The Balancing Act

Originally formed in 1984 to perform singer/songwriter/guitarist Jeff Davis' songs, the L.A.-based Balancing Act was built around acoustic guitars, distinctive harmonies, intelligent, quirky songs, and an assorted array of instruments such as melodica, recorder, and even a shortwave radio. Even though the band forged its sound around acoustic-based songs, don't look for a typical folk-rock, singer/songwriter affair. Davis, along with guitarist Willie Aron, bassist Steve Wagner, and percussionist Robert Blackmon, employed touches of atonality and rhythmic twists, along with the...