Kickin’ Ass and Takin’ Names – By Sean Corbett.

You know she’s hot because you saw her in The Nutty Professor and you know she’ll kick your ass because you saw her in the Matrix films. In a way you’re prepared for Jada Pinkett Smith’s new band Wicked Wisdom. But in another way, you’re really not. Just ask anyone who was lucky enough to catch their recent show at The Palladium in Worcester.

Openly insisting that “This ain’t no R&B sh*t,” Wicked Wisdom is currently making waves in the metal community, having just finished a tour with Sevendust. They played at Ozzfest last year and Ozzy has said he was “…blown away.” Many Ozzfest-goers had heard about the band and expected another Evanescence. But that’s because they hadn’t heard Pinkett Smith scream yet.

Donning a larger-than-life Medusa-esque hairdo, Pinket Smith crouched over the edge of the stage, screaming much louder than you’d ever expect for her five-foot frame. Back stage or at the merchandise table after every show, she’ll smile, gently shake your hand and thank you for coming, but on stage she’ll stare you down, swear at you and make you want to punch the guy next to you. She’s backed by fierce band members Pocket Honore (musical director and lead guitar), Phillip “Fish” Fisher (drums), Rio Lawrence (bass guitar) and Cameron Graves (rhythm guitar & keys).

After the show I was able to warm up in the back room of their tour bus with them, and Pinkett Smith made very clear that she’s not just playing another one of her tough girl movie characters. “Out there,” she said, “that’s me. Period.”

To help explain why she’s moved form the screen to the stage, Pinkett Smith offered, “This instant exchange with the audience, nothing beats that… [while] just sitting there, and people watching the image of you on the screen, and it’s not really you, or whatever. It’s good, and it is what that is, but I love this.”

She also loved Worcester. And even though on tour WW “…stay up all night and pretty much sleep all day,” she feels that “every city has its own vibration and that’s really cool,” and that Worcester’s vibe was right up there with other major cities’. About the Palladium Pinkett Smith said, “I prefer that size, it creates an intimate experience with the audience. It’s what I enjoy about doing this music.” And good news for WW’s growing local audience: “Worcester’s the haven of hardcore metal, we’ll come back.”

After seeing their live performance, it’s clear that their live show is still in its beginning stages, but the band is realistic about the caliber of their sound.

“Right now,” Honore said, “We’re just scratching the surface as far as the sound.”

Pinkett Smith agreed. “Right now it’s just about getting out there and creating a fan base,” she said. “We’re still very new.” What does husband Wil Smith think? Well, Pinkett Smith said that’s where most of their support came from initially, but that the band prefers to keep the focus on their music and less on Hollywood relations.

Wicked Wisdom’s self-titled debut CD dropped on Feb. 21 and rocks hard on some tracks and stays melodic on others. You’ll hear a slight NIN influence on the terrifyingly titled “Bleed All Over Me” and a Rage Against the Machine, 90’s grunge metal feel on “Cruel Intentions.” The CD recording places a large emphasis on the vocals, unfortunately taking away from the drums and bass. Also, some songs are a little difficult to get used to and they border on the repetitive. But with that said, you’ll get much more from Wicked Wisdom than you’d expect from a high profile movie star trying her hand at music.

Teenagers will buy this album and really like it. The strong female vocals, the intense guitar riffs and the soulful catchy melodies of “Something Inside of Me” and “Set Me Free” will be very attractive to those who like a poppier version of metal. As far as originality, it’s lacking slightly even though the grunge metal mixes well with tiny bits of hardcore here and there. The mostly positive lyrics will draw a crowd for sure and in this way, Wicked Wisdom serves as an excellent segue into heavier rock music.

Some people won’t like it though. And all Wicked Wisdom asks for is, as Honore said, “…an open mind toward music.”

Why do they go from here? “We’re gonna play stadiums one day, honey,” Honore said. “The sky’s the limit,” Pinkett Smith agreed.

Bottom line, as Pinkett Smith put it herself, “When you see that chick on stage…it’s not the award show, red carpet lady.”

Wicked Wisdom Photos by Teresa Hill.