IMA
Changes Comin' (Self-released)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Lisa Thornton originally recorded out of necessity because she's a songwriter who can't really afford to hire vocalists to cut tracks for her. Well I sure hope the right people get an earful of Lisa's songs and her voice, because she should be doing them herself. She has a strong voice filled with personality, at home in a blues scorcher or a country anthem. Did she really not know she had "it" going on? There are only five songs on this EP, yet they're so good and such individual, complete works, you reach the end feeling thoroughly entertained and surprised to learn its only been a little over 17 minutes. The final song, "Knife Across Your Back," is a terrific piece of writing and an exciting performance by these musicians, including multi-instrumentalist Marty Rifkin (Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Jewel), guitarist Mark Karan (Ratdog, Grateful Dead, Jesse Colin Young), and bass players Tony Ruiz (Pacific Jazz Alliance, Zane) and Alex Evans (Usher, Moke, Mary J. Blige). Now I don't know who played bass on "Knife Across Your Back," but my hat's off to him. The guitar work on the song is even more amazing. It's fast but bluesy, it's hollow and ringing, and it's a lesson in tone for interested players of all skill levels. As for Lisa Thornton, I just hope she gets all the right breaks, because she sure as hell has all the right stuff. Her songs could translate to a host of stars in many genres, but you know what? She could do 'em better.

© 2003 - DJ Johnson