REVIEW: Brownie Mary, Naked (Blackbird Recording Co.)
- Linda Scott
From radio station djs to fans jamming the clubs, Pittsburgh, PA is a strong supporter of its local bands. Since Rusted Roof blasted off for the big time, local prognosticators have predicted the next big thing will be The Clarks or Brownie Mary. If having the highest placed fan would decide, Brownie Mary would get the nod from President Clinton. Both the President and Chelsea became fans when Brownie Mary performed for the Democratic National Party at the Annual Democratic Saxophone Club Fund-Raiser.
Hard to believe this band with its almost charismatic stage presence was formed just four years ago and in that time went from playing college parties to winning the Graffiti Rock Challenge - where the band went up against a hundred other East Coast bands and came out on top. Brownie Mary has a loyal following in the mid-Atlantic region, and they continue to perform at over 150 gigs a year, each one an energy-filled show.
Brownie Mary was formed in 1993 by Kelsey Barber (lead vocals) and Rich Jacques (guitar). These two are the band's heart with bass and percussion slots currently filled by Ron Bissel and Mark Rajakovic. With Kelsey's powerful, gritty female vocals combined with Jacques' rhythm hooks and melodic guitar, the band has an alternative-pop-rock sound similar to The Cranberries, The Pretenders, and No Doubt.
The band recently signed with Blackbird and put together their third CD, Naked - but first to receive a national focus. It remains to be seen if listeners will give it the same attention outside of the Pittsburgh region. Hopefully, they will give it a chance, as the band has written some good material, surrounded by earthy vocals, and well-crafted melodies. Naked's smooth sound is attributed to the hiring of producer Kevin Maloney (Sinead O'Connor).
If you like strong female vocalists and pop rock, Naked should be on your musical shopping list. Brownie Mary is now on its way up and out of Pittsburgh, and on the road. As the band says - if all you have is the CD, you can't begin to say you've heard Brownie Mary.
