Famous Last Words CD

Famous Last Words' 2003 self-titled debut reveals that the trio of Jeff Zittrain (guitars/vocals/keyboards/mouth harp), Kate Burkart (bass/vocals), and Jace Bartulis (drums) simultaneously embrace if not adopt their jam band roots -- they are from the Bay Area after all -- while thankfully foregoing all the embarrassing musical clichés and dead ends that ironically define the subgenre. Even as the majority of the cuts clock in past the seven-minute mark, there are few, if any, meandering interludes. In fact the contrary is most often the case, as the primary compositional combo of Zittrain and Burkart weave a fulfilling sonic tapestry of unsheltered emotion and instrumental prowess. The opening and ambling "Lullaby" is far from a sleeper, perfectly demonstrating Zittrain's incisive lead fretwork, which at times recalls an inspired Neil Young. The vocal pairing yields an undeniable synchronicity, especially during the chorus of the driving rocker "Matter of Time," or by contrast the standout "Sloe Hank," lending itself well to the intimate acoustic environs. "Faith in the Dark" is a trippy and slightly noir excursion, examining the extent of the band's improvisational proficiency and sporting some of the effort's most intuitive interaction. Particularly tasty is Zittrain's understated and ethereal keyboard lines as they fuse together with Burkart and Bartulis' synchronic rhythm section. "It's All Over, Again" is a more pastoral ballad that develops into a languid and almost hypnotic exchange. It is also notable for the extended personnel of David Duenas (bass), Marika Hughes (cello), and Rich Snider (drums). ~ Lindsay Planer

Famous Last Words played their last show in January 2007. Click on the links at bottom left for Jeff\'s subsequent projects, including the Z-Trane Electric Band. Here are the original CD Baby notes for the first FLW cd:\"Fronted by dual male/female energy, FLW is that rare band that can both tenderly caress and rock like it\'s the last time. With intelligent musicality and lyrics, their debut cd is a deep and wide river of soulful anthems, lush grooves, daring guitar solos and beautifully blended harmonies. The listener is buoyed not only by the impressive improvisations of FLW, but by solid songwriting imbued with a reverence for musical history, blending rock, blues, folk, jazz, funk and gospel. Always authentic and from the heart, their more rocking songs are fun without being flippant, and the wistful ballads are sincere without being sappy. There\'s something real happening here. Rocking or slow, their music has a timeless flow that just keeps on rollin\'. \"The eponymous cd \"Famous Last Words,\" has already created a buzz in music circles. Recorded in San Francisco with Mark Pistel (Michael Franti and Spearhead, Chuck Prophet, Consolidated), it garnered 4 stars in the All Music Guide, and was featured in Relix Magazine, Independent Musician, Amplifier, and NBC TV on the series finale of \"Ed.\" With sales and airplay in both the United States and Europe, and supported by great live performances, the band has built a dedicated following. They perform regularly at many venues around the San Francisco Bay Area, including the legendary Fillmore Poster Room, and also tour across the country. They have been selected as an \"Editor\'s Pick\" for extended jams on this very website.Famous Last Words formed in 1998 when Jeff Zittrain and Kate Burkart realized a shared musical vision after years of gigging, recording, and producing other projects. Jeff is known for his passionate guitar work and literate songwriting. His chops show evidence of his having studied guitar with Bay Area masters \"Juke Joint Johnny\" Lumsdaine and Nina Gerber. Kate has moved effortlessly from lead vocalist to bass and vocals, holding up her end of the trio with solid grooves and vivid songwriting. Prior to joining FLW, Jace Bartulis made his living as a sought-after session player in L.A., and he now contributes the rock-solid p