(Music
Press)
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Lisa
& Girl Friday @ CBGBs in New York
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As
she stood upon the stage -- her band vamping in
the background -- Lisa Jackson paid homage to
all the great performers that stood before her
on this stage on the lower eastside of New York
City. She spoke of legends and pioneers. The
crowd reacted with cheers as she momentarily
stepped back. The band built to a climax and
then she lunged forward exclaiming, "and I
am humble, yet unafraid." The delivery was
powerful and effective. When watching an athlete
you can always tell those who want to win versus
those that are afraid of loosing. Tonight Lisa
Jackson and Girl Friday played to win. They were
tight, Lisa's voice was strong, and they kept
alive the strong tradition of emerging musicians
that have graced the stage of CBGs; bands like
Blondie, Television, The Ramones and The Patty
Smith Group.
Born
Steve Friday, a country boy from Fayetteville,
Georgia, he reinvented himself – first on
stage, then completely – to Lisa Jackson. It
has been an interesting evolution, one that has
seen a cover band emerge into an original force
of nature.
Ever since it’s early rise in the New
York City underground, the changes have been
dramatic, and the progress undeniable. With each
new show the confidence – along with the fan
base – grows. This is good old-fashioned rock
‘n roll inspired by Lisa’s favorites,
Blondie and Bowie amongst them. It is fun,
powerful, honest and infectious: it makes you
feel good.
Strong driving rhythms compliment deep
lyrics where Lisa challenges the status quo,
suggesting that life would be a bore if we were
all the same.
Songs like “Beautiful Freak” and
“Fabulously Done” are becoming anthems that
are attracting a mixed audience, though her fan
seems to be mostly straight.
They
currently have a self-produced CD entitled
“I’m A.O.K,” with a selection of 9 songs.
The record is good, but with a sub par recording
studio and lack of a producer, not quite as
powerful as their live show. Still, this is a
record worth getting, and definitely a band
worth following. Once they move beyond the
underground, critics may disregard them as a
garage band. But they said that about Bon Jovi
as well, so what do the critics know. Whatever
that “thing” is that separates a group from
the pack, Lisa Jackson & Girl Friday have
it. I
won’t be the least bit surprised to see them
break out nationally.
For
more information; www.lisajacksonandgirlfriday.com
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