Customer Reviews

Second Avenue

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A friend who owned a CD shop handed me a small pile of CDs with damaged covers that he had years but could not sell. Lisa Moscatiello's Second Avenue was among these.

And for free, what a gem. What works so well is the stewing of so many different styles into Moscatiello's coheasive, rounded flavor of music. Country Celtic folk and jazz here all play a role, if you care for labels.

I don't think Moscatiello does, as all this seamlessly works. A Carol King-ish chord structure here can have a steel guitar. A bluegrass song a jazz beat. It all blends, wonderfully on Second Avenue.

And it's subtle. You don't get the instant feeling that you are listening to some eccentric art project, and a superficial hearing would lead you into thinking this was a 1970s knock off-untrue! Play this a few times, and you'll hear how many wonderful levels at once Second Avenue and its creator are working on.

Blues/jazz stylist tastes? -- friends who heard it, bought it. New age? -- other friends, same result. Celtic? -- more other friends, same results. Alternative rock enthusiasts--my son's friends? - same result. This album really does entrance across musical genres I hadn't heard Lisa sing for some years and was just enthralled with the richness and depth of this album. You will be also.

I recently got a chance to see Lisa perform live in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is not only a superb singer/songwriter, but she has the funniest, most engaging and charismatic stage personality I have encountered in years. The songs on this album are all outstanding, but in particular is Lisa's own "Second Avenue" and her rendition of "Throw It Away." Lisa's voice is an intoxicating blend of passion and laughter; she is the ultimate first date: sexy, witty, fun-loving, and incredibly mysterious. And no matter how many times I play this album, Lisa leaves me perpetually curious.

Lisa Moscatiello has one of the best voices in music today, period. Her voice is what lends continuity to this diverse collection of songs. On Second Avenue she delves into jazz, celtic, and folk, and even gets away with doing an acoustic version of a eurythmics song. Her original material also stands up nicely against well-chosen cover material. One of the best features of the album are the fine instrumental performances. I never thought I would like an alto sax in a celtic song, but it works! Guitarist Dave Chappell lends a unique blues touch to the mix, and Fred Lieder has some gorgeous cello lines. The musician's performances, though strong, don't detract from Lisa's vocals. BUY IT! You won't be disappointed.