'The Party Angels' live-up to their name!
By Eric Donaldson
There are times when considering live music that fate steps in and brings a few choice people together; the collective total is more rockin' than the individuals are on their own. The Rolling Stones are an example of this, and The Party Angels are a good example, as well.
This is a band comprised of seasoned professionals, all of whom have supported the Portland live music scene in valuable ways for many years.
Bass player/vocalist Kurt Bevers is owner of venerable Brownell Sound and is known to be one of the most talented audio designers in the area. He's currently working on a project that will introduce a pretty-trick synth-bass to his toolbag.
Guitarist/vocalist Robert Russell is one of the nation's top experts in guitar and amplifier histories and values and has the personal numbers of many of the world's greatest guitar players in his Guitar Crazy phone file. Bonus for those listening is that he's an absolute master guitarist! He's fun to watch and hear.
Linda Phillips is the female vocal center of the group and adds percussion and/or keyboards, as the song dictates. She and Bevers have been married 28 years (!) and it was music that brought them together those many years ago. Phillips is also a talented make-up artist and is soon to earn a degree in Psychology.
On keyboards/vocals/guitar is Dave Miles, a painter of some renown; and the other half of the rhythm section is held together by drummer Stanny Niobalski, who spends his days designing computer software.
Further bio information can be found on their website; www.ThePartyAngelsBand.com.
The Party Angels actually have a history that goes back more than 17 years, but individual family and business challenges caused some shifting during the middle years. Today they are a very tight, exciting band that'll have you moving from the first note. The band has a very strong musical pedigree; this education, training and love of music show from the first note.
This writer caught their show this night at Hings Restaurant in Oregon City, which is a "coming home" of sorts for Phillips, who grew-up in the area. Her dad and other family members are in attendance and the smiles of pride light up the room. A club gig is rare for this group, as they mostly play events and corporate shows; but they enjoy getting out with regular folks in the more relaxed atmosphere of a nightclub.
The Party Angels are a band that plays as one unit. They are incredibly tight, with four vocalists and harmonies that will amaze, backed by a strong rhythm section, topped-off with guitar and keys that are just the right touch at just the right time.
The Party Angels represent the history of live music in the PDX area over the last 20 years, brought up-to-date to move the audience of today. You younger players would do well for yourself to check them out; it's a master lesson in live music, to be sure!
Don't miss your next chance to see and dance to The Party Angels! (See Bandstand for schedule, or go to: www.ThePartyAngelsBand.com