Lisa Brigantino

Artist Information

Biography

Award-winning singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Lisa Brigantino is an engaging performer whose eclectic approach to songwriting spans groove, genre and topic. A trained composer with a master of music in composition and theory, Lisa also composes music for TV, film, theatre and dance. In addition to her own performances, Lisa performs with her sister Lori in “The Vickie & Nickie Show” a wacky musical-comedy act as well as “In The Rough” a vocal trio with Lori and Broadway veteran Susan Haefner.

Lisa's latest solo CD "Wonder Wheel" an eclectic mix of Folk, Rock, Blues, Americana, Old-Time and more was released in 2010 and continues to receive international airplay and fantastic reviews, including a 5 star rating and "Pick Of The Week" from Indie Music Critic and Muzikreviews.com as well as numerous other publications, blogs and ezines. Women of Substance Radio says "Lisa is one of the most versatile songwriters we've heard. She is a true artist who has mastered countless styles of writing, singing and performing. This New Yorker moves effortlessly from a sensitive acoustic ballad to an in-your-face bluesy romp without skipping a beat." Jon Sobel of Blog Critics says "Lisa Brigantino is what you'd call a complete musician—a superb multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. Brigantino brings to her songwriting that real sense of melody that so many putative writers lack." KRUU-FM says "Lisa’s voice moves fluidly from style to style, earthy on the blues and rocker songs, liquid sweet on the acoustic and pop tunes." Most recently, Lisa placed 7th on Indie-Music.com's Top 25 Awards of 2012.

Lisa was an original member of Lez Zeppelin, the all girl, all Led Zeppelin tribute band and toured internationally with the band playing bass, bass pedals, keys, mandolin and doing backup vocals. During Lisa's years with the band, they received rave reviews in many publications and news sources including Rolling Stone (US, Germany and Japan ), Time Out New York & Chicago, Entertainment Weekly, The London Times, The Boston Globe, The New Yorker, VH1, MTV News, CNN News, CBS Sunday Morning and many more. Performance highlights include appearances at The Bonnaroo Music Festival and Voodoo Fest (USA), Download Festival (UK) Rock am Ring/Rock am Park (Germany). The band’s debut CD was released in 2007, recorded and produced by the legendary Eddie Kramer. Lisa co-wrote two of the original songs on the album. Lisa left the band in 2009 to get back to concentrating on her own original material.

Lisa Brigantino is proud to be a Kurzweil Endorsed Artist. She is a member of SESAC, The Songwriters Guild of America, a voting member of NARAS (Grammys) and serves on the Advisory Board of Women In Music, Inc.

** PLEASE NOTE: Tour dates can be found at www.lisabrig.com and www.reverbnation.com/LisaBrigantino

AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS:


-Ranked #7 on Indie-Music's Top 25 of 2012
-Finalist in the Best Female Artist Category of The 6th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards for "Used To Be A House".
-Citation of Merit from Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden
-Named July 2010 Woman Of The Month by Women In Music.
-Honorable Mention in the 2009 Billboard World Song Contest for "This Town" and "I'll See You In My Dreams".
-Runner Up Award in the 2009 Song Of The Year Contest for "It's Christmastime".
-Runner Up Award in the 2008 Song Of The Year Contest for "The Light Of Your Face"
-Honorable Mention in the 2008 Billboard World Song Contest for "One More Day" and "Holding On For Something"
-Honorable Mention in the 2007 Billboard World Song Contest for "I Gotta Find Me Something"
-Honorable Mention in the 2006 Billboard World Song Contest for "Don't Say It At All"
-Honorable Mention in the 2005 Billboard World Song Contest for "Departure"
-Honorable Mention in the 2004 Billboard World Song Contest for "The Light Of Your Face"
-Honorable Mention in the 2003 Billboard World Song Contest for "Wallflower"

Instrumentation

Lisa Brigantino - vocals, guitars, keyboards, ukulele, banjo, accordion, bass and more.

Can also include:

Lori Brigantino - vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion

Tom Millioto - electric guitar

Helen Destroy - percussion

Susan Haefner - vocals

Discography

- "Wonder Wheel" (self-release) June 2010

- "Black Potatoe Music Festival Compilation" - June 2010 - Lisa's song "This Town" appears on the compilation

- “Lez Zeppelin” self titled debut CD, recorded and produced by Eddie Kramer. Released July 2007 on Emanation Records, distributed by Redeye. Lisa co-wrote the 2 original songs that appear on the album – “On The Rocks” & “Winter Sun”

- "Listen Learn and Groove”’ – CD Compilation. Lisa’s song "Blue Jeans” appears on this compilation – released by Female Musician, 2000

- "A Brooklyn Night" – Debut CD – released by Hidden Pond Productions (self-release) 2000.

Official Website

http://www.lisabrig.com

Links

• MySpace
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Lisa Brigantino's YouTube Channel
• ReverbNation
• Kurzweil Artist Page
• The Vickie & Nickie Show

Audio

• Those Days
  Listen  
• This Town
  Listen  
• I Gotta' Find Me Somethin'
  Listen  
• Motel Room In The Dangerous Part Of Town
  Listen  
• Go And Find It
  Listen  
• Used To Be A House
  Listen  
• A Little Sympathy
  Listen  
• Wonder Wheel
  Listen  
• The Light Of Your Face
  Listen  
• The Wandering
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Those Days
• This Town
• Used To Be A House
• Go And Find It
• The Wandering
• I Gotta Find Me Somthin'
• I'll See You In My Dreams
• Blue Jeans
• Motel Room In The Dangerous Part Of Town
• Wonder Wheel
• It's Christmastime

Video

Lisa Brigantino performs her song GO AND FIND IT on Mallet's Place TV Show.

Lisa Brigantino performs her song MAKE UP YOUR MIND on Mallet's Place TV show.

Photo Gallery

Press

• There Isn't A Weak Track Here... [+ Show ]
  

  "(Wonder Wheel) is a strong 13-tune collection that shows off Brigantino's wide range of interest. R..."(Wonder Wheel) is a strong 13-tune collection that shows off Brigantino's wide range of interest. Rock, blues, folk, ragtime, Tex-Mex, and country impulses collide, but it's all held together by Brigantino's expressive vocals, her expert playing, and the support of husband and co-producer Tomi Millioto, who adds massive electric guitar chops and drum programming that make the harder tracks kick serious behind. There isn't a weak track here..."

• A Superb Album [+ Show ]
  

  It's hard to place Lisa Brigantino in a genre. Maybe it's her rock background, or her phenomenal tal...It's hard to place Lisa Brigantino in a genre. Maybe it's her rock background, or her phenomenal talent to play an array of instruments ranging from guitar to accordion, or her full, but something about this mixture is too unique to stuff in one genre...It's this rarity that makes Wonder Wheel such a superb album. There's a little bit of everything, but it's done in such a well-put together way that it's fascinating. There's a definite twang and heart to everything, but there's an edge and an attitude, too. Brigantino has been put on all kinds of “artist to watch” lists. You should do more than watch. You should listen and then re-listen and re-listen again. Wonder Wheel will touch you, entertain you, and refresh you.
  

• Expect Nothing Less
  

  ""Lisa's music is very well crafted and beautifully performed (I would expect nothing less)."

• 2010 Artist To Watch Out For... [+ Show ]
  

  "2010 Artist To Watch Out For... Lisa's musicality on "Wonder Wheel" is unique; a music journey wor..."2010 Artist To Watch Out For...
  Lisa's musicality on "Wonder Wheel" is unique; a music journey worth taking with this artist."
  - The Examiner

• A True Artist... [+ Show ]
  

  "Lisa is one of the most versatile songwriters we've heard. She is a true artist who has mastered co..."Lisa is one of the most versatile songwriters we've heard. She is a true artist who has mastered countless styles of writing, singing and performing. This New Yorker moves effortlessly from a sensitive acoustic ballad to an in-your-face bluesy romp without skipping a beat."

• Is There Anything She Can't Do? [+ Show ]
  

  "Wonder Wheel is a well rounded album, featuring everything from blazing electric guitar licks on Go..."Wonder Wheel is a well rounded album, featuring everything from blazing electric guitar licks on Go and Find It, to rockin’ blues on This Town, to sweet finger-picked acoustic folk on Those Days, and sparkling piano pop on the title track. Lisa’s voice moves fluidly from style to style, earthy on the blues and rocker songs, liquid sweet
  on the acoustic and pop tunes...Is there anything she can't do?"

• A Complete Musician... [+ Show ]
  

  "Lisa Brigantino is what you'd call a complete musician—a superb multi-instrumentalist, singer-son...
  "Lisa Brigantino is what you'd call a complete musician—a superb multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and not least, rocker. Brigantino brings to her songwriting that real sense of melody that so many putative writers lack, whether it's on a softie, like the folksy "Those Days" and the lovely "Light of Your Face," or in more out-there fare like "I Gotta Find Me Somethin'," where Dixieland meets the Andrews Sisters." - Jon Sobel, Blog Critics
  Jon Sobel, Blog Critics

• Where the gravel meets the road... [+ Show ]
  

  Where the gravel meets the road, Lisa Brigantino is laying it down with her bluesy rock in Go And Fi...Where the gravel meets the road, Lisa Brigantino is laying it down with her bluesy rock in Go And Find It, the first track off of her latest release, Wonder Wheel, a classic rock feel, with a modern edge.
  
  Following on with Used To Be A House is more in tune with the Indigo Girls or maybe Michelle Shocked, holding its folk roots close and still adding her own twist to the old standard formula. Sarah, the next track, has the evocative vocal harmonies that hauntingly slip into your mind.
  
  The roots of Lisa Brigantino may be folk, but she was born to rock as well, and with A Little Sympathy, she follows in the footsteps of the pure pop rockers before her.
  
  Brigantino chases the blues, rock and the folk sounds but I Gotta Find Me Somethin’, combines the kazoo and ukulele creating a tin pan alley sound with its fun, off-beat melody.
  
  This Town has a rock n’ roll edge with pop sensibilities that hail back to the classic years of rock and roll, but has a modern twist, bringing it bang up-to-date.
  
  Brigantino offers a diverse variety of styles and mixes them up in a wonder package called Wonder Wheel, full of diversity and which never sits in one place for very long. - Vernan Tart, Culture Bomb

• A whirlpool of sparkle... [+ Show ]
  

  Wonder Wheel is a brilliant example of passion, love and determination. You can feel the emotion in ...Wonder Wheel is a brilliant example of passion, love and determination. You can feel the emotion in Lisa's voice, and you can soon tell that she loves what she's doing and is brilliant at doing it... I love how this album progresses, it isn't samey, boring, or a task to listen to; it is pretty much beautiful. It seems like a whirlpool of sparkle, paired with pitch perfect vocals and a drive to make a difference.

• Lisa Brigantino Gets The Lez Out [+ Show ]
  

  As a founding member and bassist of an all-girl Zeppelin tribute band, wittingly named Lez Zeppelin,...As a founding member and bassist of an all-girl Zeppelin tribute band, wittingly named Lez Zeppelin, Lisa Brigantino got to headline festivals, tour the world, and gain recognition as a multi-instrumentalist. Now, with a solo album called “Wonder Wheel,” Brigantino is distancing herself a little from the Led Zeppelin experience, embracing a more contemporary sound of slickly-produced rock and acoustic charm. Brigantino still loves Led Zeppelin but that music phenomenon is not part of her everyday existence anymore. Going solo, Brigantino proves that she is more than just an entertainer. She is a woman of substance, too.

• Going Against The Grain... [+ Show ]
  

  Sometime within the past month, I received a really interesting package in my makeshift Brooklyn mai...Sometime within the past month, I received a really interesting package in my makeshift Brooklyn mailbox. Considering that I am used to getting bills, random cards from my parents and a weekly subscription to TV Guide even though I don’t have a TV (thanks Nana!), this package was certainly out of the ordinary. On the front of it was a hand-written (!) note from Brooklyn singer-songwriter Lisa Brigantino mentioning Dunja’s name. I sat there puzzled for a minute, then suddenly it all clicked – I had given my physical address a long time ago to her for this opportunity but had clearly forgotten about it.
  
  Before I even popped the CD into my computer, Lisa Brigantino had spiked my interest. In our world, in these days, her decision to mail me the physical album was truly unique.
  
  I am pretty sure it’s a consequence of my career, generation and the city I call home, but I think about the internet a lot. I often find myself in conversations about how the internet has changed our lives for better and worse with different end decisions almost every time. It’s a topic I bring up in every interview I do for Lip and something I think or talk about every day. The numerous requests I get to check out websites, Facebook pages, press-only YouTube videos and various other EPKs solidifies that the days of mailing demos are long gone.
  
  Going against the grain like that made me like her right away.
  
  Then I took a few solid listens to Wonder Wheel and only liked her more. It should’ve been more obvious that anyone that dedicated to promoting her album so personally had reason to be proud of her creation. After the third run-through, I visited her website and was seeing the incredible list of credentials on her bio (one of the original members of Lez Zeppelin, the world’s first all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band, a solid list of theater, film and TV scores and clear evidence of songwriting talent). Based on the album cover and the website, I had a certain idea of what to expect on her album, picturing someone between Ingrid Michaelson and Alison Krauss. Wonder Wheel surely has shades of those influences, but it’s also something really remarkable in its own right.
  
  From the very first song “Go and Find It”, you can hear Lisa’s amazing multi-instrumental talent. The song is rooted in a catchy acoustic guitar melody layered on top of fast-paced scaling guitars and drum beats. “Go and Find It” sounds like something I’ve heard on the radio or at the bar. It’s a great first track to entice the listener into Lisa Brigantino’s pop world.
  
  The album is much more than just pop, though.
  
  “A Little Sympathy” mixes the big band sound of 80s Bruce Springsteen with the danceable nerdiness of 90s indie rock adding a distinct female voice. The song takes the album in a completely different direction than what I had come to expect in the best way possible.
  
  My favorite track on the album, though, is “I Gotta Find Me Somethin”. The harmonization and use of the mandolin and kazoo give this song a feel of ‘40s or ‘50s music that you might hear one of those all-girl groups playing at a carnival. Or some other mid-century thing featuring a circus tent and those big old lightbulbs. I know that is an odd reference to make, but it seriously the song could be fit right in with Big Fish. I’ve been listening to it non-stop for the past three days.
  
  Lisa’s songwriting talent is most apparent on “Departure” and “The Wandering”. It might be because I am at a point in my own life when thinking about growing up and my role as an adult is my second most pondered topic, besides maybe the internet. Her honest lyrics, mellow guitarwork and powerful vocals create the kind of catchy universality that might make John Mayer jealous.
  
  Wearing yet a different hat, Lisa demonstrates her rocker side on “This Town” and “Motel Room in the Dangerous Part of Town”. These songs are perhaps her weakest, but the hard rock feel adds a different catchiness to these songs.
  
  Title track “Wonder Wheel” is a perfect marriage of all of Lisa’s talents: songwriting, fully rounded out beat, strong vocals, a universal pop sensibility and commercial appeal. “Wonder Wheel” has a true positivity that separates it from the rest of the album from the first note of the song.
  
  All in all, Lisa Brigantino mailing Wonder Wheel to me is one of the most interesting things that’s happened to me over the past three months. It would’ve been awesome if the album sucked, too, I guess, but the fact that I liked it as much as I did made the whole thing that much cooler. Wonder Wheel is available now.
  
  Be sure to visit Lisa’s facebook page for more information and updates!

• Ecletic music stylings... [+ Show ]
  

  Harmonious, melodic, smooth, bluesy, funky, rootsy all these describe the music of Lisa Brigantino. ...Harmonious, melodic, smooth, bluesy, funky, rootsy all these describe the music of Lisa Brigantino. She conveys a lot through her words, and more importantly, her vocal styling itself. If I was a folk-rockin woman from New York City with one hell of a lot to say, my name would be Lisa Brigantino."

• Big break-out record [+ Show ]
  

  "...Earlier this month, she released her second CD. It’s called Wonder Wheel. Some people are saying..."...Earlier this month, she released her second CD. It’s called Wonder Wheel. Some people are saying that this will be a big break-out record in the second half of the year. Start with a song called This Town." From 'Five Songs That You Gotta Hear Today

• It's in the genes... [+ Show ]
  

  Lisa Brigantino is a mastermind in her own right. Up on stage she is a musical goddess—rightly so, w...Lisa Brigantino is a mastermind in her own right. Up on stage she is a musical goddess—rightly so, with all facets of performance and production running heavy through her bloodline.

• Scary... [+ Show ]
  

  Lisa Brigantino is note for note for note perfection. She is thunder. She’s the dangerous criminal i...Lisa Brigantino is note for note for note perfection. She is thunder. She’s the dangerous criminal in the shadows of impending doom...Get used
  to her because she'll always be in the back of your mind. She's that tick-tock of the clock that keeps you up at three in the morning.

• Praise for "A Brooklyn Night" [+ Show ]
  

  'A Brooklyn Night' is a splendid album. With the help of some stinging guitar work by her husband, T...'A Brooklyn Night' is a splendid album. With the help of some stinging guitar work by her husband, Tomi Millioto, Brigantino puts together a varied selection of tasty musical entrees. She sings with a lot of soul and grit, showing the spirit of a true New Yorker. She plays one mean acoustic guitar and sings like a woman that is full of life and plenty of it to share with her audience. All the emotions are harnessed and delivered right on time in every song. This is all very well done."

• More praise for "A Brooklyn Night" [+ Show ]
  

  This is a gem, a beautiful collection of poetic, melodic tracks. The arrangements, by Lisa and her h...This is a gem, a beautiful collection of poetic, melodic tracks. The arrangements, by Lisa and her husband Tomi Millioto, are mostly sparse and organic, allowing the beauty of Lisa's voice and lyrics to shine through. It's one of those CDs that you'll want to listen to over and over again. I heard echoes of Joni Mitchell, Sheryl Crow, Alison Kraus, Mama Cass Elliott with a sprinkle of Janis Joplin thrown in for flavour! Lisa has a beautiful way of bending her notes when she sings. Some people say that the human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all but also the most difficult to master. Listen to Lisa and you'll see what I mean…

• Angels... [+ Show ]
  

  Rootsy folk musing with the refreshing warmth of a well recorded acoustic guitar, a soulful singer, ...Rootsy folk musing with the refreshing warmth of a well recorded acoustic guitar, a soulful singer, and crystalline vocal harmonies that sound like angels tapping in on a radio signal.

• One of the best... [+ Show ]
  

  Lisa Brigantino...is simply one of the best hard rock bassists I have ever seen: solid and accurate,...Lisa Brigantino...is simply one of the best hard rock bassists I have ever seen: solid and accurate,
  with an energy that seems limitless.

• Phenomenal musicianship and top-notch songwriting! [+ Show ]
  

  The latest release by Lisa Brigantino, Wonder Wheel, is a collection of fine-crafted, eclectic rock ...The latest release by Lisa Brigantino, Wonder Wheel, is a collection of fine-crafted, eclectic rock songs, mixed with elements of folk, country, and pop. "Go and Find It" is a blues rock song with a blazing guitar solo about breaking up, where the singer urges her former love to find what they are looking for. The touching, "Used to Be a House," is a folk rock tune with great lyrical depth, and "Sarah" is a country ballad with gorgeous full vocal harmonies. On the pop rocker, "A Little Sympathy," the beginning guitar riff has a taste of Generation X's "Dancing With Myself," and the melody will have you humming along. "The Light of Your Face" is a love ballad with an exquisite melody, and "Those Days" takes an enchanting and intimate look back on fond memories. There is something very precious about the blues tune, "I Gotta Find Me Somethin,'" with its old-time quality and vocal harmonies, complete with kazoo chorus breakdown. Lisa rocks hard on "This Town," which mourns the loss of this town's unique character to the corporate cookie cutter sameness. She powerfully belts out, "This town used to rumble, this town used to scream. This town's gonna crumble, this town's losing me." The folk ballads, "Departure" and "The Wandering," are deeply philosophical and introspective. "Motel Room in the Dangerous Part of Town" has an infectious melody and a humorous look at the life of a touring musician, staying in a shady hotel in Tennessee. The piano-laced, title track, "Wonder Wheel" is beautifully arranged, and the piano waltz, "I'll See You in My Dreams," has a memorable melody that harkens back to Tin Pan Alley days. Phenomenal musicianship and top-notch songwriting!

Setlist

Lisa Brigantino can perform up to a two hour set of her original songs in varying genres and tempos and can include a variety of select covers if needed. The set can be divided in two with a short break in between if the venue prefers.

Basic Requirements

Calendar