About the Band
The origin story of Fairlight and the Magick is pretty mundane and hardly uncommon. The band came together through connections made through informal jams, broken-up bands and a Craigslist ad. The pieces started coming together in the aftermath of Helene. The members of the band came from all directions; New Jersey, Colorado, Florida and Charlotte to make Western North Carolina their home. Once the band members were all in the same room, the power and soulfulness of Fairlight’s voice was astonishing. The mission of the band was clear—to develop a sound and style to fit Fairlight’s amazing skill. The first thing that became apparent was the rhythm section of Jeff Rubin on drums and Walter Anderson on bass can bring a high level of skill, feeling, and groove to whatever they play. Whether the song is a slow blues, driving rock, funky or soulful…there is ALWAYS deep pocket there. The first few steps of the band were tentative. However, after a few practices, something magical happened…well, OK… Magick happened. The band found its footing and David Harris started turning up the guitar amp loud enough to let the guitar really sing. The result is a musical stew of funky soul and psychedelia that is rooted in the blues and is always played with a lot of feeling. This band means it! Bluesy psychedelic soul!
Fairlight - Vocals
“It’s hard to believe that big bellowing voice comes out of that little body. Fairlight swings her hips all over the stage in sassy seduction.” - Colorado Springs Gazette.
Fairlight Moriah, a Colorado native, is a seasoned performer with a voice that has been described as authentic, powerful, and dynamic. Her versatility spans Blues, rock, jazz, soul, folk and country. Fairlight has fronted several bands, duos and trios; including Plastic Mojo, a Blues-based duo/band alongside slide-guitar player extraordinaire, Joe King. The two played together for two decades.
Jeff - Drums
Jeff Rubin, born and raised in the Windy City, began playing drums at the age of twelve. Before relocating to Florida he performed with numerous midwest bands from Symphonic Flight to New Age artist Yanni and took drum lessons from Lenny White and Tony Williams. In Florida, Jeff developed his ability to play multiple styles. He performed with blues legend Big Momma Blue, soul bands Heart and Soul and Southside Soul, tribal music with Asante, beach music with Cocobop, reggae music with Rising Tide, jazz fusion with North Trail Rhythm Project and Americana music with Stonefish. Along the way, Jeff got to play with with such luminaries as jazz icon Jaco Pastorius and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stu Cook of Credence Clearwater. Now living in Asheville, Jeff has found his new musical home with Fairlight and The Magic.
Walter - Bass
Walter hails from the great State of New Jersey. He started playing the drums at an early age, which led him to playing in Pit bands for many musicals in Equity Theaters. .Walter transitioned to bass guitar and has been in numerous Funk, Rock, and Jazz bands throughout his career. Also, Walter is a nice guy.
David -Guitar
David came to the guitar as a blues fan. The day after seeing Eric Clapton for the first time, he was buying all the Clapton albums he could afford (which was not a many)…and Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf recordings and shows soon followed. This eventually led to the purchase of a guitar. After making slow progress on the guitar over the course of years, David eventually found himself playing in bands. Lots of bands. Starting around 2000, David has played in the Asheville area with Chuck Beatty and Blues By Design, Lea Renard and the Junkyard Dogs, Taller than Dogs and Live Wire. David is beyond thrilled to be playing with Fairlight and the Magick. David also builds his own guitar amps and has built a few guitars as well.
