That's Lisa Taylor.
We're going to be sharing the stage once again at the Potter's House, as we kick off a new season of the 2nd Saturday Songwriter Showcase.
Now, I already knew that Lisa Taylor was a powerhouse performer. My good friend, Matt Holsen, had put a copy of her Sibling Rivalry CD and turned me onto Tom Prasada-Rao, with whom Lisa had done a great deal of recording and performing. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to share the stage with Lisa that first time with Zeala that I realized I was in the presence of a truly amazing talent.
Equally adept on the acoustic guitar and behind the set, Lisa's voice is what really knocked me out. At once powerful, subtle and so capable of embodying every once of emotion in her complex, yet entirely accessible songs.
In the days of Zeala, we sang Thing Under the Bed (from Sibling Rivalry), with a wicked horn part added on for good measure. The song has so haunted me since, that it's been added to my repertoire. Echoes of Laela's fear of ET and too many people's fear of immigrants and different sexuality always ring through my head when I sing that tune.
We also covered, It Means Alot, which is a sultry, bluesy peice that made it onto True North, Lisa's newest recording. It's buried way down deep, though - around the 8th track when the CD is winding down. Cause let me tell you the thing opens with a bang!
Have a listen at Splinters
"How many anxious little Einsteins find disbelievers within their own family?
Standing together in unified field, discussing pros and cons of their own relativity."
And that's Lisa, in a nutshell: whimsical and warm, like her website says. Her songs sing like portraits from her own life (with plenty mention of her siblings and reference to family memories). "The Girl Changes Everything" is one of my favorites, 'cause goodness knows I can relate to a "personable person impersonating me." I'm sure Lisa's daughters Halle and Rachel can relate to a recent title that Laela and I discovered, "Queen I-Am-The-Boss-Of-You."
The tune is an incredibly fun tribute to mommyhood.
There are moments when I think I know, but am not quite sure what Lisa's singing about. The Emporer's Clothes for example, is a haunting, beautifully produced tune that I'm assuming is a no love lost farewell to our commander in chief. But I'm grasping. That leads me to my biggest complaint about the whole recording - lyrics. They're so layered and awesome, I'd like to have them laid out in front me (with a couple of bonus photos). Did I mention that this triple threat singer/songwriter/musician and drop-dead gorgeous.
Oh well, the graphics are cool. :)
Finally, I would be remiss, if I didn't mention Will's favorite tune on True North. I hear in Brave Me a luxurious letting go lament complete with a piano padding and guitar solo to knock anyone's socks off.
Oh yeah, and did I mention that she has an Icarus on her record? Great minds right?
Guess I'll have to ask her what that tune is all about when I see her next Saturday. Lisa and I will be sharing the stage again - for the first time in 2 years. We'll both be doing some sanging and banging. Will will play a bit of bass. A grand ol time is guaranteed for all.
Perhaps the coolest part of the evening is that we're raising money and awareness for the great work being done House of Ruth to support and uplift the area's women and families faced with homelessness and abuse.
Looking forward to seeing you guys and hearing Lisa again!
Check out the new site for the 2nd Saturday Songwriter Showcase
Saturday September 13
Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd, NW
Washington DC 20009
(202) 232 5483
Suggested donation - $10
www.pottershousedc.org
Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd, NW
Washington DC 20009
(202) 232 5483
Suggested donation - $10
www.pottershousedc.org
