Related
Interviews
Interview
Lisa Torem speaks to one-woman musical institution Megon McDonough about her long career, from working with John Denver, Harry Chapin and John Prine, to her latest project doing jazz covers of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David songbook.
Interview
Harrogate multi-talent Ashley Reaks just released ‘Winter Crawls,’ which includes a host of well-known guests, superb imagery and one-off instrumental work. He updates Lisa Torem with the back stories.
Interview
Lisa Torem speaks to vocalist, songwriter and instrumentalist Nani Noam Vazana, who is touring internationally in support of fourth studio album, ‘Key Haber,’ a tribute to the Ladino language
Interview
Black Duck is a rising star of a band hailing from Chicago. The trio’s guitarist, Bill D. MacKay, talks to Lisa Torem about their self-titled debut, influences and songwriting.
Interview
Lisa Torem finds that a press event held during a rehearsal break reveals the true spirit of the All-Starr Band, helmed by iconic drummer/singer-songwriter Ringo Starr, prior to their 2023 US tour.
Interview with Rod Argent
Lisa Torem discusses the production decisions and various tracks of the new Zombies’ album, ‘Different Game’ with founding member, songwriter and arranger Rod Argent.
Interview
In a second interview, Lisa Torem catches up with guitarist/songwriter/producer Brian Ray, acclaimed for his solo work, as well as with Paul McCartney, Etta James, and The Bayonets, who have recently released dynamic new singles.
Interview
Guitarist, front man and songwriter Tommy James, with The Shondells, and as solo artist, is one of the greatest influencers of the 21st century. With Lisa Torem, James chronicles early times, principles of songwriting and news about his life story detailed in a film and musical.
Interview
Lisa Torem speaks to Jay Bergen about his ‘under-the-radar’ memoir, ‘Lennon, Mobster and The Lawyer’, which is a fascinating account of John Lennon’s commitment to the courtroom when battling two lawsuits, with Bergen as his attorney.
Interview
Rockabilly queen Linda Gail Lewis talks to Lisa Torem about the remastered ‘Early Sides: 1963-1973’ and studio work with Van Morrison, Robbie Fulks and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Interview
Fingerstyle guitarist and composer Howard Emerson, who toured with rocker Billy Joel and folksinger Eric Andersen, talks Lisa Torem through selects from his extensive solo discography.
Interview
Austin, Texan singer-songwriter James McMurtry talks to Lisa Torem about his first album,in six years ‘The Horses and The Hounds’, and songcraft, politics, early influences and why he never could play like Johnny Cash.
Interview
New York guitarist Earl Slick has recently completed the eleven-track, all-instrumental 'Fist Full of Devils,' will be touring the UK in November and has a memoir project ready for publication. Lisa Torem catches up with him to find out the details.
Interview
Colin Blunstone, the frontman with The Zombies, talks to Lisa Torem about their plans for a worldwide stream on September 18th, an upcoming album and how their classic hit ‘Time of The Season’ is being used to promote the launch of the new Chelsea FC kit.
Robin Trower
Interview
British guitarist/songwriter Robin Trower speaks to Lisa Torem about his collaboration with vocalist Maxi Priest and producer/bassist Livingstone Brown on ‘United State of Mind’.
Joanna Connor
Interview
Guitarist Joanna Connor speaks to Lisa Torem about her new Joe Bonamassa-produced album, ‘4801 South Indiana Avenue’, the Chicago club scene and her blueprint for balancing artistic work and family.
Kevin Godley
Interview
10cc and Godley and Crème's Kevin Godley talks to Lisa Torem about his new interactive album project, ‘Muscle Memory,’ which asks pertinent questions about these unsettling times.
Sarah McLachlan
Interview
Originally published in Examiner.com in 2016, Lisa Torem talks to multi-platinum selling Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan about her most recent LP ‘Shine On’ and her role in co-founding hugely successful all-female touring festival Lilith Fair.
Allison Moorer
Interview
Singer-songwriter, Alabama-born Allison Moorer talks to Lisa Torem about her new album ‘Blood’ and her memoir of the same title.
Zombies
Interview
Lisa Torem catches up with Zombies co-founder Colin Blunstone about their upcoming UK tour and much more.
Profiles
1955-2023
Lisa Torem recollects meeting, interviewing and enjoying Chicago-based saxophonist Mars Williams’s music and endearing personality over the years.
1935-2022
Lisa Torem recalls the positive effects that Jerry Lee Lewis had on her musical career and why he should be forever remembered.
Sugar My
Lisa Torem profiles the extraordinary new single and video 'Sugar My' from singer-songwriter Jann Klose.
The Bee Gees in the 1960s
Lisa Torem examines a new book 'The Bee Gees in the 1960s’ which examines their early career.
Curved Air in the 1970s
Lisa Torem is impressed with Laura Shenton's well-researched and informative book about progressive rock band Curved Air's early history in the 1970s.
Get Back
Lisa Torem, in the second of two articles on the Beatles' new epic documentary, that you’d be wise to watch Get Back,’ where the Beatles exhibit patience and utter genius.
Little Richard
1932-2020
Lisa Torem reminisces about one of her favourite rock ‘n’ roll heroes, Little Richard, who died in May.
John Clarkson
Interview
Pennyblackmusic magazine editor John Clarkson talks to Lisa Torem on its twentieth anniversary about the formation and history of our website.
Michael Bloomfield
Profile
Mike Bloomfield was once known as a Chicago blues icon, playing with The Butterfield Blues Band, The Electric Flag, and as a soloist. Lisa Torem listens to two newly-released albums of his stunning work.
Simon Townshend
Profile
Lisa Torem examines British singer-songwriter Simon Townshend's albums, 2012's ‘Looking Out Looking in’ and 2014's ‘She Asked Me’, both of which he has re-released in remastered and expanded editions on his own Stir label
Pretty Things
Profile
Lisa Torem finds that several new reissues and remasters by 60's act the Pretty Things speaks volumes about their versatility and progressive attitude towards rock
Cream
Profile
Lisa Torem reflects on the short but prolific career of 60's supergroup Cream, who have just ahd most of their work released in a new vinyl box set
Cynthia Lennon
A Personal Tribute
Lisa Torem pays a personal tribute to Cynthia Lennon, the first wife of John Lennon, who died in April
Louise Harrison
Interview
Lisa Torem speaks to Louise Harrison, the older sister of George Harrison, about the Beatles tribute band which she manages and her recent memoir
Rod Stewart
Profile
Lisa Torem reflects on the early solo career of Rod Stewart, whose five first albums have just been re-released in a vinyl box set
David Bowie
David Bowie Is, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
Lisa Torem reflects upon the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago's new David Bowie exhibition, 'David Bowie Is'
Johnny Thunders
Looking for Johnny - The Legend of Johnny Thunders (DVD)
Lisa Torem watches poignant new DVD documentary 'Looking for Johnny', which is about the life of late New York Dolls and Heartbreakers' guitarist Johnny Thunders
Michael Darling
Interview
Lisa Torem talks to Michael Darling, the chief curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, about the 'David Bowie Is' exhibition, which after its run at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, is now about to open there
George Wein
Interview
Lisa Torem speaks to pianist and Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein about his seminal festival, which is now celebrating its sixtieth anniversary
Julia Baird
Interview
Lisa Torem talks with John Lennon's half-sister Julia Baird about her reissued memoir, 'Imagine This: Growing Up with My Brother John Lennon'
Live
The Salt Shed, Chicago, 29/12/2023
Lisa Torem finds Patti Smith’s explosive, emotional performance with Jackson Smith, Dee Jay Daugherty, Lenny Kaye and Tony Shanahan at Chicago’s Salt Shed exceeding expectations.
Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, 14/10/2024
Lisa Torem watches Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, perform songs from that band, plus other compelling covers, with his talented backing band and sister/vocalist Coco.
Miller High Life Theater, Milwaukee, 30/9/2023
Lisa Torem enjoys an uplifting set of classic covers and their own material from RIngo Starr and His All-Starr Band.
Vic Theatre, Chicago, 16/9/2023
Lisa Torem enjoys the diversity of the set list when Herb Alpert and Lani Hall draw from a lifetime of classic, plus new arrangements from recent release, ‘Wish Upon a Star.'.
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 23/6/2023
Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond’ returns to Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music with Asher plus partner folk artist Jeremy Clyde, formerly of Chad and Jeremy. Lisa Torem reviews.
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 11/6/2023
r: Lisa Torem admires French pianist Riopy’s passionate performance at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines. 9/6/2023
Lisa Torem finds the Martin Barre Band rekindling memories of glorious progressive rock in its heyday at the Des Plaines Theater , with Barre’s compelling lead guitar infusions and his bandmates’ endless enthusiasm.
Space, Evanston, 11/5/2023
Lisa Torem enjoys a Billy Childs Quartet concert at Space in Evanston which features songs from the jazz pianist’s latest album, ‘The Winds of Change’, a Chick Corea cover and classic chestnuts.
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 30/4/2023
Lisa Torem finds that Graham Nash’s 'Sixty Years of Songs and Stories' makes for a festive and educational night at a sold-out gig at Chicago’s iconic Old Town School of Folk Music.
Riverside Theater, Milwaukee. 9/5/2023
Lisa Torem watches the multi-faceted band, Chicago, perform two exciting sets at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 7/5/2023
Lisa Torem watches dobro player Rob Ickes and guitarist Trey Hensley play an exceptional set of bluegrass in support of Rodney Crowell at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
City Winery, Chicago, 23/4/2023
At Chicago City Winery, Lisa Torem watches vocalist/pianist Ann Hampton Callaway's exciting tribute to the late singer Peggy Lee bring down the house.
(With Bill Shanley), City Winery, Chicago, 19/3/2023
Lisa Torem reviews an intimate set from legendary Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan.
Rialto Square Theater, Joliet, Illinois, 3/3/2023
Lisa Torem watches Tommy James and The Shondells play an exuberant set of greatest hits, along with some surprises at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Illinois.
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 13/1/2023
American folk music icon Judy Collins plays a mesmerizing show featuring material from her most recent album ‘Spellbound’ alongside songs from her storied seven-decade career. Lisa Torem reviews
Copernicus Theater, Chicago, 14/10/2022
Lisa Torem finds that the Celebrating David Bowie tour which entertained Chicago fans lives up to its ambitious promise and more at the Copernicus Theater in Chicago.
Chicago Theater, Chicago, 9/10/2022
Lisa Torem enjoys Regina Spektor’s engaging performance at the Chicago Theater in support of the singer-songwriter-pianist’s latest album, ‘Home, Before and After.’
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 1/7/2022
After a two-year lockdown, The Zombies rose above adversity to tour and celebrate their 2019 Hall of Fame induction. Lisa Torem at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago enjoys both the classics and new tunes.
Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, 27/52022
Lisa Torem watches a glowing Tori Amos, with drummer/percussionist Ash Soan and bassist Jon Evans, exceed expectations with a nearly two-hour Chicago performance.
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 14/5.2002
Lisa Torem at the Old School Town of Folk Music watches singer-songwriter Janis Ian sing highlights from her new album The Light at the End of the Line’ but also drew from seasoned hits on her final tour.
Albums
40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection (1966-2006)
Lisa Torem enjoys a new compilation from unrivaled American singer-songwriter Tommy James which includes distinctive recordings from his long-standing solo career.
Jefferson Airplane
Sweeping Up The Spotlight: Live at the Fillmore East 1969
Lisa Torem finds that this Jefferson Airplane live album, which was recorded at the Fillmore East in New York in 1969 and features hits and fillers, exemplifies the Summer of Love experience.
Third Rail
ID Music
Lisa Torem finds that the Third Rail’s 1967 only album ‘ID Music’ is somewhat dated, yet a fine period piece for those with fond memories of an earlier time.
Billy Idol
Vital Idol Revitalized
In our 'Re:view' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Lisa Torem examines ‘Vital Idol: Revitalized’, a new masterfully remixed edition of Billy Idol’s 1980’s classic ‘Vital Idol’.
Great Society
Live at the Matrix
Lisa Torem reflects on the Great Society’s ‘Live at the Matrix 1966’, which released originally in 1989, honours the San Francisco hippie era/American roots music and the passionate vocals of future Jefferson Airplane vocalist Grace Slick.
Thomas Lang
Scallywag Jaz
In our 'Re: View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Lisa Torem finds that the 30th Anniversary Edition of Thomas Lang’s 1987 debut album ‘Scallywag Jaz’ is even swarthier and more meaningful the second time around.
Marvin Gardens
1968
In our 'Re:View' section, Lisa Torem examines lost San Francisco psychedelic band Marvin Gardens just released album, which consists of almost their full catalogue of both studio and live recordings
Leslie West
Mountain
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Lisa Torem finds 'Mountain’, the remastered version of the 1969 debut by electric guitarist/singer Leslie West’s band, to be an album of contrasts
Alan Parsons Project
The Turn of a Friendly Card
Lisa Torem enjoys revisiting The Alan Parsons Project’s fifth studio album, ‘The Turn of The Friendly Hand’, in it’s thirty-fifth anniversary deluxe format, but advises the listener to take his/her time accessing its gratuitous bonus tracks
Liverpool Legends
It is What It isn't
Lisa Torem examines the 2012 debut album of the Liverpool Legends, the Beatles tribute band managed by George Harrison's sister Louise, which consists of entirely self-written material
V/A
Chicago Anthology
In our 'Re: View' section, in which we reflect upon albums from the past, Lisa Torem examines 'Chicago Anthology', a recently reissued live compilation album which was recorded at Big John's, a legendary blues club, in 1966
Who
Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970
Lisa Torem reflects upon the Who's 'Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970' double album, which was originally released in 1996 and has just been reissued in a new CD/DVD edition
Carly Simon
Spoiled Girl
In our 'Re: View' section, in which our writers look back on albums from the past, Lisa Torem reflects upon Carly Smon's 1985 classic album, 'Spoiled Girl', which has recently been reissued
Mitch Ryder
Never Kick a Sleeping Dog
Lisa Torem reflects upon Detroit-based garage rocker Mitch Ryder's 1983 album, 'Never Kick a Sleeping Dog', which has just been reissued
Jethro Tull
Aqualung
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back on albums from the past, Lisa Torem reflects on Jethro Tull's 'Aqualung', which has just been re-released in a double CD 40th anniversary edition
Nick Lowe
Labour of Lust
Lisa Torem reflects upon English singer-songwriter Nick Lowe's 1979 second solo album, 'Labour of Lust', which has recently been re-released
Quarrymen
Songs We Remember
Lisa Torem writes of 'Songs We Remember', the 2004 comeback album of the Quarrymen, which was the first band of John Lennon.
Jim McCarty
Sitting on the Top of Time
Lisa Torem examines Yardbirds' drummer Jim McCarty's 2009 album, 'Sitting on the Top of Time', his first solo album in six years
Joe Kennedy
Van Cortlandt Park
Lisa Torem assesses Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Joe Kennedy's 2007 debut album, 'Van Cortlandt Park'
Jessie Galante
Spitfire
In our 'Re:View' column, in which we look back on albums from the past, Lisa Torem examines singer-songwriter Jessie Galante's second solo album, 'Spitfire', which came out last year
Features
‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem enjoys fellow Midwesterner Pete Berwick’s biker band tribute book, 'Too Wild to Tame: The Story of the Boyzz'.
Bob Dylan 1962 to 1970 : Every Album, Every Song
For her 'Raging Pages' column, Lisa Torem gives ‘Bob Dylan 1962 to 1970 : Every Album, Every Song’, Opher Goodwin’s new book on Dylan’s studio work high marks.
Wild Tales
In her ‘Raging Pages’ book column Lisa Torem assesses legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash’s 2014 memoir ‘Wild Tales’.
In the 1970's
Author Geoffrey Feakes takes a deep dive into the 1970s, when keyboardist/composer Rick Wakeman was at the height of his creative career, in the Sonicbond DECADES series. Lisa Torem in her 'Raging Pages' book column examines it
Raging Pages
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem leafs through a new and fascinating biography of rock pioneer Suzi Quatro
The Voice
In her ‘Raging Pages’ book column Lisa Torem examines James Kaplan’s book ‘Frank: The Voice’, which explores the first forty years of Frank Sinatra’s complicated life
Raging Pages
In her ‘Raging Pages’ book column Lisa Torem enjoys the depth and precision of Richard Barone’s latest book, ‘Music & Revolution: Greenwich Village in the 1960s.’
In the 1960's
Lisa Torem finds Jeff Fitzgerald’s new book about Donovan’s work in the 1960s an enjoyable read.
Raging Pages
In her 'Raging Pages' book column, Lisa Torem examines Jay Bergen's new memoir 'Lennon, the Mobster and the Lawyer', which tells of his experiences representing John Lennon against Morris Levy, the Mafia-connected owner of Roulette Records, for the rights to his 1975 LP, Rock ‘n’ Roll’.
Raging Pages
In her ‘Raging Pages’ book column Lisa Torem examines Jimmy Webb’s 2017 memoir ‘The Cake and the Rain'.
In the 1970's
George Harrison surpassed expectations as a songwriter after initially being regarded as "the quiet Beatle". In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem discovers that Eoghan Lyng's new book explores many facets of the British songwriter's career.
From Pelham, NY to Rock n Roll Hall of Fame
In 'Raging Pages' Lisa Torem finds that The Rascals' Felix Cavaliere shares insights regarding the American band's hits and challenges, as well as his spiritual growth in his new autobiography, 'Memoir of a Rascal'.
Willam Allen: Radiohead On Track: Every Album, Every Song
In her 'Raging Pages' book column series, Lisa Torem reflects on Willam Allen's 'Radiohead On Track: Every Album, Every Song', which, published at the end of last year, is one of the latest books from the excellent Sonicbond Publishing.
Set The Night on Fire, Living, Dying, And Playing Guitar with The Doors
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem assesses Doors' guitarist Robby Krieger's new autobiography, 'Set The Night on Fire, Living, Dying, And Playing Guitar with The Doors'
Me, The Mob and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and the Shondells
In her 'Raging Pages' book column, Lisa Torem reflects upon 'Me, The Mob and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and the Shondells' which, co-written with Martin Fitzpatrick, tells of how the 60s's rock star's career was taken control over by gangsters.
Every Album, Every Song by Morgan Brown
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem finds that in a new book about British punk act, The Damned, by Morgan Brown, the author/musician chronicles the band’s studio history with solid research and humour.
Liberty: Life, Billy and the Pursuit of Happiness
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem interviews rock drummer Liberty DeVitto and reviews his compelling musical memoir, 'Liberty: Life, Billy and the Pursuit of Happiness'.
Nobody Ever Asked Me About The Girls: Women, Music and Fame
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem reflects on music journalist Lisa Robinson’s new book which looks at the changing role of women in the entertainment industry through a unique lens.
Living Like a Runaway
In her ‘Raging Pages’ book column Lisa Torem reflects upon ex-Runaways’ guitarist Lita Ford’s 2016 autobiography, ‘Living Like a Runaway’.
Dream Girl: My Life as a Supreme
In 'Raging Pages', her regular book column, Lisa Torem examines 'Dream Girl: My Life as a Supreme', the 1987 autobiography of Motown star and Supremes member Mary Wilson, who died in February.