Braimesworld 2002
This was the family Christmas letter, sent during the holiday season of 2002. Little did I know that within a couple of years we would actually have become the family band foretold in this festive holiday greeting…
BraimesWorld breaks new ground with 2002
Bellingham, Washington—After what Braimesworld was able to accomplish on 2001, expectations were high for their follow-up, the recently completed 2002.
But this quartet from the misty Pacific Northwest does not disappoint with this latest effort. It is every bit the epic joyride 2001 was, but seasoned with new dimension that leaves one wondering if this family has any limits.
Lead singer Edie Braimes has expanded on the stylings that made her one of last year’s biggest surprises. Her range is remarkable for a child of only 3 years, the moody croonings of ‘Shooshoo Beegy’ giving way to the crazed, shrill screechings of ‘I Want a Popsicle Right Now.’
Edie graduated to the preschool room in the autumn and enjoys riding her bike, looking after her dollies, and pretending to read the newspaper. “One day a kitty cat climbed a tree,” she says, adding “dinosaurs are scary!”
The creative genius behind BraimesWorld is clearly guitarist Vincent Braimes. In addition to writing nearly all the material and telling the rest of the family where to stand, he also designed the cover art for 2002. His guitar work is again very compelling—blistering on the rave-up ‘Hammerhead Shark, Hammerhead Shark’ but sensitive and contemplative on the instrumental ‘Pouring a Glass of Milk for My Mom.’
“I’m going to go to MarineLand tomorrow,” Vincent says, even though he totally isn’t. In addition to being heavily into marine life, he has been experimenting with reading and writing, loves climbing trees, and also picked up a live garter snake in 2002. He is expected to begin work on his first solo album (tentatively titled Vincent Blackshadow) late in 2003, if his kindergarten schedule permits.
She’s come a long way from her days as the Roofdogs’ Josie P. Cat, but keyboardist/producer Patti Braimes seems a natural for her role in BraimesWorld. Her work on 2002 is crisp yet whimsical (also paid) and the family clearly looks to her for guidance, relying on her solid bassline.
Patti is looking forward to receiving tenure at Whatcom Community College in the first quarter of the coming year. She finds her work rewarding, and is a favorite of the faculty and administration. How does she do it? “Volume,” she says, quartering a chicken while wearing heels and a rubber dress. “It’s all about volume.”
Drummer Jeff Braimes also turns in another solid performance on 2002. Somewhat of a departure from his presence on 2001, he seems to be getting more comfortable in his new capacity, and can no longer be seen driving around town talking into his digital camera.
Jeff wears eyeglasses now, and his side project with Coldwell Banker is thriving in a hot Bellingham market. He expects to double his commissions in 2003, with your help.
“Contact me with all your real estate needs,” he says, letting another call ring through to voicemail. “And a-one, and a-two, and a-one, two, three…”
The band kicks in on cue and BraimesWorld rips through another hit song. One thing readily apparent about this band is that they really do enjoy playing together. There’s plenty of love & respect for one another, and it shows in the music. BraimesWorld has indeed produced another timeless classic with 2002, and 2003 hopes to be another smash. Look for big things from this family in the years to come.
--Callous French
(Editors note: watch for Braimesworld at various engagements on the west coast this coming year:
Live at The Absolut—Poulsbo, Washington
New Year’s Eve
“Adults only”-- San Fransisco,California
January 17-19
70th birthday bash, invitation only—Pasco
March 15
TBA: MarineLand, Steel Lake, Bumbershoot