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6 Degrees Entertainment

Title - 'Origins' [2CD]
Artist - Lisa LaRue

For those not in the know, Lisa LaRue began playing keyboards as a small child, her grandmother noticing she was playing "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" the Nancy Sinatra hit, on her toy Magnus Chord organ.

Later sought out by shopping malls and department stores as a young girl, she started writing her own songs and designing her own 'album covers.'

This led and inspired her for her future careers, which also include graphic design.

Before setting out for a record contract, she collaborated with Gilli Smyth of Gong on a self-released 'tape' titled "Dreamscapes." "Dreamscapes" was released by the U.S.-arm of Voiceprint, and soon after, she began label shopping for a longer-lasting deal.

A composer and keyboardist, LaRue became the first female artist signed to the Sound of America Records label (SOAR) Natural Visions sublabel.

Her debut release was titled "Beloved Tribal Women," produced by Will Alexander (keyboard tech to Keith Emerson, Herbie Hancock, and many other great keyboard players).

Since, she has released "Children's Songs in the Cherokee Language," "That Ol' Sofkee Spoon," "Ama," "Transformation 2012," "World Class" released as Lisa LaRue Project 2K9, "Fast and Blue" and “Sussuration” with 2KX, and “Sonic Landscapes” with Federico Fantacone.

She has also appeared on recordings by others, including Oliver Wakeman Band guitarist, David Mark Pearce ("Strange Ang3ls" album), Head Transfer Process (Stargazer), and Esquire with Nikki Squire ("Stay Low").

Recently signed to Melodic Revolution Records, keybordist & composer Lisa LaRue is set to release her new album Origins this very month. A 2CD set, it celebrates 25 years and 11 releases by LaRue.

Indeed, Origins features some of the best musicians in the business: John Payne (Asia, GPS), Michael Sadler (Saga), Mitch Perry (Talas, Aerosmith), Gilli Smyth (Gong), Don Schiff (Rocket Scientist, Kracked Earth), Federico Fantacone (Orchestre Celesti) John Baker (Forever Twelve, Mars Hollow) as well as Steve Adams, Brenda K, Michael Wheeler, Merrill Hale, Svetlan Raket (Par Lindh Project), John “Yafke” Timothy, and Michael Alvarez.

CD 1:
1. 'Kituwa'
2. 'Hurtful Words'
3. 'In Camera'
4. 'Beautiful Illusion'
5. '256 Leagues Above New Orleans'
6. 'Sea of Unity'
7. 'Lament of the Cherokee / Ruins of Home'
8. 'Golden Birds Wrapped Within'
9. 'Recurring Dream'

CD 2:
1. 'Jam Jehan Nima'
2. 'Prometheus'
3. 'Aspiration'
4. 'Sussuration'
5. 'Lemniscate'
6. 'Just Waiting For'

Listening to both CDs, back to back (as you should also do, of course, it's crystal clear that LaRue's musical perspective is unique, and delightfully rich in both tone and soul.

Her Prog rock style is highly influenced by her Native American roots, of that have no doubt, but as a listener new to her work (such as myself), or someone who has followed her career avidly, you just can't stop yourself from getting lovingly drawn into her mystical and avant-garde approach.

The rousing, guitar-led opener 'Kituwa' is also one of my favorites from this double set, and is backed by the dulcet piano of 'Hurtful Words,' the tranquil, soft prog of 'In Camera,' and then both the soaring 'Beautiful Illusion,' and then the softer '256 Leagues Above New Orleans.'

The lush 'Sea of Unity' is then backed seamlessly by the cello-led beauty 'Lament of the Cherokee / Ruins of Home,' before the stirring 'Golden Birds Wrapped Within' and then more soft prog in 'Recurring Dream bring the first disc to a close.

The mid-tempo, drumtastic 'Jam Jehan Nima' is first out the cannon and that's followed by the gently trippy 'Prometheus.' Complete with chimes and a very delicate Italian flavor, up next is 'Aspiration.' A very atmospheric, joyfully noisy at times composition, with a lovely tranquil finale, that's backed by the serene 'Sussuration.'

The second disc is then brought to a close with the uplifting, water's edge vibe of 'Lemniscate', with the playful spoken word track 'Just Waiting For' bringing the whole 2CD set to a close.

“This album brings together all of the messages of all of my albums," LaRue herself imparts. "Heritage and culture, bringing people together from around the world, giving each other creative outlets, and finding your spirit means you've made peace with the world and yourself.”

CD Baby Album Purchase Link

www.lisalaruemusic.com

www.facebook.com/ lisalarue2kx





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