Sarasota Ticket Magazine
By Dawn E. Scire
Sarasota, FL
October 11, 2007
NIGHTLIFE
Local band profile: Billi & Patti
Name: Billi & Patti
Members: Kristen "Billi" Hall, vocals/guitar; Patti "B" Brainard, vocals/bass/guitar
Base of operation: Bradenton
When formed: 2002
Style: Acoustic singer-songwriters
Bio: You will hear rock, warm blues and assorted country blended throughout rootsy harmonies by Billi (formerly of Crosstown Traffic) and Patti (formerly of Patti B 'n de Boyz), but their music spans the confines of generic genres. In fact, even iTunes was stumped, listing the duo as "easy listening." Still, that's not too much of a stretch. It's easy to listen while these gals ponder emotional magnitudes of life and amoré on dozens of original tunes, 14 of which are on the 2004 CD "Love and Other Four Letter Words." The duo's latest offering is a video single on their MySpace site.
Quotes: "I always say it's a combination between rock, blues and country. So use your imagination and come hear us, because ... they can't decide what genre to put us in: alternative, alternative-rock, alternative-country, new country, easy listening. We've been put in the easy listening category ... that was pretty funny." -- Hall
"Which is fine, because we get more money from iTunes than any site, so I don't care how they list us!" -- Brainard
Where playing: Noon Oct. 20 at the Sarasota Folk Music Festival, Crowley Museum & Nature Center, 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota (time subject to change). $15 advance, $20 at gate for adults; $10 students ages 12-18; free for children under 12 with paid adult. 322-1000; sarafolk.org.
Where to buy CDs: CDBaby.com, iTunes, Amazon.com and the band's Web sites.
Web sites: billiandpatti.com, myspace.com/billiandpatti
-- Dawn E. Scire
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20071011/FEATURES/710110605/1015/FEATURES10
Church Street Freedom Press
By Freddy Freeman
Nashville, TN
November 10, 2005
Love and Other 4 Letter Words
BILLI & PATTI
This Florida duo is sure to be compared to the Indigo Girls, but their voices are much
more bluesy than Amy and Emily. Their songs are simple and direct, which can sometimes
be their very charm as on "Let Me Love You" and "Believe in Change"(I can't get it them
out of my head). The whole record is simple acoustic arrangements and after a while I
found myself wanting some other sounds thrown into the mix, maybe even a band. I hope
they do a full band recording in the future. Go to www/billiandpatti.com and check out
some of their infectious tunes.
http://www.churchstreetfreedompress.com/
Rambles a cultural arts magazine
By Nicky Rossiter
Rambles.NET
22 October 2005
Love and Other 4 Letter Words
BILLI & PATTI
This is acoustic folk-rock with various influences from Billi & Patti, a duo with great talent.
The harmony singing on "Believe in Change" sets the tone of a very good CD. One of my favourite offerings is "Three Little Angels," which combines an interesting lyric and a nice rocky beat.
This album is wonderful in the way it brings us the ordinary minutiae of lives lived by all of us ordinary people and blends the emotions and music into a magical element. Nowhere is this more evident than on "Forever Last." Who has not thought these thoughts when alone in the presence of another? The theme continues on "Ordinary Woman" and a number of other tracks.
The pair tackles a bigger issue on the final track, "Until There is a Cure." Here they ask us to confront the reality of AIDS on the real lives of real people.
Influences ranging from Dolly Parton to Jimi Hendrix are cited on the publicity, and this comes through on tracks that have a wonderful humanity and fellowship.
http://www.rambles.net/bilpat_loveand04.html
Weekly Planet
The bi-monthly homegrown-CD roundup continues
By Scott Harrell, Mark Sanders and Cooper Lane Baker
Published August 24, 2005
Love and Other 4 Letter Words
BILLI & PATTI
For a while, Sarasota's been known as a haven for country-blues artists, both retired
and working. For the uninitiated who might be wondering what the Suncoast is capable of
producing, well, that train stops at Billi & Patti's doorstep. Love and Other 4 Letter Words
is, as the title suggests, a mostly love-centric affair, as evidenced both by the song titles
(the word "love" appears four times) and by the songs themselves. Billi Hall, who shares
vocal duties with Patti B., energizes each of the album's 14 tracks with a casual confidence
seldom heard on local discs. Ms. B. is just as strong, often harmonizing with Hall while adding
her own slightly twangy lilt. This is the type of group best enjoyed live, and although
this album suffers a bit from its own slickness, it's nevertheless a welcome addition to
the ever-growing Suncoast blues canon. (www.billiandpatti.com) 3 stars
http://weeklyplanet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050824/TPAMUSIC01/508240431/-1/TPAMUSICl
FemMuse Reviews for March 2005
Song Summary:
Vocals: Not what I expected I gotta say. By that I mean I was expecting folk or pop..BUT..
This woman ROCKS! Hard and heavy! The CD opened up with a bang..."Lies" the opening number
kicked into an almost heavy metal feel with the slamming guitars, the big cuts on the drums
and then Patti B.s vocals just took over. A mix between Ann Wilson of Heart, Melissa Etheridge
and the best of the rock singers out there.. Patti B. is THAT good. This cut reminded me of
'80 rock and I love that stuff. So a thumbs up here. You go girl. Cool wha solo by Mikey
Silbaugh.
http://www.femmuse.com/cdreviewpattib.html
Demorama Reviews for September 2004
Billi & Patti: Love and other 4 letter words
PO Box 10763
Bradenton FL 34282
941-755-2882
www.billiandpatti.com
Chick folk rockers Billi & Patti have all the angles covered. No one can misinterpret their songs. Not only do they sing crisply, but they include a four-letter word synopsis for each song in their press packet. Yeah, the album is called "Love and other four letter words," but I could have guessed on the other ones myself. I rarely look at the press packet before I write a review because (I guess) I don't want to be "tainted" by other people's opinions, but the release was sitting on the top of a pile and it caught my attention by accident. My problem with most folk music is its lack of subtlety. If the reason for a song has to be spelled out, then the lyrics aren't doing their job. So, you can imagine my disgust for having these four-lettered words spelled out for me. Now that Ive gotten past that, let me say I think Billi and Patti B. have strong musical talents. The acoustic guitar and percussion is muted enough to allow their strong voices to carry the weight of the song, and their harmonies don't sound forced. Those who love the Indigo Girls will find kindred spirits in Billi & Patti. Nevertheless, their ability to singing candidly about God opens their music to a whole other audience
http://www.demorama.com/reviews/archives/sep2004.html
OutSmart
Houston's gay, lesbian, bi, trans, magazineBillie & Patti
Love and Other Four Letter Words
The latest album from Billi & Patti is a dynamite acoustic record and gives listeners everything they could want in a country-rock group. The hard-edged grooves of their upbeat tunes and the softer sounds of their poignant ballads perfectly represent the talent of this band, and any fan of acoustic or country-rock could easily make a collection cornerstone out of this offering. Expressing very personal feelings of love and loss, Love and Other Four Letter Words deals with the happiness of life, but also larger issues such as AIDS, with the final track "Until There Is a Cure." More info: www.billiandpatti.com, www.cdbaby.com/cd/billipatti. -SL
http://outsmartmagazine.com/this_issue/?storyid=1093977318
BILLI & PATTI - "love and other 4 letter words"
Review by Robert Urban, URBAN PRODUCTIONS, NYC
"I'm just an ordinary woman. Looking for some ordinary love" - sings Patti B. in the song ORDINARY WOMAN - one of many fine ode-to-love torch songs on the new BILLI & PATTI cd "love and other 4 letter words". And those two lines may well sum up the heart & soul of the duo's charming, down-home slice of acoustic country-rock fixin's.
Billi and Patti bake a great cake (so to speak) out of just a few good ingredients. This is thanks in part to their own song-making resourcefulness and also to the fine sound engineering by renowned producer Mike Badalamenti. Except for a few guitar solos dubbed in here & there by "Mikey", and some hand percussion by Billi, the only musical accompaniment to the dual vocals on this album is a solitary acoustic guitar - aptly played by Patti in classic flat-pickin' country-rock style. There's never more than two-vocal parts sung at a time. No doublings, layerings or fancy sonic-effects gimmicks. These gals are straight-shootin' and true.
http://roberturban.com/reviewbilliandpatti.html
WOMAN ROCK RECORD REVIEWS: SEPTEMBER 2004
By Carrie Crespo
Billi & Patti
Love And Other 4 Letter Words
www.billiandpatti.com
Billi & Patti might have made a splash as a female, singer-songwriting duet if the Indigo Girls hadn't already staked claim on the title years ago. They're bold enough to weave social commentary in their lyrics and their acoustic guitar skills abound. More evidence that pop music isn't all about pleasures of the flesh, Billi & Patti make many mentions of angels and the spiritual 'Big One.' A little more diversity is probably the only thing lacking though "Send Me An Angel" borders on perfection.
RATING 2.5
http://www.womanrock.com/CD%20Reviews/Latest%20Reviews.htm
Kweevak.com September 2004
BILLI & PATTI - LOVE AND OTHER 4 LETTER WORDS:
Billi and Patti meld acoustic rock with a flavorful dash of country, bluegrass and folk to create their own unique blend of music. Love and Other 4 Letter Words is their first full length CD, which was mastered and mixed by Grammy nominated Mike Badalamenti. This fourteen-track collection tackles serious topics such as love, loss, fear and AIDS. Their melancholy melodies are well written and often offer hope. Billi handles lead vocals and percussion and Patti also sings lead and plays guitar. Mikey is a guest player on a number of songs. The format is simple and straightforward with a focus on harmonizing vocals. Billi and Patti each have a different range, one of them handles the lower notes as the other sings the higher ones and the combination works well. 'Believe In Change' is the opening track with layered vocals and a sturdy acoustic guitar lead. 'Forever Last' has a subtle groove and a strong vocal combo as the story of fear and love unfolds. 'Until There is a Cure' is both moving and meaningful in its content and the passion that both women bring to the song. Billi and Patti's music is poignant and poetic and their first full-length release truly captures that sprit!
" Recommended Tracks: (1,6,14) [USA/FL 2004 - web] (Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)
http://www.kweevak.com/cd_reviews_2004_q4.htm
Best Female Musicians Septmeber 2004
Billi & Patti
From the moment the percussive strike of a down-home guitar groove emerges from Love and Other Four Letter Words , the latest CD from acoustic rockers Billi & Patti, any listener who appreciates good, passion-infused southern-style rock knows that they're in for a great time. Playing in the tradition of country, bluegrass and rock and roll from the strings of a guitar and the animated duet of two voices that harmonies just seem to flow naturally from, Billi & Patti is a group that knows not only how to rock, but knows how to make music that gets into your soul. Playing together for more than two years, Love and Other Four Letter Words is the group's first full-length album, and the two have taken advantage of every second available. 14 tracks deep, the album strikes a chord with lovers of any musical format with its melancholy ballads and meaningful lyrics. Billi & Patti, with their explosively understated sound, has a new calling card in Four Letter Words to introduce the rest of the music world to their brand of country-rock.
http://bestfemalemusicians.com/billiandpatti.html
GoGirls Music September 2004
Billi & Patti
" love and other four letter words "
Genre: acoustic
reviewed by Annette Warner
Social consciousness is obviously Billi and Patti's passion on this project. The naked acoustics are truly nice to listen to and the insightful dreams of peace and prosperity make me wish this CD could change the world in one listen&.if it could..I'd personally mail it out
Hit Picks: "Reminds me of you (Mom)"
http://www.gogirlsmusic.com/review.asp?band_id=592
Ear Candy September 2004
Billi & Patti,"Love and Other 4 Letter Words" (label)
The acoustic folk environment can be a scary place. As a performer, you're out there, fully exposed, with only a steel-stringed guitar to protect you. Your attributes and flaws are on display. You live and die by your songs.
Thankfully, the country-folk duo Billi & Patti have nothing to be afraid of. First and most important: They both sing beautifully. Pardon me while I'm probably the millionth person to favorably compare them to the Indigo Girls, but that's a major compliment. They trade lead singing and strengthen each cut with solid, exceptional harmonizing. The results sound relaxed and confident but still immediate. This is especially beneficial on the cuts that tackle uncomfortable topical issues (such as "Until There is a Cure," which discusses the AIDS crisis).
Their lyrics are righteous and sustain a high level of quality. They are sometimes simple, but I believe that (in this case) it keeps the tone conversational and honest. I have been especially critical of songwriters who rely heavily on clichés. As I listened, I braced myself in anticipation. What a pleasant surprise to hear Billi & Patti announce, "Now I know it sounds cliché, but I love you more each day." Hey, at least they warned me that they were going to use a truism! In general, the lyrics stay firmly on the side of honesty and directness without straying too far into triteness.
The music reminds me roughly of Shelby Lynne. But there is an almost power-pop feel on the choruses. One that really hit me was "Love is the Key" where the unorthodox chord choices and super harmonizing lift the song into the stratosphere. Patti plays a sweet rhythm guitar that gives their voices a perfect foundation. One guitar, two voices, and a whirlwind of emotions, issues, moods, and ideas.
And I'd be willing to bet the songs translate even better live. Their website (http://www.billiandpatti.com) lists several festival and show dates for this fall. Check 'em out.
Review by Thomas Mitchell
http://www.earcandy_mag.tripod.com/reviews27.htm
Street Beat NY Rock August 1, 2004
Billi & Patti Love and other four letter words by Bill Ribas
The duo of vocalists Billi Hall and Patti B. (for some reason, her last name is elusive) creates a tension not unlike the Indigo Girls, although only Patti plays guitar in this duo. Billi comes from a rock background, sounding a bit like Janis Joplin, while Patti has more of a country twang to her voice. Come to think of it, there was a show on cable recently that paired Heart with Wynona Judd, and Patti does at times remind me of that Wilson sister. Anyway, this is a respectable offering, yet it does face the trapping of similarity. With no varied instrumentation, there is the risk that the listener will nod off, or chime that the songs have a tendency to sound alike. And, in fact, with just one guitar and two voices for the bulk of the disc, which clocks in just shy of an hour, that is a valid claim. When "I Love You" plays, for example, the arrival of a tambourine is almost a relief. Then again, I could be just a jaded music critic who listens to too many discs. The songs are good, the vocal harmonies and hooks entrancing, but I think it would be interesting to hear a band behind these ladies.
http://www.nyrock.com/streetbeat/2004/0804.asp#thirteen
Blogcritics.org July 12, 2004
Billi & Patti Remind Us of Love by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Billi & Patti sing and strum their way through 14 songs about life, love and the pursuit of happiness on their album titled Love . The title really does say it all for this fiery and charismatic duo. They are from two decidedly different backgrounds and styles in music yet they manage to find a groove that works, and one that flatters each other's talents nicely. Their voices and guitars are a unified chorus of musical excellence fighting for a cause, that cause is a cure for the fatal disease *AIDS.
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/07/12/200805.php
Watermark June 17, 2004 Central Florida
Harmonic Convergence by Rick Whalen
Billi is country. Patti is rock. Together they're magic."
www.watermarkonline.com
The Concordian April 28, 2004 Concordia, MO
National duo to play at local coffee house
National recording artists Billi and Patti play at Modern Mud in Warrensburg on Friday. The acoustic country/rock duo is touring the U.S. in support of their newest CD, "Love and other four letter words."
Nightlife Sarasota Herald Tribune April 23, 2004 Sarasota,FL
Duo takes rhythm to the country by Dawn E. Scire
"This is the first time that I can remember in my entire musical career, where I'm actually getting unsolicited leads," said Patti Brainard, known to most as Patti B.
She's the brawnier half of Bradenton's home spun, harmonic country-rock duo Billi and Patti, and a grisly-edged alto vocalist and guitar player who's plugged away solo of in various group formations for more than 25 years.
"I'm not chasing 'em. I'm not calling 'em first, they're actually calling us first."
From all over the country.
In fact as you read this, Billi(Hall, a countrified mezzo-soprano formerly in Crosstown Traffic) and Patti-whose vocalizations interweave as liquid harmony-debut in Texas during a 16 day mini-tour.
My Gay Web March 1, 2004
Country Meets Rock Head On
"Billi Hall and Patti B. are the hottest new duo on the scene. The culmination of Patti's hard rock roots with Billi's country twang have everyone's ears buzzing. Their acoustic country rock sound is upbeat and familiar, yet unique.You will be surprised by how much sound comes from these two ladies.Their vocal styles are very different yet complimentary, creating harmonies that are sensational."
www.mygayweb.com
Nightlife Ticket Magazine Sarasota Herald Tribune November 7, 2003
Billi & Patti ready for country by Christine Hawes
""She's a little bit country: she's a little bit rock 'n' roll..."
You can't help but hear an edited version of the old Donny and Marie tune echoing in your head when listening to Bradenton-based Billi & Patti describe their transformation"
Southern Voice April 26, 2003
Music for the masses by Jen Christensen
"Those who think "women's music" is just code for "lesbian folk singers" should definitely check out this year's line-up: Singer-songwriter Javette plays a mean guitar, Billi and Patti bill themselves as a kind of hard rock act, and Amie Alden's music has a country-influenced sound"
The Lance March, 2003
Billi and Patti by Marilyn Rolston
"Billi and Patti can belt out songs in every genre, from the quicky music of the 90's alternative band Four Non Blondes to the classic R&B music of Aretha Franklin"
Bradenton Herald March 14, 2003
Night Life Section by Rod Harmon
"Patti Brainard is a veteran of the music scene, a guitarist weened on Southern rock and R&B. Kristen "Billi" Hall is a relative newcomer with roots in Country. On the surface, it seems like an unlikely pairing. Yet, one listen to the two woman harmonizing is enough to dispel and doubts that they could make music together"
Sarasota-Bradenton Herald-Tribune March 22, 2002
Sarasota singer Patti B. is branching out by Christine Hawes
"But perhaps the biggest change has been the addition of Hall about a month ago. The former professional dancer has added a vocal layer that highlights Brainard's husky vocals and fleshes out the band's over all sound"
Weekly Planet Volume 3 Number 5 November 9, 2000
Heads Up by Sharon H. Kunkel
"I've seen Patti B. play complicated riffs while singing her own
compositions, note-perfect and smooooth."
Woman who Rock by Charmaine Engelsman-Robins
"In the beginning...Guitar player and vocalist Patti Brainard
a.k.a. Patti B., says she never had a choice in the matter: She was born
to rock exactly nine months after the night her mom got all sexed up
watching Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show."
Weekly Planet Volume 3 Number 3 October 19, 2000
News by Charmaine Engelsman-Robins
"Patti Brainard, known in music circles as "Patti B." has seen
first-hand how important pets are to their ill owners. For about six years now
she's been heading up the Pet Support Service Program, a service organization of
AIDS-Manasota that is dedicated to keeping people and pets together"...
Scoreboard August 1999 Music Spotlight
"This band, together since 1995, consists of Patti, bass player and lead
singer with that slightly tough, perfect-for-the-blues voice;'
Mainstream Magazine Volume 1, Issue 2 October 1997
Soul Patch by Christine Hawes
"Patti B. finds inspiration in performing on behalf of PWAs"
Bands Get A Chance To Learn Onstage Through Patti B.
by Christine
Hawes
"The first thing you notice about Patti Brainard isn't her smile. Or her
Manner. It's energy. Shooting from her eyes as she glances about the room or
winces with expression, spilling from her mouth during both song and
conversation, and exploding from her body, whether she is skirting around
talking to fans, readying equipment, or rocking onstage."
Focus Magazine April 1997
Bulkhead Erased
"Bassist Patti B. has a nice rasp in her pipes, just like Suzi Quatro,
Pat Benatar or Joan Jett would burn up a verse with an energetic yelp about
midway through their tuff girl'tudes tunes."
Bradenton Herald Friday March 21,1997
Soundcheck by Eydie Cubarrubia
"Patti B. has a voice that screams (not literally) I am woman, so
respect me. She can go from earthy to pretty, angry to emotional, from song to
song."
