Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
(4 Stars) Memories unearthed after a season of snow are released in a swift rush of spring scents on Lisa Cerbone's Mercy. The singer/guitarist can waft in jangle pop winds like the Sundays or twist her voice to mimic Kate Bush's witching woman-child. In fact, the sweet arrangements provided by a talented backing band, while clearly enjoyable, might almost be unnecessary; Cerbone's lovely vocals could take root in a wasteland. If she's not a household name, perhaps it's because Cerbone has a household of her own to watch after. Her releases have been infrequent, but they're the beneficiary of much care and craftsmanship. Not one track on Mercy is less than good, and a few — "Sorry," "Everything He Loved" (with its shades of Suzanne Vega), and "Only Good Thoughts, My Love" — are flat-out terrific. The disc does follow the familiar female songwriter pattern of stark confessionals and uniquely feminine twists on matters of the heart, Cerbone able in some cases to speak volumes with a tangential study of love that's at once obscuring and revealing. Not content to merely melt in sweet sighs, the songs have a playful subversion to them, whether it's the baby's heartbeat on "Mercy" or the psychedelic touches on "Between Hi and Goodbye." Mercy is an artful balance between emotion and entertainment, invigorating and keenly observational at once. In an industry that favors quantity over quality and marketability over merit, Lisa Cerbone has given listeners in Mercy a small wonder to cherish. — Dave Connolly
- Doug Connolly
A prolific songwriter and talented guitarist, New Jersey native Lisa Cerbone first appeared on the folk-pop scene in 1993 when she independently released her self-titled debut. Since then, she has scored a record deal with Ichiban Records and has released two additional albums, both of which have gained national praise. It's obvious why the critics are raving about her work. A former English major at University of Maryland, Cerbone's lyrics take on the identity of a wise, introspective storyteller, evoking vibrant images concerning a number of topics. Joined by a slew of guest musicians including her husband, guitarist Eric Jensen, bassist Gary Mosca, guitarist Dave Vergauwen and drummer Frank Young. Her latest release, Mercy, appeared in 1997 and featured several contemplative song-stories about love and relationships with a vulnerable innocence.
- Staff
"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. Maybe the suits think she's too quirky for Adult Alternative and too tuneful for the Indie crowd; Hollywood, however, likes her music just fine, featuring her songs in a number of movies and television shows. Like Mann and Sam Phillips, Cerbone's smart music sounds modern while recalling past decades of pop history."
- Staff
Discography
Ordinary Days - 2005
Mercy - 1997
Close Your Eyes - 1995
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
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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