Album Notes

BIO: Maria began performing live while in high school on Buffalo's West Side. She took part in most school musicals and at 17 began performing at the former Club Utica -- a renowned country club. She later joined various rock cover bands to polish her presence and develop her guitar skills. She performed solo in her hometown while writing and recording with 1996-born original band (later named In From the Cold) based in Buffalo and Los Angeles. The group featured world-class drummer Gary Mallaber (Steve Miller Band, Van Morrison) and ex-Red Hot Chili Pepper guitarist Jack Sherman. Though logistical issues stalled the band's live schedule, their unique Pop/Rock songs are currently being pitched for television and film (clients to date include CBS, Discovery Channel and Hoggard Films).

Independently, Maria has recorded four CDs since In From the Cold. In 2006, Songs I Wrote in the Car, took a mostly acoustic turn, but Maria's newest CD, Yellow Envelope, is her most eclectic work to date. It has full band rock songs and acoustic productions with various instruments played by some of Buffalo's best musicians, including members of 10,000 Maniacs (Drummer Jerry Augustyniak--who Maria lives and performs with--and Violinist, Mary Ramsey). It is best described as Liz Phair meets Rosanne Cash in John Prine's favorite cafe.

In 2004, Maria earned her M.A. in English / Media Studies from the University at Buffalo. She is a mother of two, and she teaches English at various WNY colleges.

Maria has shared shows with: The Byrds' Roger McGuinn (who she met at a mall and has opened for four times now), Los Lonely Boys, The Gin Blossoms, Collective Soul, Sarah Harmer, Jackyl, The Tea Party, Hothouse Flowers, Jess Klein, Vance Gilbert, Honeymoon Suite, Eddie Money, Missy Higgins/Eric Hutchinson, Pilate, C.O. Jones, Scott Carpenter and the Real McCoys, Head East, Harum Scarum and dozens of WNY bands.