Lisa Lawrence Reviews:

Craig Gilbert
The New Haven Advocate

Eleven tracks of pop folk with a hint o’ Country & Western. Smooth and melodic no matter what the tempo, Lawrence shows some real songwriting talent. Her Joni Mitchell and Natalie Merchant influences are proudly displayed. The beat-heavy, amped-out “Out of Control” provides a nice break from the folkiness.

Ties That Bind: State Artists Who Deserve The Nod
Eric R. Danton/CTNow
A recent proposal to found a Connecticut music hall of fame unfortunately includes too many big names who are in Connecticut but not of it.

Here are a few CDs involving local artists who may one day be contenders for enshrinement, and their local ties extend beyond mere mailing addresses.

Lisa Lawrence, "Yours to Break" (Sling Slang) - Although she lives in Worcester now, Lawrence began honing her chops five years ago as part of a group of songwriters who tried out new material every week at Sully's Pub in Hartford. She was a quick study: "Yours to Break" is the work of an accomplished songwriter. Lawrence sings moving, impressionistic narratives over gritty roots-rock accompaniment in a clear expressive voice that sometimes calls to mind Christy McWilson, a big-voiced singer from Washington state. Connecticut should rue the day it lost Lawrence to Massachusetts.