Brownstone: new group makes debut on Michael Jackson's record label

Jet, June 19, 1995

Brownstone, one of the hottest musical groups around, recently went gold with their debut album, From The Bottom Up, on superstar Michael Jackson's record label.

The trio of singers in their 20s, Nicci (Nicole Gilbert), Maxee (Maxena Maxwell) and Mimi (Monica Doby), met three years ago in Los Angeles while making the rounds from one audition to another. After seeing each other on the tryouts, a friendship developed and the trio decided to combine their efforts and blend their sounds.

They put a demo tape together and shopped it around. One of the early interested parties was Sony Music. The trio, who hail from Detroit, New Orleans and Guyana, sang for officials at MJJ (Jackson's label) which is part of Sony Music. Soon, they found themselves summoned to perform a capella before none other than the great gloved one himself.

Mimi told JET that they were extremely nervous when they found out about auditioning before Michael Jackson. "I couldn't sleep or eat the night before. I was really nervous. We prayed a lot, but the audition lasted about 15 minutes."

The case of nerves proved to be unfounded because Jackson was very impressed with them. "After we finished, he said, `You guys are extraordinary.' And that we had a record deal," Nicci said.

From The Bottom Up is an album that spawned such hits as If You Love Me (which also has gone gold) and Grapevyne. They also have updated the old Eagles hit I Can't Tell You Why. The album blends hot danceable tunes with gospel-tinged music as well as serene ballads.

The group named itself Brownstone because, as Mimi says: "It represents our three shades of brown skin, and us being solid as rocks." The trio was also inspired by those old, well-constructed buildings in New York City that serve as apartments and homes that, too, are called brownstones.

The public fell for the group in a big, big way. The album went gold in a little more than a month's time.

Lamont Boles, head of Black music at Epic records in New York which distributes records by MJJ artists, raved the hit trio "is a 1995 version of The Supremes ... that will have you begging for more. Destination: world recognition." Music critics have also praised Brownstone's originality, great lyrics and very strong vocal abilities.

They just returned from touring Japan and Australia. On separate tours this summer, they will perform with Anita Baker and the Isley Brothers.

As a trio, they are together for long stretches of time. However, being in constant contact has not posed any problems for Brownstone. They have, so far, been able to remain totally focused on their objectives of having staying power in a very fickle business. Maxee told JET that there are times when strains pop up and they have disagreements. "We're all different," she said. "We argue sometimes, but we don't hold any grudges. Most of the time it will probably be over what we will wear. We're gonna have different opinions, but overall we get along. We're like sisters."

Although they work on Michael Jackson's label, the group has very little contact with the reclusive superstar. When asked how often they see Jackson, Mimi said "not very often at all. He was present when we were working on the album. He definitely had input."

Some musical acts languish in obscurity for years before getting that big break that takes them over the top. Such was not the case for Brownstone. Their rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Mimi said stardom and fame are things the group has wanted and worked very hard to achieve. "It's (success) something I've always wanted all my life. So, I prepared myself for it, but I was surprised how fast it happened. It basically happened overnight.",