Melodious Melancholy

Independent idealist and undeniably talented singer/songwriter Lisa Cerbone released her fourth recording on April 8, 2008 with Ocean Records.

Former teacher and full-time mom of two, Lisa believes in creating music for the love of art and writing. The richly intimate collection on We Were All Together was recorded while her children were at school, asleep – or late at night. The open, reflective album comes alive by Lisa’s inimitable heartbreaking voice. Her acoustic finger-style playing draws on her older influences such as Neil Young and Simon & Garfunkel – while her sweetly sparse approach evokes hints of more modern influences like the Great Lake Swimmers and Maria Taylor.

A number of Baltimore’s finest musicians contributed to the recording of We Were All Together: Frank Marchand III (the Thermals, Bob Mould) lended his expertise on producing and engineering, Brian “Jonesy” Jones (Telesma) played upright and electric bass, Warren Roes (Almighty Senators)played electric guitar and composer David Durst added keyboards. Lisa played guitars, glockenspiel, keyboards, and percussion to round out all the spaces.

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By Mary Ann Naylor + Church of Girl
9 . June . 2008

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Vibrant and Haunting

Lisa Cerbone started her musical career in 1993 with a self titled release. She was immediately lauded for her delicate and heartbreaking voice. Combined with her marked ability to tell evocative stories, her beautiful voice has a devastating effect. Other reviewers have likened her sound to bands like Mazzy Star, The Cocteau Twins, Cowboy Junkies, and The Sundays.

After taking a six year hiatus to start a family, Lisa reappeared in late 2005 with her third full length release, Ordinary Days. Considered something of a coup, the 10 song collection was produced by Mark Kozelek of Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon. Other musical guests appearing on Ordinary Days are Tim Mooney on drums (American Music Club) and Geoff Stanfield on bass (Black Lab). (*curiously – fellow Church of Girl Radio Star, Cameron Ember, also worked with members of Sunk Kil Moon and Red House Painters!)

Lisa’s sparse and clear vocals are perfectly set against Kozelek’s crystalline production. The grand collection of songs on Ordinary Days conveys the indescribable beauty and tenuous fragility of everyday living.

A seasoned performer, Lisa has shared the stage with Ben Harper, The Cowboy Junkies, Lloyd Cole and Lori Carson. She was awarded a WAMMIE for Best Female Vocalist in the alternative music category two years in a row and her songs have appeared on tv shows ad in movies. Lisa has received praise from publications like Rolling Stone Network, The Washington Post, Indieworshop.com, CMJ New Music Monthly, Billboard Magazine and dozens more. Her song ‘Sweep Your Hair From your Eyes’ appeared on NPR’s All Songs Considered in late June.

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By Mary Ann Naylor + Church of Girl
13 . August . 2006

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