Dear friend,
Looking back, 2002 was a great year for me. I was voted Twin Cities Favorite Female Performer by the MN Women's Press and my recording (Surroundings) was nominated (along side Leo Kottke) for Acoustic Album of the year. After touring extensively, however, I decided a long quiet winter at home would be good for the soul. It was then that I purchased some top notch recording gear, sound proofed my attic and dove into the world of engineering. I loved it and I loved producing.
All of the songs on Armstrong Avenue were recorded under direct candle light and after long slow and delicious cups of hot tea. Outside the window an ancient silver maple swayed in time with the acoustical instrumentation of Minnesota's finest players. The process took over two yeas and I believe that Armstrong Avenue is my best full length recording to date. I encourage you to listen freely and if you love what you hear, please tell your friends and contact your favorite independent radio program to request a track or two.
With the success of Surroundings I knew the follow up would not only need to be of a similar caliber, but an album that could stand on its own. I also knew that I wanted to work with traditional and acoustic instruments this time around. Armstrong Avenue is the result of having the time to wait for the right musicians to become available.
Karen Mueller offered her skills on dulcimer, bouzouki and auto harp. Crystalline Ruby added the violin and harmony vocals. Gabriela Sweet offered acoustic dolbro and electric slide. Linda Tennison supported the groove on her acoustic bass. All baritone tracks, and lead bouzouki tracks are my own, as well as, all six string guitar and tenor rhythm tracks.
Now, my favorite part is getting this record out to you. I'm excited to hear what YOU think and am eternally grateful for all that you've done in helping me to continue making records. I'm sending wishes of sweet and endless peace to you and yours,
Sincerely,
Lisa Kane
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