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"Absolutely the most unique, engrossing and talented band in Southern California." - Joe Benson, 95.5 KLOS (1994) |
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Betsy Petrie - Vocals Toby Petrie - Keys, Vocals Kurt Kummerfeldt - Bass, Vocals Doug Morgan - Drums Michael Carapella - Guitar Kellie Anderson - Vocals, Percussion |
| The Betsy's Big Day Demo CD | |||
| Passing Time |  |
S'Alright | |
| Almost Completely Gone | |
My Way Out | |
| What Is My Name? | |
Way Out West | |
| Atom Bomb | |
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The trio ventured to Los Angeles where they honed their chops with a succession of talented musicians in numerous local bands. Eventually they met up with guitarist Michael Carapella and drummer Doug Morgan who were playing with the band Glass House; the combination grooved.
Kellie Anderson was discovered at a vocal workshop by Betsy, who asked her to sit in on percussion and harmonies. Kellie has since become a key element of BBD's rich sound.
Betsy's Big Day chooses to follow their own creative musical instincts rather that conform to what is currently in heavy rotation on MTV... or anywhere else, for that matter. The Betsy sound is expressive and articulate vocals charged with compelling three part harmonies. Joe Benson, 95.5 KLOS describes Betsy's Big Day as "absolutely the most unique, engrossing and talented band in Southern California today."
In its latest incarnation, the band has built a following in the somewhat ill-fated clubland of Los Angeles. After shopping demos and surviving a disappointing publishing deal, BBD decided to release their own CD in the summer of '94, entirely funded by their friends and fans. Veteran producer Greg Ladanyi (Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne) offered to mix the CD after catching their live show; the band eagerly agreed.
After releasing their demo CD produced by Mr. Ladanyi, the band played a spectacular show at the famous Troubadour club in Hollywood, inspiring three encores from a packed house. Despite the support of local media and BBD's best efforts, no industry professionals attended the show. After playing for another few months, the group disbanded in 1995 leaving a legacy of great music.
| "Back from the living hell of the pregnancy of one of its members, this band is now better than ever. It's been a while since I've heard any new material... at least since I featured them in the Demo Derby. But if they've been recording anything lately, I'd love to have more of their smooth jazzy noodlings to put on my boombox."
"Betsy's Big Day is one of the most engaging alternative-pop bands around LA these days. Betsy Petrie is simply a knockout, both aurally and visually. Accompanying Petrie are some of the finest musicians around, topped off by percussionist Doug Morgan, who remains the most versatile drummer I've ever witnessed. They'll be playing acoustically tonight, which should suit their quirky tunes just fine."
"(Betsy's Big Day) is a band with designs on the future. At a time when far too many new bands are searching for some exclusive link to Seattle, (Betsy's Big Day) has been content to create and define their own sound. With a combination of West coast dreamy idealism and mainstream pop aggression, theirs is a sound that could quite easily capture airplay on contemporary adult radio stations or MTV. The current self-titled three-song demo is a thoughtfully recorded showcase of the depth of this band. The songs are well written and find the band exploring personal avenues while never succumbing completely to the self-as victim rantings that wear thin in large doses." | "For those longing for a quirky pop band that can actually play its instruments, (Betsy's Big Day) fits the bill. With a dime-store wardrobe and hundred-dollar song hooks, (BBD) adds a bit of onstage charm to make watching the band truly enjoyable. Lead singer Betsy Petrie is self-assured, relaxed, and engaging as her voice lilts out clear and true. Yet when she really needs to punch a verse up, she can do so without sacrificing the sound. Kellie Anderson, the percussionist who provides supplementary vocals, meshes her unique style effectively with Petrie. Creative melodies surround the lyrics, and the band packs a lot of variety into its set, from "What Is My Name," a jaunty little riff, to the wistful "Link On A Chain," which blends an incredible harmony between Betsy Petrie's voice and Toby Petrie's keyboard. Toby, the principal songwriter, presents his material with youthful abandon, yet it remains mature in structure. He also lends the songs their lush texture, providing just the right keyboard patches to the tunes. The six-member band works well as a unit, both in performance and musically. Despite the cramped corners of the stage, they didn't seem to get in each other's way. The musical showcase for (BBD), "Atom Bomb" turned out to be a well-structured jam, allowing the players to really show that thrift-store image doesn't deter from having excellent chops. Guitarist Michael Carapella created some interesting chord progressions and tasteful leads, while bassist Kurt Kummerfeldt and drummer Doug Morgan worked out a crisp rhythm. (Betsy's Big Day), which was the first band on the bill, got an unprecedented, honest-to-God encore, and actually had to fumble around a second before deciding on the election-year relevant "Superpower" to close its show with exuberance."
"Receiving more and more recognition locally is (Betsy's Big Day). Featuring the exceptional pop vocals of Betsy Petrie, they sounded tighter and more professional than ever. Offering the best of commercial-ready material, the band performed such gems as "S'Alright" and the highly entertaining, spaghetti-western-influenced "Cowboy Bill." This band is currently winning over even hard-pressed, anti-pop followers." |
| Passing Time She said As I recall It was a cold December day The snow was falling a voice was calling me away A rugged man He gently put his hand in mine to calm the fears and dry the tears we left behindPassing time In twenty nine they built a family built a home With sweat and blood they made a place of their own And through the years she smiled the smiles and shed the tears And when she talked those memories seemed so clear Passing time Passing time Grandma I'm alot like you You've done the things that I will do We cross the land We cross the sea We left our friends and family And though the times have really changed in many ways we are the same So tell me what it's gonna take I'll try to learn from your mistakes Passing time Passing time Passing time Passing time Winter stalls From spring to summer summer fall Stories she would tell I remembered them all We plant the seed From seed to stalk from stalk to seed You can travel around the world and never find what you need
| What Is My Name? Well excuse me for asking But it leaves me in such pain Well I seem to lost my way I can't remember my own name I'm looking for the everlasting light that leads me on I was resting for a moment when I woke up it was gone And I've traded my whole life for ten thousand yesterdays With a pocket full of promises I spent along the way So excuse me sir for asking but I'm not the one to blame You see I've fallen through the cracks I can't remember my own name
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