Bruce Brockwell
Bruce Brockwell
I started playing guitar back in middle school, trying to teach myself. I played in a few bands growing up, mostly with brother Barry. Never anything significant. Spent my college years at Virginia Tech where one of my roommates was an extremely talented musician. I really learned a lot from just being around him. We never really played out that much, just for friends and at parties and things, but I really enjoyed playing.
After college, I kind of got away from playing music until about 6 years ago when Barry and I were talking. We asked ourselves what we might sound like if we tried it again today. So I went on Ebay and bought an old Telecaster and an amp and we gave it a try. Barry added, “My neighbor plays drums pretty well…why don’t we get with him and see what it’s like.” Started playing out a little bit with Kirby and a bass player from the neighborhood, and eventually got the opportunity to play with Nikki. I still remember that first rehearsal in the garage with her. We were blown away!!! What a voice!!!
That brings us to today. The classic rock stuff is still my first love, but I enjoy playing anything. It’s been a blast tohave the opportunity to form relationships with the others in the band and some of the things we’ve done and events that we’ve played are beyond what I ever thought I’d be doing. Thanks for the opportunity fellow rednecks!!!…I’m really enjoying the ride!!!
Look forward to seeing you guys out there…somehere…
AL
Frank Kirby
Frank Kirby
Back in 6th grade when cars were big and gas was cheap; and wooden paddles were daily curriculum used by middle school teachers, I entered the Mosby Middle School band room with trumpet case in hand. Mr. Peyton, the band teacher made it clear that my reading of music and the sounds flowing from this brass beast were sub-standard. So he sent me to the back of the room into the Baritone section-exact same results, but from a bigger horn. Then he moved me to the percussion section (a vintage Ludwig snare drum i recall) and let me play about every fourth note. Thank goodness for report cards back in the day made out of white index paper and pen. I think four times that year I changed Mr. Peyton’s D- to a B- before arriving home.
I friended Mike Gallagher in that band room and we formed our first band. The band was so short lived (2 weekends) we didn’t come up with a name, but I know our first song, an instrumental was called “unicef”. It consisted of Mike on the drums, me on the Baritone, and Mark Garmon on an electric youth organ. It should be stated that I wanted to play drums in that band but Mike beat me out for that position. Can you believe that? I mean have you ever heard him play?
Musical talents and band aspirations now took a backseat to focus on career. I’m on the fast track: From slinging hash at O’tooles restaurant for 2.35 an hour and stemming a Schwinn 5 speed Orange Krate bike, I’ve moved on to Roy Rogers flipping burgers for 3.05, a learner’s license and a ’67 Ford Fairlane. Junior and Senior year’s at Tucker High found me employed by the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea company (A&P grocery store) at 8.65 per hour. Times are good and gas is at .65 a gallon. Cashflow allows purchases of a 1973 Olds 442, some cool clothing, and some part time beer consumption monies for high school parties. My older sister has a cool boyfriend, Steve LaPrade, and we’ve inked a deal for me to procure his double bass set of Ludwig drums on the e-z payment plan. Me and Jim Gibbs aka the “Gipper” on lead guitar and a rotation of lead vocal folks are booking weekend gigs (high school parties). The Gipper joins the Navy and my drumming is now confined to indoors with a Marantz receiver, a BSR turntable, and some Klipsch speakers. Boz Scaggs Silk Degree’s ALBUM is what I cut my teeth on, some Boston, and Molly Hatchet. Man, no remote control back then…..lower the turntable needle and haul tail to behind the kit before the song started! Pops, skips, scratches, white noise….I miss those sounds.
2002 I cross paths with the Brockwell brothers. We knock off the dust on a blue set of Pearl drums in my basement, Big Al (Bruce) shows off his recent ebay acquisition of a yellow telecaster (i love that guitar) and Barry with an acoustic. Four hours and 2 twelve packs of Bud later, we pulled off some Petty, Marshall Tucker, Free and others. This gathering generated many “what if scenarios”, people were kind with their comments (liars) and my cat did return back home after about 3 days. Barry steps up and purchases a Gold Top Les Paul and Marshall amp; we…. well actually, he spent a lot of money that day on equipment, cold beverages, and chicken wings in no particular order under my advisement. Session # 2 commences and Olde Yeller (Bruce’s Tele) takes a dive after several songs and several beverages. We perform surgery with some solder and are somewhat back in action. We contemplate opening a guitar repair shop; but then decide a band is the way to go. We do a Halloween party, then a backyard, then some pools. The big break occurs when we play our first bar, Easy Street in 2007. We were all nervous on that first night in public, but it was a decent show with lots of fan support. Well, there was that one mishap when Barry’s guitar made no sound beginning the second set, but it worked great when he plugged the cord in. Told ya we were nervous! Nichol comes on board and we quickly figured out that if the guitars and drums can even come remotely close to her talent, we might just be on to something. Nichol really can belt out the vocals. I tell folks she would be top 5 in American Idol and after they’ve seen her, they agree. Bass players are interesting components of a band. Recently, we have found a real fit with Tommy Edwards, a lifelong friend of mine. Tommy is easy-going, solid, and dependable. He is GAS certified (see his bio) which we have an appreciation and understanding for this psychological disorder.
If you enjoy being entertained by bands come see us! The mix is outrageous from LADY GAGA to LED ZEPPELIN to TOAD WET SPROCKET to SUGARLAND! we bring the VOCALS, we bring the SOUND, we bring the LIGHTSHOW. Now you just bring yo A_ _…………whoops gotta go! Thanks for reading, see ya at the show!
Nichol Andrews
Nichol Andrews
I’ve been singing all of my life. I remember standing up in the back of the big conversion van that we had, belting out Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” for my whole family while on vacation. I’m sure they would have loved for me to just sit down and be quiet! I was constantly recording songs from the radio onto a cassette so I could sing them over and over. Then came my first karaoke machine…I am sure my parents regretted that purchase at the time, because I was positive that if my bedroom door was closed, no one else could hear me. My first few karaoke tapes were Gloria Estefan, Tricia Yearwood and Reba McEntire. I am happy to say none of those creations are anywhere to be found, and if they ever surface I will deny, deny, deny!
I really got into singing for others in middle/high school. You know that show “Glee”? Yeah. That was me. Well, maybe not the random singing in the hallways and internal turmoil. But it definitely gave me the confidence to stand on stage…and maybe sometimes use jazz hands. Oh yeah. Jazz hands a-plenty.
I first started singing in a band when I first turned 21. Discovered singing (what else) karaoke. I spent a couple of years with Excelerator, learning the wonders of hauling equipment, setting up, sound check and tearing it all down. They were the best group of guys to learn from. I also met my husband while playing with those guys, something I will be eternally grateful for. When I left Excelerator, I joined up with my brother-in-law, Wade, a long time drummer in the local music circuit. We went through a few different bands, searching for the right fit. Always tons of fun but never finding “it”.
I decided to take up an offer to be a backup vocalist for a former local band called Sin City Revival. These guys were amazing, I loved every single original song those boys turned out. Playing with musicians Dean Berry, Brian Fones, and Ryan Underhill was a privelage, even if it was short-lived. During my short time with Sin City, I became pregnant with my twins and took an 18 month hiatus from the live music scene. After 18 months of being away I was itching for the stage again…enter the Brockwell Brothers…
Bruce and Barry have known my husband Jason since he was a teenager. When I met them about 10 years ago I had no clue that they even played an instrument, let alone that they played them rather well. I just thought they were major goofballs who liked to play golf, drink and dance poorly to Brick House (ahem….Barry…) In 2008, when I was thinking of getting back into music, I heard a rumor that they had started a little band, and I immediately thought “Those guys would be so fun to play with!” I was invited into The Garage for a practice and have never looked back. We have so much fun wherever we go. We have been blessed with some amazing opportunities. We’ll keep on going until someone makes us stop. Or until one of these old boys needs a hip or knee replacement.
Tommy Edwards
Tommy Edwards
When I was a little guy, my dad would sit around the kitchen table after supper playing guitar and singing for my mom while doing dishes. I asked my dad (who learned from his dad) to teach me how to play. I learned how to play on my dad’s very cool old Gibson acoustic that he bought in a pawn shop back in the 50’s. Our neighbor gave me an old Stella acoustic that was a bear to play, so I would always ask my dad if could play that big Gibson. Our family would go to South Carolina every summer to see relatives. I always looked forward to that trip as my dad and uncle would get together and play music. My cousin could play drums and we got to stay up pretty late and play along with ’em, mostly old Bakersfield music (pretty neat stuff when you’re a young kid). My dad and late grandpa are my heroes.
I bought a Yamaha acoustic guitar and messed around with it for awhile, but muscle cars had become my passion. Not too many years later, I met my wife and started a family. All the while that acoustic was in the closet just hangin’ out. I’d pull it out every now and then, but my family, work and smallmouth bass fishing took up my time.
I had a kind of mid-life crisis and decided I wanted a Fender Stratocaster and an amp. So, I went to Richmond Music, figured out what I wanted and signed up for some guitar lessons. Not long after that, I started playing rhythm guitar in my church’s praise band. After a few years, the bass player in the band decided to move on and we were without a bass player. I offered to fill that gap, so I picked up a Fender Jazz bass and a bass amp and self-taught myself. I have come to the conclusion that bass guitar is where it’s at for me…love it. I, like Barry, also suffer from Gear Acquire Syndrome (GAS).
I have known the Kirb-Dawg since high school. He knew I played guitar and had started playing bass. I knew he played drums and that along with Bruce and Barry, they had started the RNPP. I went to see them play and was blown away by their talent, and Nichol’s vocals (OMG!) she can sing. The other thing that struck me was the different genres of music that they would play and the vocal harmonies, very refreshing mix.
I am the newest and oldest member of the band. I feel very fortunate to be able to play with this great and talented group. They’re all super cool and fun to hang with. Come out, watch us play and you’ll see what I mean. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Barry Brockwell
Barry Brockwell
My first guitar was a Roy Rogers special. I wish I still had it because it’s probably worth more than the ones I currently have. Ever since opening the box on that nylon string wonder I’ve wanted to figure out how to really play guitar. I still haven’t, but if you buy the right equipment you sound pretty good. I played with Brother Bruce (also known as Big Al) in a couple of bands in middle school. In college (Go Hokies) we’d entertain a few intoxicated folks with awesome and creative acoustic versions of Pink Floyd songs as well as good ol’ southern rock tunes by Clapton, Skynard and Bob Seger. It was pretty easy to entertain all five or six people and their price of admission for our late night shows in the apartment was reasonable, $0.
A few years after college and after a couple of kids for each of us, Big Al says to me,
“I think I’m gonna buy a decent guitar and amp off ebay.” I said to him that sounds like fun, hell I think I’m gonna buy one two.” I knew Kirbs (my neighbor) played drums so we drug both pieces of equipment ( the cooler and Bruce’s amp) over his house one night and brutally banged out a 5 song set list of southern rock classics. Prior to our debut in Kirbs basement for one of his Halloween parties; it was decided that my acoustic sounds should be complimented with a little stronger piece of guitaring architecture. I employed the services of Kirbs Negotiations, LLC and we headed off to the music store where we procured a Gold Top Les Paul and a Marshall tube amp. I should not divulge Kirbs’ techniques; however I should say it involves strong communications, cold beer and chicken wings. Unfortunately the guy who sold us these pieces is no longer with the music store, I’m sure he showed up on some type of corporate report on Monday after our visit on Saturday. This is where the equipment addiction set solidly in and the need to bring in real talent to the band in order to upgrade our gig fees to pay for it all.
Big Al continued to get better on his ebay wonder, which to this day amazes me how he can remember all the details to the leads. You know he spent six years at Virginia Tech four of which he attended class two of which will remain classified as our mother may read this. He started two years ahead of me and we sat beside each other at graduation.
A couple of pool parties and back yard gigs later Kirbs asked our first bass player to sit in with us. He was talented, brought beer to practice and suffered from the same equipment addiction.
A couple of birthday party gigs and a near death road trip gig to Baltimore later (Kirbs next time get the company van with tread on the tires and brakes), we had the opportunity to ask Nichol if she had any interest in singing again and more importantly with us.
No offense to my other esteemed band members but Nichol has unbelievable talent heard only if places like “The Stage” in Nashville. Her husband, Jason, knows sound, brings beer to practice and has an addiction to sound equipment. Again another perfect fit for the rapidly developing Redneck Pool Party.
It’s such a rush when the bar is full, everyone is moving to the music and singing what you’re playing and sometimes dancing where they shouldn’t. Thanks to those who show up when we play and thanks to Big Al, Kirbs, Tommy, Nichol and Jason for letting me entertain with you. If you haven’t seen us play check out the upcoming dates and come on out. You’ve got to see this set of clowns perform while Nichol belts out unbelievable vocals. I promise you you’ll certainly feel different when you leave!
About Us
Richmond, Virginia based RNPP brings classic rock combined with country, blues and on occasion a little Motown. And now with the release of their first 10 song original album entitled “Long Time Comin’” they’ll drop a few original tunes into the set. Having been together for over eight years the band has become well recognized for providing a very entertaining show with great sound that appeals to a wide variety of music lovers. The band’s lead vocalist, Nichol Andrews, will blow you away covering the likes of Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Susan Tedeschi and Ann Wilson of Heart. Complimenting Nichol’s powerful versions of songs by those type artists are the Brockwell brother’s versions of the Eagles “Hotel California,” Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream” and Eric Church’s “Drink In My Hand.” With a tight groove provided by Tommy Edwards on his Fender bass, Frank “Kirbdawg” Kirby on his DW drums and a sound system on par with national touring acts, you’re sure to have a great time, enjoy what you hear and most of your guests will know the words to every song. RNPP takes great pride to ensure that the venue host is pleased with its sound quality and performance. The band is easy to work with and is respectful of the venue host’s requests of the band. As most of the band members have younger kids and family commitments you won’t see RNPP out every weekend. With a goal of one to two gigs a month the calendar fills up quickly. So book the band and prepare for a great time. I can guarantee you’ll want to do it again!!!