Sweet Potato Brown’s debut, self-titled EP is a five song dirt road ramble, sitting shotgun in a ’59 Cadillac.
Taking the top down to reveal an unsolved murder mystery, a lonesome country shuffle and a high-heeled motorcycle ride fueled by the blues, Shelley serves up her original collaborations with fearlessness and honesty. Shelley’s tribute to her father’s truck driving adventures, “This Highway Talks To Me” trusts that when you share your fears and dreams with the road, if you listen closely, it whispers back.
Transplanted to Vancouver Island from Ontario for over three decades, Shelley’s signature sound was cultivated from the ground up. For many years, Shelley played upright and electric bass for bluegrass, folk, jazz and country bands throughout the Cowichan Valley and beyond. Known for her impeccable timing, natural groove, and vivid harmony vocals, Shelley is a highly sought after side-person both on stage and in session recordings.
She’s performed as part of Puzzleroot, The Flying Accusations, Wiseacre and joined Rick Scott and David Essig on a trio tour through Alberta in 2011. Shelley was a primary element with Tuber, an original funk band that performed at events and festivals across Vancouver Island. She has recently re-joined Skellig, the fiddle driven rock band from Ladysmith, playing bass and adding her voice to their powerhouse sound. She also sings and plays guitar as one half of the folk/bluegrass duo Song Sisters.
“I recently had the opportunity to see Shelley ‘Sweet Potato’ Brown perform – what a musical treat! Many aspects of the show impressed me; particularly Shelley’s stage presence, soulful voice and insightful/entertaining lyrics. Shelley was accompanied by Paul Morelli on guitar – he is a truly gifted musician and a pleasure to watch perform. I intend to see this talented duo anytime they’re in my area. And in the meantime, their excellent CD keeps me company!”
~ Thanya, Duncan, BC