Album Notes

When Lisa decided to record her first solo record she expressed interest in the David Baerwald CD "New Folk Underground" which was produced in Austin by Baerwald, David Kitay and Will Sexton. She loved the use of guitar, banjo, accordion; the mix of rock, country, blues and folk. Her manager then introduced her to Kitay, who was instantly enamored of her songs and voice and offered to produce an album with her. They caught a lucky break when Michael Thompson (who had played on the Baerwald record and was currently in rehearsals with the Eagles for their upcoming tour) suddenly had a week off. Using Michael, drummer Nick D'Virgilio, Kitay on bass and Lisa on rhythm guitar, they worked 15 hour days managing to track the entire CD and completing many overdubs. "You can hand the guy any instrument" Lisa said of Michael Thompson, "guitar, lap steel, banjo, accordion, Hammond...he plays everything beautifully. I about had a heart attack when he brought along Eagles' tour mate Al Garth to play fiddle on 4 songs. What a treat."

"I've never been happier musically" Lisa says. "Everything was played with the way I feel about my music kept in mind. The sessions were effortless and so much fun, a truly perfect musical experience. Much love and thanks to the guys for taking such care."

With her CD "Sweet Forgiveness" almost complete, Lisa was determined to avoid the major label problems that had plagued her previous release. She returned to her grass roots approach by setting up her own indie label, Gracye Records, in order to release the CD herself. She then decided to move to Austin, TX, where the players and venues were ideal for her Alt Country sound. "I fell in love with Austin during the SXSW shows that I played here." Hayes said. Michael Thompson happened to be in town the week she arrived so he invited her to sit in at a songwriter's show he was playing with Will Sexton. Will loved her songs and voice and invited her back to play in the weekly shows which has led to other Austin dates. Having settled in, Lisa had pedal steel added to four of the tracks and Will Sexton dropped by to add some background vocals. She then had local producer Mark Hallman (Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Ani De Franco, Eliza Gilkyson) complete the CD by mixing the last five tracks. Lisa is planning to tour in support of "Sweet Forgiveness" throughout 2006.