About the Artist
Rich, sultry, and enticing; three words that characterize the voice of Lisa
Fraser, a 23-year-old singer/songwriter destined to turn heads with the
release of her elegant debut album, MIDDAY SONGS (Abish Records).
Born in Provo, Utah, Fraser was inspired to create music from an early age.
"I remember as a kid telling my mom I was going to be a singer when I grew
up," she says. In her teen years she began to sing in various groups and
write songs. She’s proficient in both guitar and piano. At the age of 19 she
gave her first solo public performance, at a Brigham Young University
Acoustic Jam. In July 2000, she embarked on a year-and-a-half hiatus from
music to volunteer in Alberta for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. In early 2002 she returned from the Great White North to rekindle
her loyal following in her native Utah and the surrounding region. In summer
2002 she competed in the Salt Lake City Battle of the Bands sponsored by
Utah's premier Alternative Rock station, KENZ 107.5. Despite playing without
a backing band, Fraser’s scintillating solo performance earned 3rd prize out
of a whopping 180 bands. Over the next four years Lisa Fraser created a buzz
through eagerly attended performances and an 8-song demo CD.
In 2000 Fraser’s mature, personal style was quick to catch the attention of
Drex Davis (Abish Music). The ensuing collaborative efforts culminated in
the release of MIDDAY SONGS in June 2003. The 13-song debut record was
recorded and mixed by Mike Coleman, from renowned Orangewood Studios in
Mesa, Arizona, and is already garnering exemplary reviews. The song "Mr.
Builder" will be featured in the movie "The Work and the Story."
Fraser writes intensely personal lyrics. From the autobiographical tale of
her triumph over resistance in "Keep Walkin'," to the ironically personal
angst-ridden beauties of "Overloaded" to the bittersweet breakup of "Stepped
Out,” Fraser reaches out with hope, triumph, deity, identity, family, pain,
balance, and integrity. Her guitar tickles and meanders, her voice
enthralls. The overarching theme embedded in all her music is that of
redemption -- the possibility, and ultimate certainty, of salvation.
While her sound merges folk intimacy, rock hooks, searing vocals, and
oh-so-intimate lyrics, she has her own make-you-weep/make-you-cheer
songwriting style. Fraser has honed her personal, effervescent vocal style
with an eye towards mergeing folk intimacy with the edginess of rock. Her
influences are apparent: she carries the stylish intimacy of Eva Cassidy,
the melodoc storytelling of Paul Simon, and the sultriness of Norah Jones.
Though these disparate touchstones give an indication of Fraser’s sources of
inspiration and synthesis, all agree that she is wholly unique.
Lisa Fraser exudes a maturity that belies her youth. She's approaching her
art with an integrity that she says she has learned from watching and
reading about others -- namely Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman,
Fredrick Douglass, and the early Christians and Muslims who were persecuted
for their beliefs. "I'm at the point in my life where I'm really impressed
by people with integrity, no matter what the religion or cause. Those are
the people that flat-out get my respect. Unknown people who dare to stand up
for things."
Fraser will be performing throughout the intermountain west region in
support of MIDDAY SONGS. She is committed to reach increasingly more
discerning listeners who have been waiting for songs like hers to come
along. Though her live shows are heavily attended by college-age people and
people who enjoy intimate, contemporary folk performances, she appeals to a
wide variety of listeners. "My goal now is to keep writing, to get better
and better, more clever and inventive musically, and make some really good
music." She primarily performs solo, singing her original songs while
accompanying herself on guitar.
The Review Buy this CD!!! This is one of the most refreshing sounds I have heard all year. Lisa Fraser's soulful voice lend a soothing quality to her heartfelt songs. Listening to the CD I am reminded of Norah Jones - in the way that Lisa sings beautifully without the vocal acrobats found so often today.She just sings. She doesn't sound like Norah Jones neccesarily, yet is equally impressive with her ability. Midday Songs is an upbeat, soothing, quiet ride through emotion. A must-add to your collection. :)
Not convinced? Then head over to Lisa Fraser's website where you can listen for yourself!
http://www.lisafraser.com/
About the Artist
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