Art and Lisa

Art & Lisa – Healin Time (2011)
Filed Under: americana, country-folk by exy — July 12, 2011

The singer/songwriter duo, Art & Lisa and their albums are climbing the charts and people can’t help but notice their names are everywhere. Now with their debut album “Learning to Breathe Again” and now their newest release CD Healin’ Time, the professional growth of this great duo is undeniable. - Exystence Music Blog

Art & Lisa "Healin Time"
Own label, 2010


www.artandlisa.comLisa Beck and Art Crawford are two Texas born musicians and with healin time they released their second album as a duo. Ten original songs, all written by Beck or Crawford, backed by a great band, all ingredients for a great album. I’m always a bit careful when I get private released singer-songwriter albums, to often it’s to amateurish or stars-wanna-bees. But this is something completely different and all big record companies must be fighting to contract this duo, as this album is great! Strong composition, beautiful musical arrangements and two heartwarming voices. The opening track Steal the heart, sung by Beck, is a strong Americana-rock track that has all the potential to become a major radio hit. Easy going, perfectly played and sung, sunny and enjoyable. The second track called Long gone is a second surprise, Crawford impresses with his deep voice in a song in the best country-rock tradition. In Mama’s prayers Beck reminds me for a few moments of the great Irish singer Dolores Keane, the same timbre and somehow the song has the same atmosphere of many of Keane’s recordings. Or hear her sing in Sands of Lubbock what a fantastic singer, she has the quality of giving each song another emotion without losing her natural sound. Great violin by the way in this track. Two great singers, both solo and in the harmony vocal parts, strong songs and a well produced album. A must have and my favorite Americana related album of this year so far.
© Eelco Schilder
- FolkWorld #46 11/2011

ART & LISA – HEALIN' TIME
Het levensverhaal van de in Texas geboren en in Oklahoma opgegroeide Art Crawford leest als een roman. Op school was hij muzikaal actief als dj voor een lokaal radiostation. Zijn eerste werkjaren bracht hij door als antiquair en de muziek werd in die periode jarenlang uit zijn leven verdrongen. Tot hij in 2007 de Texaanse Lisa Beck ontmoette en beiden al gauw ontdekten dat ze voor elkaar geboren waren, zowel in de liefde als in hun gedrevenheid met betrekking tot het creëren en spelen van muziek.

In 2009 verscheen een eerste plaat van het duo ‘Art & Lisa’ onder de titel “Learning To Breathe Again”, een album met ‘recht-toe-recht-aan’ countrysongs die aantoonden dat er in dit sympathieke duo een hoop talent gebundeld zat. Beide muzikanten zijn tevens songschrijvers en zingen afwisselend de lead vocals voor hun werk ook zelf in.

De opvolger voor hun debuutalbum komt nu op de markt onder de titel “Healing Time”. Er is ook een song die “Healing Waters” heet, een nummer van singer-songwriter Walt Wilkins dat op deze plaat als enige cover door ‘Art & Lisa’ op respectvolle wijze en in een prachtige interpretatie wordt gepresenteerd.

De overige negen nummers werden ook nu weer afwisselend door beide artiesten gecomponeerd en gezongen. Ze behandelen diverse uit het leven gegrepen onderwerpen als gebroken families en gebroken harten, bezorgdheden, ontgoochelingen en de immer moeilijke weg tot herstel. Naast hun eigen gitaarspel konden ‘Art & Lisa’ rekenen op de instrumentale ondersteuning van gitarist John Inmon en violist Richard Bowden.

Hun op folk- en countrymuziek geïnspireerde liedjes klinken op deze plaat al als volwaardige klassiekers in het genre. Het openingsnummer “Steal the Heart” is een door Lisa Beck emotioneel sterk gezongen countryballad waarmee al een eerste keer volop in de roos van succes wordt geschoten. Zij beschikt over een zeer warme stem waarmee ze op wonderbaarlijke wijze emoties, gevoelens van verdriet en vreugde in de liedjes weet te leggen. Als Art Crawford op zeer subtiele wijze voor vocale ondersteuning komt zorgen, gebeurt er iets magisch met deze liedjes, omdat de stemmen zo schitterend in elkaar overvloeien en tot één geheel samensmelten.

Zijn baritonstem is trouwens ook perfect in staat om heel mooie countryliedjes te zingen. Zo staat het door Art gezongen nummer “Long Gone” helemaal bovenaan ons favoriete lijstje songs uit “Healing Time”. Maar ook Lisa’s bijdragen in “Mama’s Prayers” - waarin de viool van Richard Bowden de hoofdrol speelt – en in “Healin’ Time” of het schitterende “Sands Of Lubbock” zijn erg mooi en getuigen van het grote vakmanschap dat beide muzikanten etaleren op dit album.

En het gaat zo maar door want ook over de door Lisa gezongen liedjes “Broken Without You (Briana’s Song)” en “When Am I Gonna Learn” of de door Art gebrachte songs “Mother Of Pearl” en “Saint” vallen alleen maar positieve commentaren te schrijven. Soms kan je in een recensie maar best niet te veel vertellen omdat de beste publiciteit voor deze cd wellicht komt van een korte en efficiënte melding: u kunt deze mooie plaat blindelings kopen en er van genieten, zo vaak als u zelf maar wilt. (valsam)



"Texas-born musicians Art Crawford and Lisa Beck have joined their musical and private forces since 2007. Their debut album ‘Learning To Breathe Again’ from 2009 is now getting a superb successor in the new released album ‘Healin’ Time’. Their warm voices are blended in perfect harmony and create a magic sound in their heartfelt and honest folk and country inspired songs. Here is our advice: buy this record and immensely enjoy." www.rootstime.be

- www.rootstime.be

"Anyone that has been away from home for any length of time knows the feeling of missing home. Art and Lisa's "Healin' Time" CD is like that first night back home. Familiar and comfortable. Art and Lisa will leave an impression on your heart with thier captivating songwriting and majestic vocals" Cara Miller First Lady of Radio Free Texas - Radio Free Texas - Cara Miller First Lady of Radio Free Texas - Radio Free Texas

"Art and Lisa have the unique gift of sounding both fresh and traditional at the same time. Even though they make that look easy, it isn't. These are everyday folks who write and sing about the lives and feelings of, well,
everyday folks. They make honest music with grace and soul and beauty. It was an honor to work with them." - John Inmon

"I really enjoyed working on the album project with Art and Lisa. Their writing and vocals are so soulful and real, that it was easy to get an idea of how the music should feel.
Just listening to the lyrics really helped to determine the overall musical vibe of the songs.....I think it's a fine album, and I'm glad to be a part of it."

Lloyd Maines - Lloyd Maines

"My CD of choice today is "Healin' Time" by Art and Lisa. Lisa's voice takes us to another time and place. Not only are the songs excellent, but the production takes full advantage of the excellent guitar of John Inmon, and the fiddle of Richard Bowden. I once heard Lisa sing "Sands of Lubbock" live at the Grotto in Bandera. I was stunned. Not surprised, for I know of the talent they both have. The last song on the album, "Healing Waters", was written by Walt Wilkins and puts a finishing touch to an entire album on the power of healing. There are songs of broken families, lost love, disappointment, sorrow and saints. This CD will play in my car as I head up and down the road. "Kathleen Hudson - Hill Country Happenings - Hill Country Happenings Jan 2011

"With a natural warmth and sincerity, Art and Lisa's latest recording wraps around you like a comfortable old quilt. "Healin' Time" is good for what ails you." - KH Kevin Higgins - Song of the year 2010 Texas Music Awards - KH Kevin Higgins - Song of the year 2010 Texas Music Awards

"Strong, beautiful and true. Art and Lisa bring what is so badly needed to the Texas music scene, honest intelligently made music. Together they manage to deliver songs that sound fresh and familiar simultaneously." Michael O'Connor - Guitarist /singer songwriter/ recording artist - Michael O'Connor - Guitarist /singer songwriter/ recording artist

"Art and Lisa combine grit and grace on every track of their new record, "Healin' Time". Thoughtfully produced by John Inmon, "Sands of Lubbock" evokes the lonely, endless line of the West Texas horizon. The title track could be heard in a dance hall or gospel revival and the haunting version of Walt Wilkins' "Healing Waters" brings a beautiful close to this intimate collection of songs." Susan Gibson - CMA award-winning songwriter "Wide Open Spaces" - Susan Gibson-CMA award-winning songwriter "Wide Open Spaces"

"…” And the new album “Healing Time” holds more song treasures and is even stronger proof of Art and Lisa’s timeless songs - incredible lyrics, inimitable vocals, supported with a background of soulful and warm musical talent. Overall, Art and Lisa are the most polished and sparkling diamonds in Texas Music today." " - Examiner.com Austin

"Hi Art, Hi Lisa: Your CD is as fresh, rich, and invigorating today as it was the first night I heard it. Your rich voices and passion breathe life into every lyric. Your phrasing is awesome. Every day I have a new favorite song from this CD. Truly cannot say which is my all time favorite because everything 'ya'll' do is so smoothe and moving. See you soon. Many Blessings. Thank you for the beautiful music."

Sherry Blatherwick
Added: Jan 12 2010 9:10am
- Sherry Blatherwick

I'm so glad you sent me a friend invite! I was listening to your profile and I LOVE your stuff!! WOW! I can't believe I haven't come across you before while I was down there, but thanks for the 'heads up'!! It may sound trite, but I haven't heard that kind of heart, soul, and silky ruggedness in a long time. ..in the music -and- the lyrics.. smooth, but with an edge of 'been there, and taking you there now' kind of depth. It sounds like I'm describing some kind of wine
I just happened to look at your profile today, and I'd been looking for some really cool new music for a couple of days, and then there you were!
I have a lot of musician friends in the Fredericksburg area, and get down there about once a month (average) so I'll be watching for y'all. I'll try to make it to Albert in March and bring friends. ( I love Albert anyway, I seriously thought about buying it when it was for sale. Is it still?)
I don't normally ramble on with people I've never met, but I just loved your music so much, and I only listened to a couple of songs. and a lot of us were wondering where to go down there next, and when, so I will definitely put you on our schedule.
Peace and Love,
Cindy Campbell (remember me)
- Cindy Campbell