Brownstone

((House of Blues; 1,000 capacity; $ 27.50 top))

Presented inhouse. Band: Nicci Gilbert, Maxee Maxwell, Kina Cosper. Reviewed July 20, 1995. Rumor has it that Michael Jackson heard just one song performed a cappella by Brownstone and signed the female R&B/pop trio on the spot to his MJJ Music record label. And his ear didn't steer him wrong. Though Brownstone's performance was not compelling, the potency of their pipes was evident and their onstage sass and attitude seemed genuine, seldom lapsing into packaged posturing. Brownstone's show was testament to the group's vocal virtuosity: Despite the replacement of an original member with Kina Cosper, the trio still blends seamlessly. Perf also demonstrated why the group has been praised as one of the few acts climbing the charts through singing talent rather than hype and gimmick.

The girls used airtight harmonizing and muscular solos while singing their hearts out on songs like the pumped-up "Pass the Lovin.' "

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