Podcast: Play in new window | Download

A1 Artist Spotlight.Com did a phone interview with Erica Brown about her band and CD Rough Cut Stone. Excerpts of the interview are also in the podcast.
*
The Erica Brown Band can play soulful blues that has spirit and energy with very tight musicians. Even though the band is very serious in putting out the best music they can, the lyrics can be a lot of fun. Erica says her job is to get the audience to forget their problems of the day and have a good time. They have built a very strong fan base in the Colorado area that is expanding. At this point they have two wonderful CD’s. Their first one is Body Works and the one I’ll be playing in the podcast is Rough Cut Stone.
*

*
Erica played in several rock n’ roll and electronic bands over the years. At one point a band Erica was in had a song used in a movie called “The Fan” with Wesley Snipes and Robert DeNiro. When Erica ran into the blues she said “That was it, this is what I was meant to do”. Erica had set in with a popular Colorado band called J. D. & The Love Bandits a few times. When lead singer J.D. decided to more on to another band Erica was called to fill in for a few shows. They sounded so good together so she was invited to permanently join the band. The band changed its name, against Erica’s wishes to the Erica Brown Band. Erica said this is not her band and that no one person makes the decisions for the band. In Colorado, Erica had some name recognition already so using her name helped the band.
*
The band describes themselves as a high energy rockin’ blues band. Erica has also been described as a cross between Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. Like Tina ,the girl just can’t stand still. Needless to say this makes for a fun and energetic stage show.
*
The first song on the CD Rough Cut Stone is called “I Spent A Month There One Night”. The guitarists Bob Yeazel who use to be in Sugarloaf (remember “Green Eyed Lady”) wrote this song. It’s a fun upbeat song about a bad relationship that seemed to go on forever, well maybe a month. This is the type of song that would get the audience out on the dance floor. Some very nice guitar soloing too.
*
The whole band threw in ideas for writing “Cajun Moon”. This song will also keep the audience on the dance floor. Erica’s delivery and attitude in these witty lyrics keeps the listeners attention while having some real fun. This song talks about eating a buttered alligator tail, a sister that howls at the moon, and a guy with six fingers on one hand that the dog is teaching to count. This all goes on in the light of a Cajun moon. The way Erica tells the story will have your full attention.
*

*
“Everyone Hears Different Music” is a very thought provoking song about how each person has something that makes them happy and satisfies them. Erica says if you’re blessed enough to find what you are meant to do with your life you should try to do it. For her being a blues lady is that thing she is meant to be.
*
William Howard Dunston brought a song he had written called “Payin’ Dues” to the band. They worked on the song to fit the style of their band. William is the one singing along with Erica on this duet. Erica said at one time William had worked with Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett as well as Duane and Gregg Allman. In fact the first time Erica heard the name Skydog (Duane Allman’ nickname) was from William because he had know Gregg so well. From the first note of the guitar intro you know you have found a real blues song. William starts off singing then Erica comes in and you know this song should be a first class hit. Not many people can put out such a powerful as well as beautiful blues song as “Payin’ Dues”.
*
The Erica Brown Band can do more than just blues. They do a song by The Band called “Shape I’m In”. “Bring Back The Quarters” is more of a slow country song. “In The Can” reminds me of the Allman Brothers in the late 70′s.
*

*
While this band does get radio play they are deserving of much more. As you will hear in the podcast it is time for the Erica Brown Band to go national. Please help by calling your local radio station and request their songs. Below is a link to their website where you can buy their CDs so please, if this music speaks to you like it does me, support this great band.
*
The Erica Brown Ban d is:
Erica Brown – Lead Vocalist
John Woodhead, Lead Guitar
Rich Sallee – Bass
Scotty Rivera, Drums
Jim Ayers – Keyboards
*
Guitar solo of the week is “Hard Faith”
*
Songs heard in the podcast are:
I Spent A Month There One Night
Cajun Moon
Everyone Hears Different Music
Payin’ Dues
*
Erica Brown Band Website
*
Erica Brown Band MySpace page
*
To buy their CD’s