Sexy Epsilon by Crazy Aunt Mary

This trio of musicians has played in other entities for many years in the Los Angeles area and has now come together in this great new band.

The edgy and lyrical songwriting of Holmes, with her powerful vocals and subtle bass playing and the accomplished and elusive guitar delivery of Pinkney, combined with the prowess and unpredictability of Forsyth, has made their songs new yet desirably familiar to listeners. They give you something to hang your hat on.

Their new album, Sexy Epsilon, brings a mixture of Modern Rock and Blues that has never been heard before, let alone delivered by a three-piece band. Let their music bring you to another place with its imagery and surprise.

Bios ...

Michelle Holmes – Michelle is a successful singer, musician, songwriter, and actor. She has won awards four years running for her songwriting from ASCAP. Michelle has been playing with Crazy Aunt Mary around town at great venues like Maeve's Residuals Bar, Pitfire Grill, Universal Bar & Grill, and Liquid Lounge as part of the annual GoGirlsMusicFest. She has also performed with Steve and Doug at clubs such as The Key Club, Hard Rock Café, Rusty’s Surf Ranch, and countless other venues. She will soon be seen acting in the new indie film "Angus Petfarkin Paints His Masterpiece." Michelle is passionate about animals and has been a committed vegetarian for many years.

Steve Pinkney – Steve has been a guitarist since he was eight years old having aspired to win the affection of the younger of the Agostini sisters down the block. Now he got the girl he always wanted. A veteran of L.A. bands, Steve most recently played with Moe Jones and has gigged and recorded with acclaim. Steve is now honored to play with band members Michelle Holmes and Doug Forsyth, and he also plays guitar better than anyone you know.

Doug Forsyth – Doug began his drumming career at the tender age of five after watching Ricky Ricardo rip it up on the conga performing "Babaloo." His list of influences is way too long, but if they can lay down a groove, play with emotion, and add in some tasty licks, he’s all over it. Doug has also been acting since he was 12 years old. Doug has been in numerous bands from classic rock cover bands to alternative rock original bands. Doug is also the Technical Director and an Instructor for the Theatre Arts Department at Santa Monica College.

And Quotes!

"A distinctive lead singer is one of the most valuable musical commodities a modern band can possess. On this front (they) succeed in spades, thanks to the prowess of vocalist/bassist Michelle Holmes. Fusing the dramatic clarity of pop with the pronounced intelligence of acoustic music, Holmes’ interpretative powers are sparked by the sheer intensity of her potent rock delivery. Front and center, her voice is a beacon of clarity, illuminating the path of the band.

Lead guitarist Steve Pinkney shines with both his muscular neo-psychedelic leads and as spotlighted on an extended acoustic guitar intro on the song, ‘Hey, Steve Hawking.’

[T]heir charismatic drummer, Doug Forsyth, who introduced songs, teased his band members, and played an ornery ring master for this casual, homey show. As a component in the rhythm section, he displayed both a powerful kick on the rockers (and) ... also brought a welcome sensitivity to the softer songs, like the captivating ‘Quiet Water,’ in tight tandem with Holmes."

-- Dan Kimpel, Sunset Strip Radio

"Michelle Holmes’ songwriting prowess is firmly established in her latest work with Crazy Aunt Mary’s release "Sexy Epsilon". Her collaboration with Steve Pinkney creates an eclectic mix of songs that cannot help but leave the listener wanting to hear more.

Track #7, "Rockin’ a Hard Place", is a stand out on this newly released cd. The catchy words blend seamlessly with the music and really get your feet tapping. The music draws you in and leaves the listener wanting more."

-- Georgia Moncrief, GoGirlsMusic.com

"Have you ever seen two carrots making love? Well, that's what the stunning cover photo on Crazy Aunt Mary's album, 'Sexy Epsilon' looks like! It's a quirky image which matches well with the slightly quirky country/blues/folk songs inside. This full-length album is beautifully presented ... All songs are by bassist Michelle Holmes or in collaboration with guitarist Steve Pinkney. I liked this album in an easy-listening sort of way ... Michelle has a fine bluesy, country, folk voice ... With a voice like hers, she should go for broke. There are some brilliant acoustic guitar breaks from Steve Pinkney and the backing vocals and harmonies are excellent throughout ... the acoustic guitar is great. Michelle Holmes handles most of the lead vocals with Steve taking lead on the title track. Some of the better tracks are 'Walk of Fame', 'Sexy Epsilon', 'Black Emerald', 'Run Into the Sun' with its funky intro and 'Last One Home Tonight', a country song which could have been taken from an Eagles album, but wasn't."

-- Francis Kennedy, BassGirls.com

"Topanga resident Michelle Holmes has placed in the top five nationally in the 2006 Indiegrrl Songwriting Competition (www.indiegrrl.com) for her song 'Indian Hills,' one of the 10 eclectic tracks off her band's latest CD, 'Sexy Epsilon.' Michelle’s catchy lyrics are complimented by bluesy vocals backed by the exceptional acoustic guitar breaks of her husband, Steve Pinkney. Her song was selected among more than 250 entries to the competition, which is in its inaugural year.

'Indian Hills is a planned community I lived in while in high school in the Midwest, the antithesis of Topanga,' explains Michelle. 'It just seemed so bizarre to me that it was named 'Indian Hills' when it had nothing to do with Indians.'

From the steamy cover, to the soulful creations within, 'Sexy Epsilon,' has a unique sound with refreshingly real, upbeat lyrics. Visit www.crazyauntmary.com to learn more about her band, Crazy Aunt Mary, including their ongoing efforts to raise funds for their drummer, Doug Forsyth, who suffered severe injuries as a result of an automobile accident this past summer. Michelle and Steve recently organized and performed in a fundraiser for Doug at the Pitfire Grill in North Hollywood and have donated all the proceeds of the sale of 'Sexy Epsilon' to Doug's recovery effort."

-- Staff Writer, Topanga Messenger (TopangaMessenger.com)

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