One of the benefits of being a music critic is the surprises you receive in the mailbox. I'd classify Lisa Graciano's "The Singles" (http://www.lisagraciano.com) CD as among them. It's not the musical stylings that threw me; it's just that I've never seen an Asian blues guitarist before, especially a woman.
But this is not a novelty product. Graciano is a serious musician, and the scorching licks on "Picture of You" can peel the chrome off of hubcaps. There is something quite spellbinding listening to a blues guitarist when they're in the Zone, which is what Graciano is in here. Once you enter her world, and she cuts loose with those human torch riffs, you don't want to leave.
|
Graciano is fairly versatile, too, as "Are You Still With Me?" departs from her modus operandi, venturing closer to '80s pop. "No One Else Trying" rolls on the river with a two-fisted swamp rock boogie.
At only four tracks, Graciano leaves us hanging like a Saturday morning matinee. Her full-length is highly anticipated.
|
