Here's to the Women . . . who have influenced my songwriting, guitar playing, and singing while I have been on this amazing musical journey.
Lisa started singing at an early age, "forever" is how she remembers it. Her songwriting started at the tender age of 13 . . . protest songs, love songs, songs about her dog. Lisa pays homage in this show to the women who have changed her life and made a lasting impression on her forever. Right before your eyes, you see Lisa transform as she embodies the essence of a song, "zoning in" to each magical musical moment.
As a songwriter and singer, Lisa has created her own unique sound. Now, in her 40th year as a performing songwriter, Lisa is celebrating her roots with a show honoring the women who have influenced her the most. Some of the most amazing women musicians of our time, Bonnie Raitt, Sippie Wallace, Judy Collins, Maria Muldaur, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Linda Ronstadt, Memphis Minnie, Blu Lu Barker, Lena Horn, Patsy Cline, and Lisa's mother, Alberta Roberts.
Lisa shares her songs and stories, and the music of the women who have inspired her "forever."
"She knocked our socks off with this one!" - Caroline Croswell, Oxford Community Arts Center
"The torch songs were more like bonfires." - Jeff Harris, Miami University's Parrish Auditorium
Lisa Biales: Lisa Offers A Variety of Shows
Lisa Biales and Josh Hisle
The History of the Blues : A Journey Through Time
Josh Hisle and Lisa Biales team up to bring you a comprehensive look at blues music throughout time. Looking at the contributions from male and female blues artists from the deep south sounds of Blind Blake to the rolling tones of “DOC” Watson, and from the New Orleans music of Blu Lu Barker to Memphis Minnie who combined her Louisiana-country roots with Memphis blues. Lisa Biales, a legitimate contributor to the blues of the present day, lends her soulful voice and wonderful playing style, with a wealth of original as well as traditional blues songs. The female contribution to the blues throughout time is more than significant, and Lisa not only plays everything, but leaves you speechless with her breathtaking performance.
Josh Hisle is a Cincinnati native from the small town of Mt. Healthy. His guitar playing has taken him all over the world and put him in the presence of many great players. Most notably would be Neil Young. Hisle has been working with Neil since their film debut in 2008. During his travels, Hisle became fascinated with old time blues and the thumb style guitar playing. His training with Scott Ainsle and many others have hoisted him among top fingerstyle blues players. “You have to see this kid play.”
Biales and Hisle also look at the instruments of the blues and will share some fun facts along the way. Did you know that the banjo originated in Africa and was made out of a gourd? The banjo was made by African slaves based on instruments that were indigenous to their parts of Africa and have since become and integral part of the American music experience.
When Hisle and Biales take the stage, its magic. The sounds they create together are nothing short of brilliance. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll laugh again. This is a must see performance.
Lisa Biales Duo with Doug Hamilton
A Dynamic Duo!
Something special happens when you add the rich sounds of a voice and a violin singing together in perfect harmony. Lisa's music spans from playful to moody, her alluring voice mingles with the violin for an enchanting evening of song and delightful stories. Classically trained Doug Hamilton compliments Lisa's varied songwriting as if they were an extension of each other. Hamilton toured with Barbara Mandrell, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire before making Oxford, Ohio his home. When he isn't touring with Lisa, you may find him performing with the Richmond Symphony, the Dayton Philharmonic or the Wild Water Band.
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"Buzzie" written by Lisa Biales from the CD "Closet Hippie." The Dynamic Duo "ripped it up" at the Big Song Music House when they opened for Commander Cody.
Lisa Biales Trio
Michael G. Ronstadt on Cello and Doug Hamilton on Violin
Lisa Biales is known for her crystal pure voice, percussive guitar, and vivid songwriting imagery. The Cincinnati Enquirer says that "Lisa is becoming one of the areas most prolific songwriters." On the rare occasion that Lisa covers and records a song by a favorite writer, she makes it all her own. Everybody's favorite fiddle player, Doug Hamilton also performs with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Wildwater Band. He is known for his uncanny ability to improvise with grace and ease. Doug’s past credits include tours with Barbara Mandrell, Tricia Yearwood and Reba McEntire to name only a few. Cellist Michael G. Ronstadt comes from a family of musicians and has performed throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada with David Bromberg, Linda Ronstadt, and Murial Anderson to name a few. He is a graduate of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and in addition to performing solo he is working with (Neil Young’s latest discovery) Josh Hisle in the duo “Lost In Holland" who are on Vapor Records. The Story: The inception of the Lisa Biales Trio came about on the spot, at a show. Lisa and Doug invited Michael to join them on stage during a show; the result was electrifying. “I can remember feeling goose pimples on my arms and a strong sense of fulfillment as our energies mingled together in the flow of song. I looked at Doug, who was smiling as he was playing the music of angels, then I turned my gaze to Michael, who seemed to be in a trance, playing a complimentary pizzicato. I literally “clicked my heals” with joy. You never know who is going to walk into your life and I certainly feel doubly blessed to be sharing the stage with two people whom I love and admire beyond words.”
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"At Last" the Lisa Biales Trio perform for an intimate audience at the Big Song Music House.
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"Lady In Waiting" written by Lisa Biales from the CD, "Hey There". Lisa Biales Trio with Doug Hamilton and Michael G. Ronstadt string section. Here is a great rendition of Lisa's poignant song.