Blue King Brown

Blue King Brown is a blues/reggae/roots band from Byron Bay, Australia. Hailed by Carlos Santana as 'The voice of the street and the band of the future!' BKB combine percussion-driven grooves with a social conscience and message that is as hard-hitting as their urban roots music.

Main vocalist, guitarist and percussionist Natalie Pa’apa’a - whose petite frame somewhat contrasts with her powerful voice and raw energy – is the driving force behind the genre-pushing outfit. Just how powerful and energetic Natalie and in fact the whole band are was amply demonstrated at their recent gig at Camden’s Jazz Café. First to take to the stage were BKB co-founder Carlo Santone on bass and fellow band members Cesar Rodriguez on guitar, Salvador Persico on percussion, Sam Cope on keyboards and Kevin Mendoza on drums followed. Two backing vocalists who proofed to be just as energetic provided further support: Sri Lankan Rebecca Ari and Maori Jess Harlen, the latter sporting some tribal face-paint.

Last to appear was Natalie, sporting a metallic green-blue strip across the upper part of her face. It’s a painted statement reminiscent of the band’s flag-logo and it has become her trademark look.
Kicking off with 'Resist’ and 'Say Peace’, the first two numbers already encompassed what the band’s beliefs stand for. Belting out words of unity and the fight for freedom, Natalie was waving the BKB flag above her head and dynamically moving across a stage that soon proved too restricted for her seemingly endless energy.

Next came 'Hold Up’ and 'Stand Up’ – the title track from their current album that has distinct reggae overtones and encourages us to stand up and go fight, as there is no more time to waste and we all have to take our responsibility. 'Hey o, hey o, come let’s join our hands tonight, we go stand up we go fight. Hey o, hey o, no more playin’ no more games, cause times they gonna change.' Times gonna change? That already was Bob Dylan’s wishful thinking many years ago and not much has changed since, so let’s hope Natalie’s plea rings through more successfully. A 'Stand Up’-CD to every world leader, please!
With other numbers like 'Water’ or 'Not Too Late’ the band once again addressed important issues such as the plight of Australia’s native Aborigine people.

However, this was no political rally but a kick-ass live show dominated by raw power, during which the other band members had opportunity to show off their individual talents and a more light-hearted side, too. Backing singers Rebecca and Jess wowed the crowd with their versions of 'Roxanne’ by The Police as well as Bob Marley’s 'Is This Love’. Later on, bassist Carlo amused the audience with an impromptu instrumental take on Michael Jackson’s 'Billy Jean’ while guitarist Cesar and percussionist Salvador enjoyed a little jamming duet. Above all, it was drummer Kevin Mendoza who worked his kit to the point of frenzy and the crowd just couldn’t get enough.

Each and every track is inspiring in its own right and sounds great on the BKB albums, but when performed live they sound even better!
'Come & Check Your Head’ is a prime example of how brilliant and poignant a lyricist Natalie is: 'Here I come now with a story of the human race’s diminishing glory. Do you think it’s ok to keep falling further from the sun? Cause, while they’re making their decisions, when we people speak up they don’t listen.' A 'Stand Up’-CD to every world leader, please! Hold on, I suggested that already, didn’t I,

The final number was 'Moment Of Truth’ – a thought-provoking track with a catchy beat that will have penetrated your brain before you know it. After the show, I had the chance to join the band for a drink in the hospitality room and Natalie tells me that the ideas for her songs progress and evolve with what’s going on around her in the world socially and politically. 'I write the lyrics first and then we sort out the bass and drums around it, so that’s the basis of every new track.'

Blue King Brown are currently touring and also are working on their next album. The new single 'Women’s Revolution’ feat. Queen Ifrica has just been released. Find out more about BKB on www.myspace.com/bluekingbrown and do yourself a favour and go see them if they play a venue near you.