Lisa Taylor

Lisa Taylor; "Sibling Rivalry" (Taylor Tunes) After opening with the engaging title track, a wistful remembrance of childhood set to a country-rock beat, Taylor unveils "The Thing Under the Bed." It's a different kind of children's tale altogether - a catchy metaphor for all that haunts us, young and old. As the album unfolds, Taylor continues to balance songs that are innocent and knowing, tender and pungent, whimsical and wry. One moment she's quietly tracing the long and broad arc of a brother-sister relationship. The next moment she's a chronic procrastinator who's always singing the "Getting Ready Blues." No matter what the tune, she uses her soprano expressively, exploring the contrasting emotions with warmth, convictionand vitality. Joining Taylor is a sizable cast of local musicians that helps craft several smarthly woven and harmonized arrangements.
Mike Joyce - The Washington Post

"A superbly wonderful entertainer, Lisa Taylor is a master in the craft of reaching out to everyone in the audience. Her songs are about 'real life' and will touch everyone at some point in the performance. She is truely a pleasure to listen to." - Stringfellows Music -Dave Caouette

The debut 12 song CD from Northern Virginia's Lisa Taylor showcases thought filled compositions. In addition to Lisa's clear and beautiful voice, the accent instruments add a lot to the overall sound. The selections are lyrically poetic and cover a variety of topics.

The catchiest of the tunes is "Home" about a mother and son fleeing a spouse and father. The guitar and piano offer enough breaks to allow the listener to absorb the lyrics; an approach like what was used in Harry Chapin's "Taxi". Faithfulness and security is explored in the pretty and melodic "Honorbound" with Lisa providing an Amy Grant-like vocal, nice backing vocals from Tom Prasada-Rao and Al Williams adding Flute.

Bob Olsen's oboe adds to the haunting imagery on "The Giving Wall" about a big brother at war, with a little sister left back at home. In "Frightened Eyes" the flute is musically soothing, successfully offsetting the topic of child abuse. "You Don't Own Me" is pretty, yet strong with Lisa's simple guitar and vocal arrangement, about keeping power.

Nominated for 7 Wammies (Washington Area Music Association Awards) for this debut recording, Lisa Taylor is a songwriter to watch for among a small group of talented up and coming artists.
two shows 7:00pm and 9:10pm - get tix at; xxx
Warren Kurtz - Autograph

Lisa Taylor sings, "I would not fly, I would not let go," that she was "not meant to be that strong," in the song "Icarus" on her new CD "True North." But she absolutely soars, vocally and instrumentally, and carries us effortlessly with her. She sings, plays acoustic guitar and percussion, and even takes a turn on soprano sax on this beautifully produced recording. But it's Lisa's songwriting that keeps "True North" in constant rotation here, with naunced snapshots from many phases of life. The arc of "Icarus," the glam strut of "The Emperor's New Clothes," the revelation of "The Girl Changes Everything,"
and the mysterious beauty of the title track unfold with repeated listenings.
"True North" is a sparkling gem, highly recommended.

-Dan Grove - Dan Grove