From left, Susan Mathews, Deana Gurney, and Ingrid Ayer-Richardson, perform songs from their latest album. BENJAMIN D. LEVESQUE/Journal Tribune
BIDDEFORD — The Pretty Girls — Ingrid Ayer-Richardson, Susan Mathews, and Deana Gurney — took to the stage at Biddeford’s Elements café on Friday night, performing Pretty Girls Sing Soprano.
With mixed backgrounds in folk, rock, and piano, the Girls provided patrons with a nostalgic connection to tunes from Tom Petty to Stevie Wonder, and sang from their recent release, “A Bag Full of Lessons.”
Mathews and Ayer-Richardson met during rehearsals with the Women in Harmony of Portland in 2009, and debuted locally as a team in Nov. 2010. Since their genesis, the Pretty Girls have grown into an energetic group of vocalists.
“It’s like blood that goes through you,” said Mathews about performing. “It becomes a part of you.”
Susan Mathews joined Women in Harmony in 1993, and dreamt of performing at the Chocolate Church in Bath . Childhood idols like Paula Cole and Livingston Taylor drew her to the venue later in the group’s success. She was delighted when the Pretty Girls had the opportunity to rock that stage in 2016.
Since their inception, the Girls have replaced their pianist, Shelly, with Deana Gurney, who has made the position her own, said Mathews. Gurney began playing piano at the age of four, accompanying and singing throughout high school and into post-secondary school. Because of her skill as a pianist and love of music, Gurney took vocal lessons whilst she provided accompaniment in her college courses.
In 2008, she worked with Unity Church in Windham, and drew on her vocal experience. Gurney was recruited as a member of the Pretty Girls in 2017. She was encouraged to join the Girls to overcome performance anxiety, in addition to increasing her exposure to locally. The group is a necessary part of her life, she said.
“I feel how deeply healthy it is to sing together, biologically …” said Gurney, “to be rhythmic together.”
The Pretty Girls Sing Soprano front table, sporting their personal mascot, Larry the Lobster, and several copies of their release “A Bag Full of Lessons.” BENJAMIN D. LEVESQUE/Journal Tribune
Pretty Girls Sing Soprano is a creation of Ingrid Ayer-Richardson. She spoke with Mathews about their potential as a singing duo, and soon their career as a folk-rock set was born.
Ayer-Richardson started her love affair with music at a young age. She performed numerous styles while in her high school band, be it concert, pep, or jazz. She also sang in the chorus. Before moving to Maine, she led a rock band in Vermont. Since then, she has made a family with her husband, but the career of the Pretty Girls is extremely important to her.
The Pretty Girls’ latest release, “A Bag Full of Lessons,” was recorded at Geiger Counter Studios, and licensed in Nov. 2018. The disc contains 13 songs, featuring “Look Out Mama,” “A Life That’s Good,” and “All My Days.” Several of their pieces were written and arranged by Gurney.
To find the group’s next performance, or to view their current events, go to their Facebook at www.facebook.com/PrettyGirlsSingSoprano
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