Lisa Patterson

From B.C., now based in Toronto, Lisa writes, sings, plays piano and alto sax. Her insatiable wanderlust and curiousity are what drive her writing in general, and her latest album ROAM (Festival Distribution), in particular. ROAM has just been picked up for release in Europe by Rough Trade / BMG in April 05..

"… great tunes, vibe and talent …”
DE BRAKKE GROND, AMSTERDAM

Lisa’s distinctive sound brings the influences of her globetrotting, diverse life experiences and Roma/Celt blood to contemporary pop/roots songwriting. With her earthy voice, exotic melodies and poetic lyrics Lisa has been called "the child that Tom Waits and Bjork would've had".

" … fascinating … a bold blend … strong songwriting evident of a personal vision …” **** stars, VANCOUVER PROVINCE

Lisa’s first solo album this is what it sounds like (2000) reached number 1 while on the HMV Top Ten for 12 weeks and received commercial airplay and critical acclaim in Holland, U.S. and Canada. Her two videos (firewatchfilms.com) both peaked at number 1 in the Top Ten on Bravo! Television and she has had songs placed in 2 award winning feature films (ROADKILL; H), 2 short films, and 2 documentaries.

“ … wild creativity … songs fly high with emotional power, waves of shimmering aural euphoria … ” PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER

Before launching her solo career, Lisa gained respect for her work with Canadian artists Kathryn Rose (Esthero, Sarah McLachlan), Lorraine Segato, Shade, John Switzer (Jane Siberry; the Waltons) and Michael Philip - Wojewoda (Rheostatics; Bare Naked Ladies).

“… sultry grooves and exotic musical influences … make sure you go with a designated driver…”
‘Straight Choice’, GEORGIA STRAIGHT, VANCOUVER

Live, Lisa is known for her passionate delivery and connection with the audience. Both on stage and on disc Lisa encourages a conscious dialogue between musicians and audience. A fav surprise is to improvise a song based on a story from the audience! Lisa and her band have performed across Canada, in Holland, the Middle East, India, the U.S. and Mexico.

“… originality … exceptional voice, energy and spontaneous rapport with audience …” JP ELBAZ, DIRECTOR, ALLIANCE FRANCAIS, CHENNAI, INDIA

ROAM was launched in Canada with a tour of B.C. in July 04, where Lisa was interviewed and taped performing live by CTV’s Peter Grainger; did spots for CBC Radio’s The Round Up; was featured & interviewed live on Vancouver’s Channel M Television; got a ****/5 star rating from the Vancouver Province and did a feature interview on Fairchild 96.1 FM, learning to greet listeners in Cantonese.

“… expressive, earthy and strong …” TORONTO STAR

ROAM, was engineered and co-produced by Juno Engineering Nominee Adam Messinger who has also been playing Bass and Piano in Lisa’s band for 6 years now (other artist include Nasri and Ashley MacIsaac). Cellist Alex McMaster has been an integral part of Lisa’s sound for 8 years and has worked with Jane Siberry, Ron Hawkins and currently, A Northern Chorus. Percussionist and Drummer Morgan Doctor has studied Jazz and World Percussion and previously was a member of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble.

“… strong, pure voice and pleasing stage presence … fluent piano and saxophone playing … superb new CD Roam …” KERRY DOOLE, TANDEM NEWS, TORONTO

LISA’s FAVORITE THINGS …
Sea brine
“ my bones start to vibrate when I smell the sea …”
Pacifism
“… I must be the change I wish to see in the world …”
Circles “… circles are primordial and powerful … on stage I have my band set up in a semi-circle open to the audience - they complete the circle … real connection is possible”
Horses “ from the first time I got bucked off, I was in love …”
Vanilla “… used to sniff the spoon when mom was baking and now I take baths in it ”