Marfolk makes debut - By N.L. Belardes
I haven’t mentioned Norfolk in a while. Once guitarist Pete Prevost left the band, Norfolk temporarily crumbled, disappearing into a dark corner of the Bakersfield music scene as frontman James Ratliff tried to juggle the bass player also leaving. Now with drummer/guitarist Pablo Alaniz gone, where is Norfolk headed? One idea to keep in mind is Norfolk could be named the James Ratliff band. A talented young musician, James Ratliff came up with all the parts in Norfolk as he plays drums, guitar, bass, and piano (who knows, maybe even some accordion as well?) His songs are richly woven alt country songs, a different take on old Marco, which definitely was an alternative pop band. All songs that I know of in Marcco were James Raliff creations. Yet therein could lie part of the problem: a lack of collaboration in the band Norfolk. Although I believe Pete Prevost helped collaborate in several Norfolk live versions, maybe that’s why members have been juggled so much with members leaving, and not being committed to the overall vision of the band.
That’s just speculation on my part, that if the band didn’t stay together, one of the reasons would be lack of commitment by members not buying into the overall vision of James Ratliff.
But what has come of Norfolk? A possible final appearance by incredible guitarist Pablo Alaniz with Norfolk at the Boiler Room last Saturday night has left behind the core: James Ratliff and his dreams of rock and roll stardom, and some new members. Last I heard the old drummer from Marcco has rejoined with James Ratliff. I had been told Marcco was a long-closed episode in James Ratliff’s music career. But now an element of that old band has returned. With new music, a new live sound, the new Norfolk is perhaps once again the James Ratliff band, a synergy of his music done his way.
Will the energy stay? I didn’t attend last Saturday’s show. Maybe the new Marfolk version of Norfolk will take the band to a higher level, with demos, press kits, and a path to James Ratliff and his vision of being a rock and roll star. I did see the band will be performing soon at Riley’s and in Modesto.
That’s just speculation on my part, that if the band didn’t stay together, one of the reasons would be lack of commitment by members not buying into the overall vision of James Ratliff.
But what has come of Norfolk? A possible final appearance by incredible guitarist Pablo Alaniz with Norfolk at the Boiler Room last Saturday night has left behind the core: James Ratliff and his dreams of rock and roll stardom, and some new members. Last I heard the old drummer from Marcco has rejoined with James Ratliff. I had been told Marcco was a long-closed episode in James Ratliff’s music career. But now an element of that old band has returned. With new music, a new live sound, the new Norfolk is perhaps once again the James Ratliff band, a synergy of his music done his way.
Will the energy stay? I didn’t attend last Saturday’s show. Maybe the new Marfolk version of Norfolk will take the band to a higher level, with demos, press kits, and a path to James Ratliff and his vision of being a rock and roll star. I did see the band will be performing soon at Riley’s and in Modesto.
This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on
Tuesday, March 07, 2006.
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