The amount of good blues music coming out of the top left corner of the United States is unfathomable.  It's getting to the point that when I get a CD in the mail, if the return address has a zip code with the first three numbers anywhere between 970 and 979, I've already started liking it.  It's gotta be the water.  Somehow, somewhere, some of the mud from the Mississippi got mixed in with the cascades of Columbia River.      

 

    The newest CD in the ever growing list of submissions I'm receiving from the Pacific Northwest is a self titled disc from Lisa Mann.  Like her neighbors before her, Lisa is quite impressive.  Joining Lisa, on bass and vocals are: Jeff Knudson, Sonny Hess and Larry Haggin on guitars; Dave Melyan and Michael Ballash on drums; Alex Shakeri, Janice Scroggins and David Vest on keyboards; Alex Shakeri and Jim Wallace on harmonica; Brad Ulrich and Mark Hutchinson on saxophones; Megan James on vocal and harmonies; and Sonny Hess & Rae Gordon on backup vocals.  Should some of those names have you thinking you've heard them before, think Insomniacs.

 

    "Lisa Mann", Lisa's third release, is a mix of some of the bluesiest songs from her first two CDS along with several new tracks.  Now let me tell you about some of it.......

 

    Due to being vaccinated with a Victrola needle, Lisa is "Hooked On Rock And Roll".  With a title like that you'd expect this one to be a smoker and that's exactly what it is.  It's one of two tracks that feature the 'alternating musicians' and from what I'm listening to, they've all earned their so called 'guest appearance'.  It's Michael beatin' the hell out the skins, Janice slappin' the hello out of the keys, and Brad blowin' the hell out a saxophone, that are firing this one up.  

 

    Although the lyrics find her asking for one, there's no way Lisa needs a "Helping Hand" on this track.  Her voice is so strong, so commanding and so soulful that this one could have been sung acapella and still been outstanding.  Having said that, I'm glad it wasn't, because Alex and Mark are phenomenal on the organ and saxophone leads.      

 

    On "Little Sister", Lisa gets to feature one of her other talents - amazing bass.  With her leading the way, and Dave and Alex keeping right up on drums and organ, the trio gets a fine, funky rhythm going.  Alex doubling on the harp, Jeff tearing it up on guitar and Meagan's harmonizing on vocals all add up to this being a hot one.            

 

    Long time readers of mine know that when it comes to styles of blues, there's nothing I like hearing more than good old "Down Home Blues".....at least every.... other.... record..... or two.  With Jim leading the way on harp, and Lisa belting it out vocally, the rest of the band fall into one of those "it doesn't get any better than this" kind of grooves.  Real good stuff.     

 

    Unless Alvin and the Chipmunks do it (which would be a sacrilege), I doubt I'll ever hear a version of "At Last" - the most beautiful song ever written - that I won't like.  Lisa's rendition is flawless.  She uses one of the slower, softer and sultrier styles I've heard.  Although she nails it, even the crescendo never seems to be a strain.  On this solo effort, Lisa's skilled use of a six string bass serves up the impression that there's a three piece combo backing her up.  Great work, maestro.       

 

    Stating that she keeps making the same mistakes over and over again, Lisa feels like her life is like a "Broken Record".  This is one hell of a clever composition that anyone who's ever used a turntable will relate to.   Several times throughout the track Lisa makes the song sound as if the record is stuck...the record is stuck...the record is stuck.  It's an absolute riot.  And musically, it rocks.  A furious paced rhythm led by Lisa and Dave, hot guitar leads from Jeff - who by the way is also Lisa's husband, killer piano work from Alex and a strong vocal performance by Lisa all highlight this one.     

 

    Other tracks on "Lisa Mann" include:  "Someday", "Bentonville Blues", "Chemicals", 'Tryin", "Real Life Woman" and "Pray For The Junkie".

 

    Over the past year or so, I've heard some very good work coming some from very good lady blues artists whom I think may be ready to breakout of that 'local' / 'regional' area mold.  I've just added Lisa Mann to the list.  When you're a good writer, a good musician, a good singer - and of course being good looking never hurts either, your time is sure to come.  Lisa's time is soon....very soon.

 

    To find out more about Lisa, and to purchase a copy of "Lisa Mann", just go to www.lisamannmusic.com.  Please be sure to tell her why you came...... you heard the Blewzzman saying "WOW!"

 

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues editor @ www.Mary4Music.com