Crystal Flavola (flay-VOE-luh) is a harmony-heavy seven-piece over-hyphenated Austin-based folk-rock band led by singer-songwriter David Jones. The ensemble grew, or perhaps staggered, out of late-night theater parties with actors and sound designers harmonizing, not to Broadway tunes (think Mamet vs. Sondheim), but to Dylan and the Stones.
Their songs have been described as having “… the fun of The Who, the biting wit of Steely Dan and the knowing sadness of Robert Zimmerman.” The CD’s Like Yesterday, Guitar & an Ashtray, Wild Child and Happy Town provide perfect examples of their multifaceted style.
Most of Flavola\'s members have deep connections to Austin\'s nationally acclaimed theater scene. Jones and singer Katherine Catmull are award-winning actors. Singer Andrea Skola performs, produces and directs for various companies. Jimy and Gordon Gunn (bass and lead guitar), a.k.a. The Gunn Brothers, have designed sound for more plays than you can shake a spear at and have the awards to prove it.
The remaining band members have wisely chosen a more stable path. Keyboard player Brad (B-rad Puddin\' Son) Johnston is pursuing a masters degree in music composition at UT. Drummer Mark Baram (Bam Bam) not only keeps a hell of a beat but can also cure your ailing BMW.
Read more...