From the December 24, 2000 Brockton Enterprise
City Lights column, by Andrea Bates:

Music to My Ears

    Versatility is often the key to making a living as a musician.  Some specialize only in classical, some in pop, but there are many who have used their talents in ways that have pleased music lovers by crossing genres from blues to pop, Celtic and acoustical folk, to just plain fun dance music.  One local band under the tutelage of Mark Pollock has accomplished just that.

   Pollock and the Big Spenders produce locally with Mark's studio called Junkyard Productions, and have thus far released three successful CDs.  As keyboardist, vocalist, and mandolin player for the Boston-based rhythm and blues band The Bruce Marshall Group since 1991, Mark has shared the stage with Joe Cocker, Charlie Daniels, Pousette-Dart Band, and James Montgomery, to name a few.

   Speaking of versatility, Faith Pyne, violinist and vocalist with the band, is a gal I became aquainted with in the Brockton Symphony, where she played for three years.  Kevin MacDonald Sheppard is bassist who also adds to the vocals on Mark's original material, and he contributed a tune on the recent CD as well.  Guitarist and Berklee grad Marc Leishman has toured with various show groups in resort hotels in the Caribbean and spent two years with the 50's revival group The Flamingos, and Greg Muse adds solid rhythm to the band along with Emily Barrett's vocals, which range from the sweet to the down-right powerful.

   The CD that I have, Mark Pollock and The Big Spenders, is a treat---it proves that good original material performed by capable musicians can indeed be found on independent labels.

   Actually, some of the best music can.

   Unfamiliar melodies become "hummable" and lyrics range from a story-telling style to the kind that make you grin.  There is a sense of humor throughout---and to think they started right here in Brockton.  I love this town!

Andrea Bates is a professional singer and host/producer of the Brockton Community Access program "Good About Brockton."  She writes a weekly column for the Brockton Enterprise called "City Lights."