Hank would be proud
One of the great things about Los Angeles is the ever bourgeoning music scene: it’s a constant influx of new and eager artists, armed with a fervent drive to make their bones in Dream Factory, USA.
Courtesy of Lissie's Myspace page
Lately, it seems Los Angeles has become a hub to an ever-growing collection of alt country artists. Great timing for me, an ardent fan of alt country and Americana music. One blazing young star in Los Angeles’ ever expanding milky way of hopeful starlets is Lissie Mauris.
Hailing from Rock Island, Ill she relocated to LA about five years ago and now resides in Ojai. And having gotten herself in with the right people who knew the right people who knew the right people who knew the right people, she scored herself a touring gig with Lenny Kravitz without so much as a debut CD.
With all the promise and charm of a young Jewel (give me all the flack you want, “Who Will Save Your Soul” is a good song), but without a hint of the affected optimism or naiveté, Lissie’s sound revels in the catharsis of heartbreak before she kicks it to the curb and moves on in a “take no prisoners” sort of way, with her tar and nicotine soaked vocals.
After hearing her on KCRW back in November, I downloaded her new EP “Why You Runnin’”. Listening to it is like taking a rambling roadtrip through the past five years of heartbreak and self-discovery in Lissie’s life.
The lyrics and music are great, but it’s Lissie’s vocals: a blend of raw refinement reminiscent of a Bonnie Raitt, Patty Griffith, Stevie Nicks, late-night, cigarette-smoking, slumber party that’s the real star of the CD. All of the songs are great, but the standout is a cover of Hank Williams’ “Wedding Bells”; a rendition so powerful and true it will send a chill down your spin, a knot in your stomach, and an ache in your heart.
Here, have a listen, why don’t you.
And here are some great originals that didn’t make it on her EP. Obsessed? Yes. What of it?
Interesting cover. I’m not hearing the “raw” much. It seems a bit over produced to my ear. But I’ve been a big fan of Ryan Bingham, and Hank III for years, and they are both raspy. Jessica Hoop has a raspy side too. I do hear the Patti Griffith. She seems to be a big influence on many new young women singers.
I listened to a live performance of Lizzie on the tubes.
It felt less produced and fresher than Hank’s song.
What other Alternative Country artists do you like in LA ?
(You did say you liked Lizzie, right? ;P )
What (who) am I missing?
~S~
(Btw – Ojai is Ventura County, almost SB County :^).