A prolific writer blessed with a heartbreakingly lovely voice, Lisa Cerbone, began her musical journey melding her love for words with her love for music in the early 90's. The result was powerfully, poetic songs of longing, hope, and redemption. Songs veiled in mystery that made time stand still like a favorite snapshot. Since 1995, many of these songs could be heard on two critically-acclaimed albums: Close Your Eyes (Ichiban/EMD, 1995) and Mercy (Ichiban/EMD, 1997). Of these recordings, The Rolling Stone Network wrote: "It's obvious why the critics are raving about her work. Cerbone's lyrics take on the identity of a wise, introspective storyteller, evoking vibrant images..."
Now, after a six-year hiatus to start a family, Lisa brings her keen writer's eye and ethereal melodies to her third full-length release, Ordinary Days. Produced by Mark Kozelek, frontman / guitarist / songwriter / producer of the Red House Painters, Ordinary Days is an intimate, acoustic recording with a timeless quality. Joined by Kozelek on guitar, the luminescent arrangements are spare, yet never predictable; and Lisa's angelic vocals are always in the forefront. Other musical guests adding to the haunting beauty of the recording are Tim Mooney on drums (American Music Club) and Geoff Stanfield on bass (Black Lab). Lyrically, Lisa movingly speaks of everyday sorrows, joys, and challenges that demonstrate that, which is considered "ordinary" in daily life, is often extraordinary in reality. Her voice and transcendent melodies are the hope that rise above the melancholy.
"as I walk away, I'm struck by the ordinary day. girl in white twirls against the blue of the sky." Ordinary Day
"you come out of the gallows with an umbrella and a flower." How You Shine
"you know where the dust gathers, where the rugs get worn. You hear the voice behind you, don't forget there's more. Something moves through all those winter branches. Your eyelids shut so hard, you really do pray." Ruthless Order
Ordinary Days combines old and new influences. With a nod to Simon and Garfunkel, Melanie, and Neil Young, these songs also have a modern sound reminscent of artists like Low, Red House Painters, and Tom Waits. Musically, the songs radiate a beauty and edge in sound, pure and honest in its emotion. Although the lyrics are confessional, they prove to be universal in scope; something from which the listener can relate.
A seasoned performer, Lisa has also had success performing in the United States and Canada. She has shared the stage with Ben Harper, The Cowboy Junkies, Lloyd Cole, and Lori Carson. In addition, Lisa was awarded a WAMMIE (from the Washington Area Music Association) for Best Female Vocalist in the alternative music category two years in a row. Lisa's songs were also selected to be on TV shows ("Homicide: Life on the Streets" and "Born into Exile", an NBC movie) and the movie "Forest for the Trees". Lisa currently resides in rural Maryland, with her husband and two children. The new CD release will be released in the summer of 2003.
Previous praise for Lisa Cerbone's music:
"Cerbone's lovely vocals could take root in a wasteland." All-Music Guide
"Lisa Cerbone has been wowing critics since the early '90s, but has yet to receive the kind of industry push she deserves. Like Aimee Mann, she is a fine songwriter with a bittersweet view of life and a sweet vocal style that compliments her dreamy, guitar-based sound. Like Mann and Sam Phillips, Cerbone's smart music sounds modern while recalling past decades of pop history." Listen.com
"...she sounds like a major artist just waiting for a national audience." The Washington Post
"{Her music} radiates an edge, a well-balanced counterpart to her lovely vocals." The Album Network Magazine
"From Washington, DC favorite, Lisa Cerbone, comes a sincere and personal exploration of relationships, loneliness, loss, and hopes of redemption. This is an intimate album filled with imagery that leaves you hanging on recollections of dreams." Pitch Magazine
"Cerbone is not just another folksinger with a high, soft voice backed by angelic music. ...{she has a} strength in writing mesmerizing melodies, and her lyrics reflect her aptitude for storytelling." Decibel Magazine
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