Music Box: Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside

By Aaron Davis (for JHWeekly.com)Jackson Hole, Wyo. - In a nerdy, Back to the Future frame of mind, Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside have the look to match a sound that’s rooted in 50s memorabilia, with a dash of hipster street smart and neo-rockabilly. From Ford’s Harmony Rocket electric guitar and Buddy Holly-style glasses, to the old-time radio microphone, The Sound Outside actually has a very inside sound—inside of an era.Ford’s voice brings to mind a veteran female legend that graced the stage of Concert on the Commons this past summer—Wanda Jackson. A little fiery, sassy and in the upper register, there’s a punk energy in her vocals that translates well on studio recordings. The band’s debut album, Dirty Radio, is prime evidence with moods varying from dark and smoky ala Cat Power, to rowdy clap-alongs that scream Jerry Lee Lewis.Moving from Asheville, N.C., to Portland, Ore., in 2006 at the age of 23 wasn’t just a change of atmosphere, but a decision to reinvent what she was after and embrace the performing lifestyle.“When you meet new people and they don’t know who you are ... that really gave me the courage to try to play music more,” Ford told Seattle’s Examiner. “I’d already messed around with singing and playing music with a friend in North Carolina, but it wasn’t anything really serious. I think I kind of daydreamed about maybe joining a band. But that never really happened until I moved to Portland. That was when I had time to work on [music].”“I was blown away the first time I heard Sallie sing,” says guitarist Jeffrey Munger via the band’s website.Munger initially crossed paths with Ford while busking during the monthly art walk on Portland’s Alberta Street. By then, Ford had already graduated from solo slots to playing out with the rhythm section of drummer Ford Tennis and upright bassist Tyler Tornfelt, a pair of Alaskan transplants who’d been making music together since their early teens.A fast-forward finds critical enthusiasm for the band’s honed live show. Coupled with its successful self-release of Not An Animal EP in 2009, and the fans are growing exponentially. The Avett Brothers’ Seth Avett was so taken after seeing the band, that he invited them to open a pair of sold-out shows at Portland’s Crystal Ballroom and as support for shows in California and Colorado. New Year’s Eve 2010 found Ford and company performing at the 8,000-seat Asheville Civic Center with the Avetts and Langhorne Slim.More than just a front woman and a band, the team collaboration of the foursome is where they have really hit a stride. The interaction between members is an integral part of the creative process, too. Ford cites drummer Ford Tennis’ inventive, self-taught approach to his instrument as one of several key variables that contributes to their unconventional groove.“I write all the words and the melodies, and sing and mostly come up with all the chords, but it wouldn’t be the same without everybody involved,” Ford said. “And we’re definitely a group, a team. They’re not session musicians. We’re a band.”Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside performs at 10 p.m., Wednesday, at the Pink Garter Theatre. Seattle indie-rockers, Pickwick, open the show. Tickets are $15 day-of-show, available via PinkGarterTheatre.com or at the door.