Review:

CD "The Three Marys" (self titled)

By John Frame 12^th January 2002

For Queensland Pride’s "Sound Out" column

The Three Marys http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/3marys CD: The Three Marys (2001) "I had to move to Provincetown to find out Mary was a boy’s name" says Mary Jo Paranzeno. She moved 5 years ago to Provincetown, Massachusetts with her life partner Mary Abt, because of its reputation as home to a highly creative artistic and literary community which embraces diversity. The two Marys run an accommodation and travel agency during the week and most Sundays they perform with the third Mary, local handyman Jon Arterton at the historic Universalist Meeting Place.

The Marys were with lesbian vocal group Destiny and Jon was a founding member of highly acclaimed The Flirtations. Their music is "accapella with piano" and last year’s live recorded self-titled CD captures their sheer enthusiasm for the power of singing. They run regular vocal workshops encouraging others to find their own voice and to be proud of using it. Their songs encourage political and personal awareness, celebrate gay & lesbian sexuality, and call for freedom of expression. One of three superb originals, "Homophobic Blues" is the stand out. Far from being blue, it’s a tasty tango dedicated by Mary Jo to her homophobic brother Anthony. When performed live, Mary Jo tells how he was the only member of her family who refused to accept her as an honest and loving person. "Provincetown" is in praise of their home, where many gay men and lesbians on holiday walk unselfconsciously hand in hand down the street with their partner – feeling with absolute certainty for the first time in their lives, that they are totally OK just as they are.