Fiddle Player Laura Jane Houle Leaves Flatland Cavalry
Fiddle player and high-profile member of the fast rising Texas country band Flatland Cavalry is leaving the band effective immediately. Her last show with the band was on July 28th at the Ward County Arena as part of the Butterfield Bull Rides in Monahans, TX. She addressed the departure on social media on Monday (7/30).
“On Saturday, I played my last show as the fiddler for Flatland Cavalry in Monahans, TX. Being a musician is an incredible joy. One of the best parts about being on the road is meeting fans of the fiddle, especially the young ones who are inspired to pick up the bow. I am spending some time in the Hill Country and looking forward to pursuing my next endeavor in the music industry in my sequins and fringe.”
She also posted a quote attributed to Tom Petty, “Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life. There’s not some trick involved with it. It’s pure and it’s real. It moves, it heals, it communicates, and does all these incredible things.”
Laura Jane was an important personality to Flatland Cavalry, and the Texas music scene where women are often too far and few between. Saving Country Music recently referred to her as “…one of the most recognizable names and faces in Texas country.” She was an original member of the band, which released their debut album Humble Folks on April 1st, 2016 to positive reviews and comparisons to the Turnpike Troubadours. The band has recently been seen in the studio working on their followup record.
No word on who may replace Laura Jane on fiddle for Flatland Cavalry, or where she may end up as she heads to the Hill Country. Hopefully she remains a public figure in Texas music.
July 31, 2018 @ 7:53 pm
Aw this is sad news, but best of luck to her!
July 31, 2018 @ 8:53 pm
‘Humble Folks’ is a great album and bursting with potential for even greater heights. Sad to see her go. I hope they can still give us a worthy follow-up album.
August 1, 2018 @ 4:12 am
Wow. That is too bad. They are a great add to the Mile 0 fest lineup. Fiddle is pretty integral to their sound. Pretty vague post. Wonder what happened.
August 1, 2018 @ 6:21 am
They fired her after that show to get someone “better” to get them to the “next level”. Total losers.
August 1, 2018 @ 5:09 am
That’s too bad. Love this band. Haven’t seen Trig post much about them but they are the real deal. Lead singer Cleto Cordero also has a banger honky tonk duet with Randall King called “Hard Livin’ IIlene” from Randall’s Another Bullet EP. Probably my favorite RK song and that’s saying something.
August 1, 2018 @ 8:47 am
Yeah that song is so underrated
August 1, 2018 @ 6:15 am
Yeah Trig I was actually going to ask you about this. Was any reason cited? She was a founding member of the band along with Cleto so I am guessing it had to be something pretty big for her to quit. I know she was trying to finish her phd but I was wondering if there was any fighting between the band with new music? Flatland on twitter originally posted they would be releasing new music at the end of July and then suddenly delayed it until August. Right after that they lose their fiddle player? Are these events related is there artistic differences? All together I am just a bit worried until they find another fiddle player because most of Flatlands music is based around the fiddle. Plus her female voice makes for so many great harmonies. Hope all this works out for the best for everyone but it feels very sudden and unplanned. Such is life though.
August 1, 2018 @ 10:21 am
I haven’t heard anything confirmed as the reason for the departure, but I do have feelers out. I would caution about speculation. We will likely receive an answer in the future.
August 2, 2018 @ 10:20 am
She didn’t quit. She was fired. Cleto told her that her performances weren’t up to par with the rest of the band the morning after that show.
January 7, 2020 @ 6:42 am
Can you give your sources for that assumption?
August 1, 2018 @ 7:25 am
Pretty sad news. Hopefully they can find someone to replace what she brought to the band. Seeing them in east Nashville 9/7 for my birthday and really looking forward to it.
August 1, 2018 @ 7:39 am
That’s too bad. Sure glad I got to see them at The Lone Star Jam in May – where her fiddle playing, singing and general stage presence were a big part of their set. She may be hard to replace.
August 1, 2018 @ 10:16 am
Humble Folks has been one of my most played albums over the last couple years. They’re the real deal, with so much potential. I hope it doesn’t negatively impact the music going forward.
August 1, 2018 @ 11:53 am
She will be joining Dalton @ Main Street Tonight in Tomball.
August 1, 2018 @ 2:58 pm
Aw man. That’s saddening, I’m seeing them Thursday. Nevertheless, best of luck to her!
August 5, 2018 @ 5:25 pm
They should recruit Lillie Mae as “guest star fiddler”. Good luck to Ms. Houle, she will do fine.