Lisa Redford - The Edge of Love

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 28 / 4 / 2019

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Review

It’s no understatement to say that Norfolk-based singer-songwriter Lisa Redford’s last EP, ‘Another Place And Time’, blew this writer away. Lisa’s blend of country/Americana coupled with an understanding that, especially in these times when attention spans are possibly the shortest they’ve ever been with so much vying for our attention, to get noticed music has to hit the spot immediately. Lisa has a pop sensibility that flows through every song, which makes these predominately country-infused songs not only radio-friendly and instantly likeable but also shows that pop music is still capable of having some depth to it. These five original songs are not throwaway radio fodder that will be past their sell by date within a few weeks, but quality, classy pop music with substance that will no doubt sound as fresh and relevant in a decade as they sound today. Produced by Jose McGill from respected Norfolk band the Vagaband (and if roots rock/Americana is your thing do yourself a favour and check this band out. They straddle so many genres they really are a delight for the ears) and backed by Alan Cook on pedal steel, Dobro player Noel Dashwood, guitarist Mark Howes, drummer Mikey Shaw and cellist Ivan McCready, ‘Edge of Love’ is a natural follow-up to ‘Another Place And Time’. It could be argued that not much has changed, but as Lisa’s last EP was perfection was there any need to make drastic changes? If it works don’t fix it. ‘Anything But Easy’ kicks off the EP in fine country style. It hits the listener instantly; the song highlights immediately Lisa’s love of country and her way with a winning melody but it’s those vocals just ten seconds in that take your breath away; Lisa has a strong, powerful voice which is equally intimate and tender and it’s this voice, which is only one of her talents, which will draw the listener in initially. Lisa isn’t the only homegrown artist that writes honest, intelligent country music with a pop twist but she’s one of the best. Combine her songwriting talents with that voice and one wonders why Lisa’s music isn’t blaring out of the radio all day long. There are much lesser talents getting airplay that should be reserved for Lisa. The way the cello is used on the title song to add so much texture and atmosphere, especially the way it builds up to the vocals at the start of the track, is inspired. But for all the brilliant musical touches and arrangement it’s still the voice that grabs the listener’s attention, and, while it’s never smothering what is happening behind, it’s difficult not to focus solely on that voice. While these songs deserve to be played on the radio, to fully grasp the intricacies not only of Lisa’s vocals but the contribution of the excellent musicians who back her here, listening on headphones is recommended, especially on the title track to fully appreciate the song. ‘Let Go’ is another instantly catchy country-flavoured number; again there’s nothing to fault, the backing is outstanding and Lisa’s vocals will once again touch the hardest of hearts but just when you think it can’t get any better it does. ‘I Just Can’t Forget’ is one of those songs where country meets soul, another memorable melody and what must rate as some of Lisa’s most heartfelt vocals make this a highlight on the EP. “All the times you won’t remember/I just can’t forget,” sings Lisa and anyone who has loved and lost will relate to this song. It’s another remarkable performance and is in the running as the best song so far we’ve heard from this remarkable talent. The EP closes with ‘Alone Tonight’ a gorgeous ballad again with a few nice southern soul nuances and once more showcasing just what a versatile, powerful vocalist Lisa Redford is. ‘Edge Of Love’ is released on 10th May; it’s Lisa’s third EP (there are also three full albums bearing her name) and a timely reminder that she is one of our most talented songwriters just now; the fact that she is blessed with a beautiful voice is a bonus. Apart from writing and recording her songs, Lisa also hosts a music show on Future Radio in Norwich and is a columnist for ‘Songwriting Magazine’; no surprise given her own songwriting talent.

Track Listing:-

1 Anything but Easy
2 The Edge of Love
3 Let Go
4 I Just Can't Forget
5 Alone Tonight

Band Links:-

http://lisaredford.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lisaredfordmu
https://twitter.com/lisaredford
https://www.youtube.com/user/lisaredfo
https://plus.google.com/u/0/1058333998