Martha Redbone Friday, June 23, 2006 Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater Written by Wendy R. Williams Photographed by Mary Blanco

Martha Redbone, backed by her merry band, brought a special brand of diva-madness to Joe’s Pub last Friday night. Redbone took to the stages dressed in an American Indian inspired outfit consisting of a backless halter top and pants (not backless). She then rocked the crowd with a song list that revealed her own brand of soul. (See song list below.)

Martha Redbone

Redbone was backed by a talented and good-looking band: Aaron Whitby (MD) on keys; Fred Cash on bass; John Andrews on guitar; Danny Sadownick on percussion; Kevin (K-Dog) Johnson on drums; and Karen Bernod as back-up vocals. This was obviously a band of friends who were having a great time rocking the stage together. And they were backed up by another enthusiastic band of friends – the audience. This gal has a following.

Karen Bernod - Vocals

Martha is a song writer/ singer with a repertoire of songs about love and lost love. She has the pipes to belt a song and then quiet down to perform a beautiful acapella ballad. One of the best parts of the night was when the band slowed down to jam, each player taking a few moments to solo accompanied by Martha’s throaty acapella solos. There was a fun easy vibe to the group; talent aside, these people like each other and we liked them.

John Andrews - Guitar

According to her press release, Martha is leaving soon for a tour of Europe, making “… her debut performances in Paris, France and Stockholm, Sweden as well as a series of benefit concerts for the Houma Indians of the Louisiana Bayous who are still recovering, with no government assistance, from the devastation wrought by Katrina and Rita.”

Danny Sadownick- Percussion

Afterwards, New York Cool photographer Mary Blanco and I went back stage to meet Martha. I asked her if I could email some questions to her and she said yes. So here they are – my questions and Martha’s replies.

Wendy R. Williams: I have heard your music described as soul, R& B, Old School: How would you describe your musical style?

Martha Redbone: I would call our musical style Native Soul.

Wendy R. Williams: I understand you grew up in Brooklyn. I detected a Baptist choir element in your sound. Where did you learn to sing?

Martha Redbone: I was raised Catholic in Brooklyn, so no Baptist choir for me but my father was Baptist and sang gospel music. My mother is from the Appalachian Mountains, so you might be hearing the roots music of bluegrass in my singing. I love the raw grit and purity of soul music, the passion is in your face, the honesty of emotion can’t be beat. I learned to sing from life’s experiences, singing is a healer for me; I’ve had very little formal training, a few private lessons here and there, mostly to overcome shyness.

Wendy R. Williams: We loved the American Indian influences in your music. Would you please tell us about your cultural heritage?

Martha Redbone: My mother is mixed blood, Choctaw, Shawnee, Cherokee, my father African American. With them, there’s no me, so I decided to honor my parents’ heritage in all the music I make. They were and still are a huge influence on the styles of music I enjoy. Thanks, Mom & Dad.

Wendy R. Williams: Are the musicians in your band also your friends? Everyone seemed so easy with each other. Are there any on stage romances?

Martha Redbone: The guys in the band are family; we work and hang together a lot. I admire their talent, and our ability to connect so well musically, this is a dream come true for me. On stage romances... I’ve been sleeping with the keyboard player...but don’t tell anyone!

Wendy R. Williams: Now for the fun stuff: You are going on tour? Do men throw their underwear at you and if so, do you prefer boxer or briefs?

Martha Redbone:    The men in my audience don’t wear underwear; they bring it on, P-Funk style. Naked, raw, like our music.

Wendy R. Williams: Do you have any fun tour bus stories to share with our readers? Any fun Greyhound bus stories? Any fun Volkswagen bus stories?

Martha Redbone: Our tour stories are top secret, what happens on tour stays on tour. Sorry guys.

Wendy R. Williams: Do you feel obliged to occasionally trash a hotel? And if so, where do you get the energy after a hard night of singing?

Martha Redbone: No, but somebody trashed a hotel room and blamed it on us, that was not cool. We’re old school soulsters; it’s all about the music for us, music and the chill afterwards with friends. Trashing rooms is kiddy-shit.

Wendy R. Williams: Have you thought about contacting the people at Red Bull to see if you could be their spokesperson as in, “This is Martha Redbone for Red Bull.?”

Martha Redbone: Now there’s an idea! I did think about getting an endorsement for Milk Bone dog biscuits one time, they taste pretty good.

Wendy R. Williams: I see from your schedule that you will be performing in England. Do you find English men hot? Are they turned on by the feathers?

Martha Redbone: Our keyboard player is English. They’re into the leather thing over there. (Note to readers: That’s the one she’s SLEEPING with.)

Wendy R. Williams: And last, here is an oldie but goodie: If you could have a fantasy dinner party with four other people, alive or dead, who would you chose? (Hint) You can start this answer with, “If my band mates (who I love dearly), were not available, I would choose……

Martha Redbone: If my band mates were not available, my fantasy dinner party would be... Pot luck with Debussy, George Clinton, Harriet Tubman, and Curtis Mayfield.

Martha’s Song List: Stick Wit Me; Hard Livin¹; Gun (Gil Scott Heron); Talk About It; Boyfriend; Just Because; Future Street; Liar; Mama; Underdog; Skin; Children;
From Now On; and Vineyard.

Log onto www.martharedbone.com for information on how to order her two CD’s: Home of the Brave and Skintalk.