Biography
Originally assembled in 1984 around the compositions of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jeff Davis, the Los Angeles group known as the Balancing Act centered its approach on acoustic guitars, striking vocal harmonies, clever and eccentric material, and an eclectic mix of instruments that included melodica, recorder, and shortwave radio. Although the ensemble anchored its work in acoustic-based writing, the results steered clear of conventional folk-rock or standard singer/songwriter territory. Davis joined forces with guitarist Willie Aron, bassist Steve Wagner, and percussionist Robert Blackmon to introduce elements of atonality and unexpected rhythmic shifts while maintaining songcraft as the core of every release. In both studio sessions and live performances, the musicians also ventured beyond acoustic boundaries to interpret songs by Captain Beefheart, Funkadelic, and Public Image Ltd.
By the time the debut album appeared, Wagner and Aron had begun contributing songs alongside Davis. The group issued an EP in 1986 on its own Type A imprint, followed by two full-length albums issued between 1987 and 1988 on I.R.S. through its Primitive Man Recording Company subsidiary. Despite evident artistic development across each release, the Balancing Act never achieved commercial traction and dissolved after completing its third album, Curtains, a record that captured the band at its creative peak.
By the time the debut album appeared, Wagner and Aron had begun contributing songs alongside Davis. The group issued an EP in 1986 on its own Type A imprint, followed by two full-length albums issued between 1987 and 1988 on I.R.S. through its Primitive Man Recording Company subsidiary. Despite evident artistic development across each release, the Balancing Act never achieved commercial traction and dissolved after completing its third album, Curtains, a record that captured the band at its creative peak.
Albums
