Press Release – You may have already heard and seen them playing at the Brownwood Reunion Celebration, the Farmers Market, or Canines, Cats, and Cabernet. Now, local musicians Debra Mathis (piano and vocals) and Daniel Graham (drums and percussion) are expanding their audience by giving a free public concert to release their new CD, ‘Sound Unbound,’ which features all original music. Performing as SUNDUO, Graham and Mathis will share songs from the CD at the Brownwood Area Community Garden on Wednesday, May 17, from 6-8 p.m.
Mathis’ background includes a Bachelors’ degree in music theory and composition, as well as a history of professional performance since the age of 12; her first ‘gig’ as a solo piano player was at the Furrs Cafeteria in Hobbs, New Mexico, where her family would have lunch on Sundays after church. She began lessons at the age of four, and continued through school through graduation. Her primary background was that of a solo performer, and SUNDUO is the first time she has been part of a band. The music that the duo works on is an eclectic mix of old and new, of nostalgic favorites as well as new music that is fresh and entertaining.
For Graham, SUNDUO has been a big change from his previous musical ventures.
“I’ve been a rock drummer until I started playing with Debra,” says Graham. “I listened to a lot of jazz, especially the jazz fusion that came out in the 70’s and 80’s, but it was pretty fast and complex drumming that I never thought I would have the skill or opportunity to play. Now I’m using the brushes quite a bit, and learning and playing a range of songs that span from the 1920’s to the new original music that Debra is creating.”
The Brownwood Area Community Garden is at 1514 Dublin Street inside the Brownwood Housing Authority Park Homes. Parking is behind the CTO Building. Additional parking is available at the Salvation Army at 403 Lakeway, which is a short walking distance from the Garden. For more information, call 325-641-9029.
