Portland’s Sister Mercy Delivers Mix of Blues, Rock, and R&B

Sister Mercy
"Diamonds"
(self-released)
2018

April Brown, a native of Los Angeles, migrated to the lively Portland blues music scene in the Pacific Northwest, where she became the frontwoman and lead vocalist of Sister Mercy. Her potent and passionate vocal style, refined in Los Angeles clubs Whisky a Go Go and the Roxy, made her the ideal lead for this soulful group of blues rockers. 

Sister Mercy released three albums between 2014 and 2022. Their second album, “Diamonds,” stands out as the band reached its creative peak. April Brown’s continued development as a singer is evident on “Baby, I'm No Fool” and the traditional “Travelin’ Shoes.” Likewise, she excels on band originals “River of Tears” and “Beale Street,” which explore the powerful pull of destructive love and are deeply soulful and emotional. Of special note is her compelling performance of Etta James' “Tell Mama.”

The band features Scott Garcia on guitar, Roger Espinor on drums, John Webb on bass, and Debby Espinor on keyboards, with the entire group providing backing vocals, contributing to this album's rich, full sound.