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When asked to describe his band, lead vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Mark Bram said: 'We have the glam and theatrics of Cooper and Bowie, the harmonic glitz of Queen, the power and urgency of early Zeppelin with the melodic prowess of early Beatles'. Ruby Topaz has tasted success on both the national and international scenes for their 1982 independent single 'Why.' The 45 was co-produced by local guru Phil Greene and Bram, was recorded at Soundtrack Studios in Massachusetts, and then was touched up at RI's Normandy Studios Kerrang Magazine's David Sinclair wrote: 'They show a lot of promise and some genuine excitement on this record.' Soon after the article, the band's management was flooded with requests for the record. Later on they received letters from all around the world voicing support of the band. In 1984 they cut a four-song demo at AAA Studios, which featured 'The Unicorn Song' and 'Keep Out.' This demo received a favorable review in Metal Forces Magazine. Ruby Topaz was ready for their first full-length album. And with this positive write-up, several offers came rolling in. They accepted a deal with California based Azra Records in 1985. Their debut album, 'All Brand New', included most of their previously released tunes as well as several new cuts. The set was highlighted by 'D's Song,' 'Jealousy,' 'Get Your Face Off My Head' and the title track, which was mastered by George Marino (Queen, Billy Idol, Foreigner, etc.), and was all set to go in early 1986. Unfortunately, due to financial and marketing differences, the album was never released. Accepting that fate had dealt them a bad card, the band persisted in the face of misfortune. About a year later, when the world was throwing support behind the Africa famine-relief funds, a musical project called Bandwagon was put together by Big NOISE's Al Gomes. The proceeds from the record went to help the homeless and hungry of Rhode Island. Having worked well together in the past, Gomes, who wrote the lyrics, approached Mark Bram to compose a pretty pop song to support his lyrics. Bram did so without hesitation. The result, 'A Piece of Our Hearts' was truly amazing and inspiring, as hundreds of RI musicians and public officials joined together to sing the song. The song received massive airplay and won numerous awards. In 1987, Bram expanded his musical horizons by producing and arranging a demo for local R&B performer David Parham (Owens) in which Ruby Topaz played most of the music. After this session, the band took the opportunity to lay down the basic tracks for their next album. This effort yielded six songs, highlighted by 'Straight Ahead,' 'Magic Moments' and 'Blue Moon.' In 1989, Ruby Topaz explored the realm of music video for the first time with the song 'Magic.Moments.' The video was both humorous and sexy, showing the band performing and having a good time, as they always did. Later in 1989, Ruby Topaz laid down the final six tracks which comprise what was to be their second full length album, named 'Change of Face'. Songs that stand out include 'Your Love,' 'Change of Face' and 'Save Me.' Although Ruby Topaz shines in the studio, the true power of this band is the live show.

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