Maureen Brown, drums/percussion/”female” washboard/vocals; Rick Gratton, drums,and seven other first-class musicians including trumpet, saxophone, trombone, fiddle, guitar, bass, accordion/keyboards are the cast of the 9 piece award-winning New Orleans inspired party band, MAUREEN BROWN & BIG HAND.
With over 30 years professional experience in the music biz, Maureen Brown has performed and/or recorded with international artists as Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds), Richie Hayward (Little Feat), Otis Rush, John Hammond, Jeff Healey, Watermelon Slim, Kenny “Blues” Boss Wayne, Fiona Boyes, Ian Thomas and all The Boomers, as well as local artists. She’s been awarded Canada’s Blues Drummer of the Year 4X, nominated for Female Blues Vocalist Of The Year 3X and Maureen Brown & Big Hand, won New Blues Talent Search, represented Canada at the W.C. Handy International Blues Search 1994. Trained on all percussion and a card carrying ACTRA member, Maureen was once a member of the Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra. You may have seen her in Night Owl, or heard some of her music on T.V. She has 2 other bands: The Maureen Brown Band (blues based trio/quartette) and The Tulips (all female quartette).