CD #1 (self-titled) MUSIC YOU MUST
HEAR! ...I've been writing about Woody Lissauer for decades. My first memories are of him with Multiplex, and then he was with Cubic Feet. To say that Woody is excited about his debut solo release would be a major understatement. He has created a nice little home studio for himself and devoted his time to learning all the music and editing programs. He also taught himself the graphic end of things, and brought together the finest players he knew to create this musical masterpiece. And it is. The cover is gorgeous—simple, but classy. The back cover is also stunning—a red rose on a black background with the song titles on the left side of the art. Very cool looking. I was immediately impressed. I was looking forward to listening to this disc simply because it looked so nice. When I finally had the time to listen to it, it was time to write about the debut from Woody Lissauer. The opening cut made me smile immediately. "Roses" is a wonderful song. It's folksy, and has wonderful vocals. I was sorry I couldn't read the lyrics, the parts I picked up really caught my attention. Before I go on, let me tell you that Woody plays a ton of instruments, including guitars, keyboards, bass, percussion, and does the vocals, of course! Now let me tell you about all the people who appear on Woody Lissauer's brand new disc. Listen for the talents of the one-and-only Brian Durham, Spike Settles, Myles Evans, George Biggs, Chris Noyes, Crash Kundrat, Jupiter Lee, Billy Falk, Kate Lissauer, Jimmy Wilson, Jamie Wilson, Tammi Hessen, Roy Frush, Cindy Leo, Rose Manfre, and Jeffrey Garbelle (on the Viola da Gamba). Mixing was done by Gene Ingham and Woody, mastering was with Charlie Pilzer at Airshow Mastering. I hear so many things in this music. Woody Lissauer is a very talented fellow. He's been around almost as long as I have and his music expresses that. He had learned by playing the best music in the world. His total purpose in life is to make music. If asked, he'll tell you the same thing. His mission is his music, and he's put out a lot of time to bring this disc to life. There is so much here. At times I feel like I am growing up again. I hear Beatles and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. The Who and even The Eagles. He's got some Celtic sounds here, and some hip guitar picking on its own. When he adds percussion to the mix, the music gets that much more exciting! Then he does his own version of one of my favorite songs, "John Barleycorn Must Die" from Traffic. The vocals alone are masterful. It is a great addition to this excellent disc. Woody Lissauer should be quite proud of himself for all he put out to make this happen—he has done one hell of a job! And, I thought it was very cool he dedicated it to the late, great Brian Durham. (Many people miss you Brian!) I am sure that this CD is available all over the region. He's already got it in stores and online. from Music Monthly, June 2004—review by Susie Mudd |
"One of the most naturally musical recordings I’ve ever heard. An inventive mix of a wide variety of genres, each painted with delicate nuances appropriate to it’s style." —Glenn Hammett, writer for Hi Fi Heretic, absolute sound, The Tracking Angle and Sounds Like… magazines. ************************************ “...the production values are terrific, the CD sounds great”! —Ian Nagoski, The True Vine ************************************ “I'll start off by saying that I am in awe. You are so amazingly talented and gifted, it brings tears to my eyes. Your voice is gorgeous... I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have stumbled upon your music. I am constantly searching for music that inspires me and at last I have found it. I think the song 'Roses' belongs on the radio! ...I am deeply moved by your music. I can't really explain why, there is just something about it that touches me. Thank you.” —Laura Moore, CDBaby.com customer ************************************ “I love your CD! Can I get ten more?” —Birgit Miller, Annapolis, MD ************************************ “Your CD seems to be frequenting my car CD player more often. As I continue to listen to your music the more I realize your musical and lyrical talents. You have great variety in style but also depth in these styles and are able to successfully and complexly blend these styles into true musical art. Thank you for sharing such talent.” —Stan Krol, Ellicott City, MD ************************************ “I am very impressed with the diversity you employ. You touch on so many different genres, and your sister has a beautiful voice that blends well with the music. ” —Sherri Millan, Professional Musician ************************************ “I LOVE the song that you and Kate do. It makes me cry... and I love your Russian song”! —Tracy McClure, Ontario, Canada ************************************ Static Chain 'Best of Baltimore' CD Contest (review):
Woody Lissauer has also been up to our venue in Fallston a few times, and he's always amazed me with how well he plays so many different things!... at the same time that he keeps that wonderful voice going on pitch- a true professional... I play alot of instruments, but he plays a lot well!...and I'm sure that on Roses he was responsible for most of the instruments heard as well as technical production of the cut (which he also does incredibly well- check out the production quality on his cd's- very impressive!)- what a great Pop song! It deserved the radio time it got and to be on this cd- Woody is truly a gifted performer...no , more than that, a gifted artist... — Doc, UU Fallston Concerts Gordon Center offers intimate setting for music:
The Gordon Center in Owings Mills was home to the Road House Guitar Series on Aug. 30… Ken Gutberlet and Woody Lissauer entertained the audience. By the end of the evening, each had new friends and fans. From Ken’s humorous song about an ill-fated frog in the roadway to Woody’s hauntingly beautiful love songs, the lyrics told a story. Listeners related to the everyday things of life: fishing, the last days of summer and heartbreak. Not only did the singers’ voices tell the story, but the instruments did as well. Lissauer is a musician who incorporates a guitar, harmonica and even a kazoo into his concert. A songwriter, he draws inspiraion from his history and life experiences and is able to convey heartfelt feelings through his lyrics and musical instruments. A former menmber of the band Cubic Feet, he now shares the stage with Natasha Matveeva nad Adam Pazourek. Natasha is a genius on the violin, producing sounds that left the listener in awe. Adam, a talented percussionist, was able to join in any song at any time ans complete the performance. This refreshing venue was a relaxing way to spend an evening, comparable to sitting in a friend’s living room and listening to great music. My personal favorite was (Lissauer’s) 'Hampden in the Rain'! —By Norma Bosley, week of September 13, 2007 The Owings Mills Times
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Woody Lissauer The CD begins with the tune 'Roses', which is already being spinned on local radio here in Maryland. Lissauer plays many of the instruments including guitars, reeds, keyboards, violin, percussion, and is also the lead voice. Although some of the tunes use some acoustic instruments, there's lots of driving rhythms throughout. Lissauer is joined by many female vocalists including his sister Kate Lissauer. She also plays banjo and fiddle and is currently performing in England. Jupiter is guesting on drums on track four 'Please Don't Go' - a commercially ready-to-go, radio friendly tune that could very well be a hit single. Also guesting is Spike from the band 'Never Never', female vocalist Chris Noyes, trumpeter Jimmy Wilson, longtime cohort Crash on drums and the late Brian Durham. There are thirteen tunes in all and even includes a remake of the traditional English ballad 'John Barleycorn Must Die', which was also recorded by Traffic in 1970. ...but Lissauer's introduction of a heavy drum beat could attract a whole new audience to this classic. It's available now at Baltimore and Washington DC area record stores and can also be ordered online from CD Baby.com and Amazon.com. Since Woody has been performing his new music he's gained many dedicated fans from Toronto to Miami and overseas. This CD has some very cool textures, innovative production
and excellent musicianship. In closing Lissauer's talent and
avant-garde approach to songwriting and sound sculpting is both new and
exciting. Please be sure to check his website at
www.woodylissauer.com War and the World ......(CD#2) .....St. Croix Magazine - The Spotlight Zone Woody Lissauer - by J. L. Johnston ..With all the character voices and fad following artist on the rise today it becomes quite a chore finding someone who remains true to the art of displaying a high level of quality in their vocals and songwriting. But this month's featured artist from Baltimore Maryland (my hometown) has made the search for such musical quality very rewarding for this publication. And after hearing his song "Roses", you will agree that he belongs in our family of great musical creators.
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