Written By Eddie Ferranti
Unique is a word that is used more often than not to describe musical talents these days. A band we caught recently used it in the spelling of their name which was hONEyhoUSe. The ONE + US was corny, but cute to help personify the bond of this group of three ladies.
Consisting of award winning R&B/Gospel “Aretha Franklin” like Hillary Smith, earthy blues/folk singer-songwriter guitar rocker Yvonne Perea, and sweet as can be vocals of Mandy Buchanan they mold to become a very enjoyable package. Covering a lot of bases from blues, soul, folk and Americana these ladies are scoring big time on the house concert scene. The three part harmonies and rockin’ guitar licks of Perea really play well in the intimate confines of a big room. This night they were joined by bass and box slammer ladies which had ’em packed tight in the heated confines of a over flow crowd at sweet Nancy Brand’s adobe.
Everyone was having a blast after enjoying lasagna and other delicious tidbits laid out beforehand and the ladies ripped thru a 45 minute set with stellar numbers like “On and On”, ” Baby Come Home” which they wrote while being homesick in Hays, Oklahoma, and “Rain Rain Rain’. New one “Under the Light” showcased the clear and strong vocal talents of Perea along with sentimental goodies “Sawdust and Roses” about friends who come and go followed by “Kansas” sent out to a loved one who is no longer with us.
The ladies kept it straight forward and simple delivering great showmanship working the crowd-especially Smith all evening long. “Super Sassy” definitely was and the touching tune about asking the Lord above for direction on “Rio Grande” was sobering indeed. Tender cool moment was when they dedicated “Beautiful You” to a nice lady Peggy who had just turned 90 and was dancin’ up a storm with Nancy during it! Nice. These ladies confessed that they all play in cover bands “to pay the bills”, but reallyget off on the warmth they get from gigs like these to fill their souls. The theme of their originals throughout has a reference to faith, God, doing the right thing to others, family and friends which is most refreshing. Hit home numbers about getting thru the hard times in life “Conquer the World” and “Perfect Grace” sparkled with heartfelt lyrics.
The group has three award winning albums : Sun (2011), Medicine Lodge (2013), and Sweep (2014). They’ve been in the biz combined over twenty-five years and they really seem to enjoy what they do. A fitting encore of “The Feast” was sent out to the packed house to thank them for appreciating what they do and help keep them going down the musical road of life…You can hook up with Nancy Brand for future Sugarland House Concerts at : nancyjbrand@yahoo.com. See ya out supporting live music soon!