Kidd on drums, Nick Connolly on keyboards, and Kaz on sax. What a treat!

Then on Monday, I caught a set from my dear pal Rachel Lynn at Flipnotics. I can hardly wait for some of Rachel's friends to join her on stage and help her provide a fuller background for her wonderful songs. The time has now come for an upgrade, as she has polished her songwriting and vocal skills -- c'mon, guys.

I then stuck around for Jenifer Jackson and her combo -- Billy Doughty on percussion, Tom Vincent on upright bass, and Gary Newcomb on pedal steel and Telecaster. Gary's own trio will be at the Hole in the Wall on November 11th, BTW. I had been hearing fabulous things about this New York City import (who has been in and out of A-town numerous times before) -- but hearing her live was a breathtaking experience. What a beautiful voice -- and music that would fit very well on a bill with Suzanna Choffel (that is, intricate and exploratory).

Jenifer, I am told, is also a painter (artist type) -- but she may be saving her best artwork for the lyrics in her songs. Her own bio compares her to Sandy Denny, but younger folks (who never heard the great Fairport Convention singer) might liken her to Norah Jones -- and yet Jenifer reminds ME of one night many years ago in Washington, DC's, Montrose Park where dozens of us were having a good time until someone said, Quiet -- listen to this woman playing the flute -- and we all quieted ourselves and bathed deeply in the ethereal notes coming from that beautiful soul.

One final note -- I was over at the Ham Jam (if you don't know, just ask!) and my pal Daren introduced me to a young native Texan (and Native American) who just moved to Austin from Los Angeles -- Josh Halverson is a singer-songwriter and piano player with an infectious smile and some very good songs. I am listening to his debut CD, and Josh says he is already working on a new one to be recorded here in town after he learns a few things here. I also picked up the brand-new hot off the press country CD from Brent Allen (produced by Stephen Doster). More on both of these very soon. And lots more to report in days to come.

Flanfire -- Bringing LIFE to Austin music.