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December 12-18, 2002 music Kara Lafty
There’s not really much opportunity to compare Kara Lafty with Axl Rose -- I mean, one is known for years of crafting catchy, powerful rock songs, and the other is Axl Rose. But G’n’F’n’R and The Jane Anchor both have tenacious frontpersons who run the show with vision and talent and who, when necessary, completely rebuild the band around them. In bands like Moped, Sonny Sixkiller and the stillborn Dirty Triplets, Lafty has seen more than her share of lineup changes, so it shouldn’t surprise us that she’s the only member of The Jane Anchor remaining from the band’s debut, Sinner Sessions. Which is not to say we won’t recognize the faces; Lafty’s assembled a smart little supergroup for TJA 2.0, including guitarist John Faye (The Caulfields, The John Faye Power Trip), bassist Joann Schmidt (The Dirty Triplets) and drummer Ronnie DiSilvestro (Head, Roi). Now a sweet two-guitar rock quartet with girl-boy vocals and a renewed energy, this Jane Anchor is the kind of roster Lafty says will stick together. And unlike Guns N’ Roses, they’ll actually show up. City Paper: What is it with you and these ever-changing lineups in your bands? Kara Lafty: Good question. CP: Bad luck? KL: I really don't think it has anything to do with luck. I've had some great experiences with the people that I've played with and each one has taught me something in one way or another. I just think it has taken me this long to find the right combination of people.
CP: Do you rule with an iron fist? KL: Aw man, I definitely don't rule with an iron fist! I'm an angel. All right, maybe a devil with a halo. What I enjoy most is collaborating with people that share my energy, enthusiasm and passion for music. I can honestly say that I have found that in Ronnie, John and Joann. They are amazing people, and friends. Everyone in this band knows that there is no "I" in The Jane Anchor.
CP: How does John Faye's experience and personality change the dynamic of the group?
KL: Besides his unique ability to say the funniest things when we least expect it -- like shouting out "Who wants a doughnut?" in the middle of band rehearsal -- he really is a crucial piece of the puzzle. He adds color and energy to the music through his vocals and bright Fender guitar riffs. He knows exactly where my songs are coming from, and shares my passion for chocolate chip cookies. CP: Do you now think of where his vocal parts will come in when you write the songs? KL: Sometimes I get a few ideas, but these days I try to leave the songs as bare-bones as possible when I bring them to the group. I like to see how they evolve when four creative musicians are standing in a room with ideas pouring out of them. It's like baking a cake. All of the ingredients are laid out on the counter and you know the end result is going to be delicious, but it's the whole process of throwing it together that is the real fun part. I guess eating it is too, but then you feel guilty afterwards. Bad, very bad. CP: Do you prefer the two-guitar lineup? KL: I really do. ... I like hearing the different layers at our live shows, and I love John's guitar sound. It's like butter.
CP: When can we expect a CD? KL: Our plans are to record a handful of songs early [in] 2003 that we will release as an EP. I have a few labels on my wish list, but I don't think they know that yet. After we get the songs recorded, we will attack. The Jane Anchor plays Thu., Dec. 12, 9 p.m., $7, with The Silent Type, The Elevator Parade and King of Prussia, The Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888. 
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