Nashville, TN (Top40 Charts/ Webster & Associates) Lisa Matassa soars on her new EP, the intimate collection, SOMEBODY'S BABY, and the December 4 release hits all the right notes for fans of edgy, rockin' Country. With a voice that blends the soulfulness of Southern Gospel with a bit of "city polish" and a dose of Country/Rock flair, this EP is by far her best project yet. Produced by Tony Bruno (Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias), and recorded in Nashville and New York, the It Is What It Is Records / Nine North Records release features outstanding musicianship. The enhanced disc, comprised of seven songs and a bonus music video, will be available online at Amazon, iTunes and other popular e-tailers.
The New York songstress co-wrote three of the tracks ("Wouldn't You Like to Know," "Girl with a Rock 'n Roll Heart," "Learning as You Grow") and adds three stunning covers of hits made famous by Dolly Parton,
Bryan Adams and Nat King Cole. The EP's first single is "Somebody's Baby," a new song written by hit-makers
Kelly Archer, Casey Koesel and Justin Weaver. As a bonus, the song's dynamic and visually-enticing music video, directed by hotshot Traci Goudie (Hunter Hayes, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin), is included. The video debuted on AOL's The Boot (HERE) last week, and the single is currently on the New & Active Billboard/BDS Indicator Chart.
From the rollicking sweet sentiment of "Somebody's Baby," the disc saunters to the saucy side with "Wouldn't You Like To Know." Pounding drums, a smokin' electric guitar and a barroom chorus of background vocals make for a fierce and flirty track. "Girl With A Rock 'N Roll Heart" is somewhat of an anthem for Lisa; she grew up when girls didn't really "rock," but she did - and she still does. "That's me," Matassa laughs. "Leather and lace." The music slows with the contemplative "Learning As You Grow," an ode to children and the lessons they teach us. Matassa says she faces a new "learning curve" everyday as the mother of two teenagers. "The challenges never end," she notes. "But neither does the love." A cover of Bryan Adams' "
Heaven" is mesmerizing; showcasing Lisa's ability to blend her soulful side with her classically-trained voice - and giving kudos to a "magical song" from her younger days. It's rare for anyone to attempt Dolly Parton's iconic "I Will Always Love You," but Matassa conquers it with a brilliant performance recorded live before a New York audience. Her phrasing is unique; her rich voice embraces the low notes and sails ethereally throughout the highs. The normally-intimidating modulation is no challenge for Lisa, and she delivers a breathtaking performance. The closing track is another well-known number, Mel Torme's classic "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)." Lisa brings warmth - and the background vocals of The Broadway Youth Ensemble - to this beloved holiday number.
TRACK LISTING
1. Somebody's Baby
2. Wouldn't You Like To Know [NY Remix]
3. Girl With A Rock 'N Roll
Heart [NY Remix]
4. Learning As You Grow
5. Heaven
6. I Will Always Love You [Live]
7. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
8. Somebody's Baby [MUSIC VIDEO]
ABOUT LISA
With over 2.6 million previous YouTube views and two #1 videos on CMT.com (including "Me Time"), Lisa is no stranger to Country audiences. She has opened shows for Dierks Bentley, Leann Rimes, Eric Church,
Lee Brice and Ronnie Dunn. Operatically trained as a child and with a resonantly powerful pop voice, Lisa recorded two Top-10 Dance singles before she was 20. The songs were hits in the U.S. and abroad, earning her slots on the marquee with acts Taylor Dayne, Brenda K. Starr, TKA and others. Born on Long Island but raised in South Florida, Lisa grew up singing along to Patsy Cline,
Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash. Once she realized that Country music was her calling, she gave herself to it heart and soul.
For all the latest LISA news, fans can go to www.lisamatassa.com.
Additional social media links:
www.facebook.com/lisamatassafanpage
www.twitter.com/lisa_matassa
www.reverbnation.com/lisamatassa
