Lisa Biales: News

In January of 2012, Lisa traveled to Macon, Georgia. The home of southern rock, good home cooking, and Paul Hornsby's Muscadine Recording Studio to record her new album with producer EG Kight, the Georgia Songbird.

EG Kight brought in her favorite musicians for this album and we got 14 songs recorded. Three original tunes from Biales, one co-write with Kight, and three EG Kight tunes as well.  "I love singing EG's songs, and could do a whole album of her music." The album was recorded at Paul Hornsby's Muscadine Studio, which happens to have gold and platinum albums hanging on the walls.  Southern rock guitarist Tommy Talton played acoustic, electric and slide guitars. Bill Stewart played drums, and Marshall Coats played acoustic and electric bass and piano.  Paul Hornsby did back-up vocals, piano and Hammond B3 organ.  

Here's the players (left to right) Paul Hornsby, co-producer, engineer; Tommy Talton, guitars; Lisa Biales, vocals and guitar; Marshall Coats, acoustic and electric bass; and Bill Stewart, drums.

We gathered around the mixing board and figured out each tune and when we all agreed on a feel, someone would say "That's it!" and we would all rush into the studio and cut the song.  It was inspiring, the energy was pure happiness.

Lisa Biales getting ready to cut vocals for her new album.

Lisa Biales and producer E.G. Kight in the studio working on a song.  The two Songbirds did a duet on the album.  "It's one of my favorite songs, I love singing with EG!"   The album has an Americana ~ Blues flair with songs from Odetta, Ma Rainey, Memphis Minnie, Tommy Talton, Candye Kane, EG Kight, Lisa Biales, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, and The Delmore Brothers.

                   Francis Ford Copppola's new film "TWIXT" features Lisa Biales as the character Ruth - - who also happens to sing.  You will find Lisa in the movie trailer peeking through the window at about 2:29.

A face familiar to local blues and folk music fans will hit the big screen in a film by one of the nation’s most well-known directors.

Oxford-based Lisa Biales will makes her film debut in Francis Ford Coppola’s “TWIXT.”

Biales talked about the film while preforming with violinist Doug Hamilton Saturday at the “Wine, Women and Song” gala celebrating the 25th anniversary of Dayton’s Human Race Theatre.

She is the cousin of Kevin Moore, the theatre’s producing artistic director.

A Fairfield High School grad, Biales has made six solo albums, including her latest “Closet Hippie.”

The former administration worker at Ohio University has a speaking role and sings in the film staring Val Kilmer, Bruce Dern, Elle Fanning and Don Novello (Father Guido Sarducci). She called it a vampire movie.

Biales said she met Coppola at Duke University. He hugged her and contacted her more than nine months later about the movie. She said they did a little role play over the phone.

Coppola told the New York Times the film with “gothic romance/horror subject matter” grew out of a nightmare he had.

“But as I was having it I realized perhaps it was a gift, as I could make it as a story, perhaps a scary film, I thought even as I was dreaming.,” Coppola said of the flim set to hit theaters in October.

Coppola’s other films include “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now” and “The Outsiders.”

by Amelia Robinson (Seen and Overheard) for the Dayton Daily News

The Lisa Biales Trio performed as part of the Oxford Community Arts Center's (OCAC) Family Performance Series and Fine Arts Fund's Sampler Weekend sponsored by Macy's. 

"Every time she performs she does a bang-up job, and every year it gets better," said Caroline Croswell, executive director of OCAC.  "Lisa is a wonderful artist and musician," Croswell said and she sought out Biales for the hour-long concert because her music is so diverse.  "We will have a multi-generational crowd and Lisa's music and personality is always perfect ," said Croswell. 

Joined by fiddler Doug Hamilton of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Wildwater Band along with 2008 Cincinnati Conservatory of Music graduate Michael G. Ronstadt on cello.

"The whole show was a great story set to music." ~ Gilda Moore, Concert goer

Performing songwriter Lisa Biales traveled to Napa Valley in November to make her film debut in Francis Ford Coppola's new movie, "TWIXT " a thriller which is scheduled to hit the theaters in October of 2011. The cast includes Val Kilmer, Bruce Dern, Elle Fanning, Joanne Whalley, Ben Chaplin, Don Novello (Father Guido Sarducci), David Paymer, Alden Erenreich (who was in Coppola’s TETRO), Anthony Fusco, and Bruce Miroglio.

Coppola describes TWIXT as having “the imagery of Hawthorne or Poe.”  The project grew out of a nightmare the filmmaker had last year. “As I was having it, I realized perhaps it was a gift, as I could make it as a story, perhaps a scary film, I thought even as I was dreaming,” he remarks. “But then some loud noise outside woke me up, and I wanted to go back to the dream and get an ending. But I couldn’t fall back asleep so I recorded what I remembered right there and then on my phone. I realized that it was a Gothic romance setting, so in fact I’d be able to do it all around my home base, rather than have to go to a distant country.”

"I loved the script the first time I read it," remarked Biales.  "After the filming was over and I had a chance to study Coppola's films,  I realized that music, singing and dancing were a common thread among them." Rumor has it, Biales, who has a beautiful voice, charm and style all her own, has a speaking and singing part in the film.

"I got a call from Adriana Rotaru (Coppola's Assistant) on a Monday night.  She connected me to Francis and Anahid Nazarian (Executive Producer) in a conference call.  Francis told me about the film and we did a little role playing over the phone.  It was surrealistic, I was trying to stay focused and not think stupid stuff like OMG!, it's FFC!  I could hear a smile and an exuberance in his voice and that made me comfortable.  When he was done telling me about the film he said, "Well, does this sound like something you'd like to do?" "YES!"  Biales was on a plane at 9am the next morning and the rest, as they say, is history . . . or shall I say, her-story.

Some folks are saying that because this film is independently produced, it will be one of Coppola's best.  But don't take our word for it, look for "TWIXT" in December of 2011 and find out for yourself.

- Ursula Roberts, Reporting for The Universe

Lisa Biales is partially funded by the Ohio Arts Council.

Lisa Biales interview at 91.7 WVXU on Lee Hay's award winning "Around Cincinnati" http://198.234.121.108/aroundcincinnati/051610_LisaBiales.mp3

 

 

TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW TURN OFF THE AUDIO PLAYER AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE

"Lisa Biales is becoming the area's most prolific songwriter." Katie Wedell

The TV show "Girlfriends" recently picked up Lisa's song "I Believe" which will be used when the show goes to DVD.

By Richard O Jones

OXFORD — Lisa Biales is turning out to be one of the area's most prolific singer/songwriters.

The recent release of "Hey There" marks her fourth CD in three years.

"When I'm working on a recording, I don't even think about writing," she said. "But as soon as it's done, I'll start writing again.

"In fact, I've written three new songs since this album."

"Hey There," which will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Oxford Community Arts Center, follows "Yellow Shoes," a children's record released earlier this year, last year's "Come to Me," and "Chasing Away the Blues" from the year before.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Biales quit her day job in 2003 after receiving a degree in theater to concentrate on making music full-time.

"Hey There," she said, "is a kind of a mixture of folk, jazzy blues and a couple of a capella songs thrown in for flavor.

"It's all-acoustic, recorded at home. I wanted to have that intimate feeling as if I were sitting in your living room playing, no whistles or bells."

Saturday's CD-release party at the Oxford Community Arts Center will be a "big extravaganza," she said, celebrating all five of her albums as well as the new tunes.

"I'll start out doing a couple of songs alone and then start adding musicians along the way," she said.

Her guests include Doug Hamilton, a violinist for the Richmond Symphony, recent CCM grad Michael G. Ronstadt on cello, guitarist Bill Littleford and his Jazz Trio accompanying Biales on some jazz standards, Dave Mackey on drums and percussion, and Joshua Moore on upright bass.

"And then we'll all get on-stage for the big finish," she said. "I couldn't be happier to have all these musicians gathered around me."

Lisa Biales has performed at OCAC a number of times in the last several years, always to a full house and enthusiastic crowd. Her most recent appearances include the debut performance of her latest album of original music “Come to Me” and the debut performance of “Yellow Shoes” which went on to play off Broadway in New York City at the Barrow Street Theatre during the Barrow Street Fortnight Festival . I was so charmed by “Yellow Shoes” I followed her to New York to see the production again.

Lisa’s versatility and professionalism as a performer are unsurpassed. Her albums are wonderful but they can’t compete with a live performance. She consistently delivers her unique style of entertainment complete with humor, soul and personality in a sweet, strong and bluesy voice. It is our hope that Lisa Biales will return to perform at the Community Arts Center again and again.


Sincerely,

Caroline Croswell

This January, Lisa Biales performed her endearing “Yellow Shoes” at “Barrow Street Fortnight,” a two week festival celebrating the very best in spoken word, music, short plays, sketch comedy, and other genres. More than 30 shows played over 12 days at the Barrow Street Theatre, a 200-seater that I operate in New York ’s West Village . We scheduled Yellow Shoes at 11am on the first Saturday and Sunday as our only real family or kid’s show, and audience reaction, including my own, was both overwhelming and enlightening. I say enlightening because, having never presented family entertainment, I learned a couple of very valuable lessons.

Perhaps most interesting was the fact that I learned that the show needn’t be pegged solely as a kid’s show, primarily because Lisa’s musical vocabulary and talent are exceptional and varied enough to entertain any age group; and though some of her show was tailored specifically to the younger members of our audience, I sensed – and later found it to be true – that she can adapt as she goes, and to me that translates into a show for any time of day and any type of audience. Revelations aside, the show that I attended mixed music, with storytelling, sing-alongs, and other participatory moments, that converged into a really lovely 60 minutes for all involved. We invited Lisa to return to New York this spring to develop our relationship with her as performing artist, and to further our new-found commitment to family-oriented programming.

Lisa displayed an incredible range of material that was gentle and accessible, surprisingly mature yet never condescending. As a producer of so-called serious dramatic works, and having no kids of my own, I can happily report that I did play the kazoo, I did singalong (when asked), and I had fun. I was also beyond charmed when a few of the youngsters joined her on stage – one of whom proved that she could, indeed, play the harmonica and perform an entire song (as duo) without prior experience. She then bowed, nervously. (And returned after the show to pose onstage with Lisa, for a photo opp -- a keepsake that is, no doubt, destined for the refrigerator, and perhaps one day for a photo album or diary.)

As an aside, I ran out for a moment because there was a construction crew rambling around in the lobby, and I went to find out what the commotion was about. As it turns out, they heard Lisa singing and were trying to figure out a way to sneak a peek…and so, I grabbed them and led them to my secret re-entry up in the mezzanine, and there they sat, transfixed with me, for the last 25 minutes of the show. It was one of the great moments of our fortnight, and, along with what is mentioned above, should demonstrate why there is little wonder that Lisa will join us in New York this season.


Sincerely yours,

Scott Morfee

Lisa Biales getting known worldwide
BY KATIE WEDELL ~ ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR

Local performer Lisa Biales has been "Chasing Away the Blues" with song for as long as she can remember.

So it's just an added bonus that her album by that name has earned the Oxford resident international recognition.

Not only is her music getting airplay from Tennessee to New Zealand, but the song "Where the Buckwheat Blooms" made the Top 40 on International Folk Radio.

It reached No. 32 in August, just behind a song by Cat Stevens, who has changed his name to Yusuf Islam

After such a successful album, Biales is relaxing by doing what she loves the most - writing another album.

Her third solo CD will be complete in July. Biales will debut the new songs at a release concert July 28 at Miami University's Peabody Hall.

The concert will feature three other local musicians; WMUB's news director Gary Scott on drums, BikeWise owner Doug Hamilton on violin and Noah Cope on bass.

"The talent is right here in Oxford," Biales said of her adopted hometown.

A native of Fairfield, Biales spent 23 years in Athens, Ohio, working in administration at Ohio University and raising two sons. Now she makes Oxford her home with husband Marc.

"He's my biggest fan," Biales said.

Her husband owns the Wild Berry store in Oxford and sells Biales' CDs there.

Biales describes her sound as vocal driven and folksy, but she uses elements from many kinds of music, including the blues and even show tunes.

She has been producing original work since 1991, first as a member of Prairie Orchid with Sarah Goslee Reid, and now as a solo artist.

Her best advice for aspiring song writers: practice.

"Write every day. Write everything down," she said.

In addition to her CD release concert, Lisa Biales will be performing all over Ohio this summer, including a June 28 appearance at the Oxford Music Festival.

By Christen Claytor

Coming from a family of musicians, Lisa Biales is comfortable with her success. Biales' fifth album, "Chasing Away the Blues," has received international attention in folk radio.

Recently, her single, "Where the Buckwheat Blooms," was ranked number 32 on the International Folk Radio Play list.

Biales' parents, both of whom are musicians, were a great influence on her musical development.

"I've been singing forever — I was probably born singing," she said.

Biales, a Fairfield native now living in Oxford, cannot remember a time when she wasn't singing. Ever since she was around 13 years old, a year after she gained interest in learning to play the guitar, she has been performing. Biales' brother, a drummer, introduced her to the guitar. Biales wanted to play an instrument that would allow her to sing along.

Once I learned to play the guitar I was hooked, Biales said. She is also skilled at the bass guitar, banjo and the accordion.

Prior to producing albums, Biales performed in various clubs, weddings and private house parties/events. Biales practices daily by playing and singing as much as she can and recording her songs in her home and previewing them before going to the studio.

This independent artist utilizes her life experiences and those of her loved ones to initiate her creativity in the songs she writes.

"As an independent artist I have to wear many hats and one of them is marketing. I sent my music to radio stations all over the world," Biales said.

She mixes a variety of music genres, such as R&B, folk and blues to create her sound.

The hit-single "Where the Buckwheat Blooms" is about he mother's and grandmother's childhoods and their experiences growing up. The single "Chasing Away the Blues" was written for a friend of Biales who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Biales has also written about her husband and children.

Biales has two children in college, which has allowed her to focus more on her music career. Her sons are ages 19 and 21. Biales also wrote a love song for her husband.

"I think she likes to tune into a situation and put it into words," said Marc Biales.

Biales has a guitar with her at all times. "I love traveling and I love working for myself; being creative is what feels the best for me," she said.

Short-term goals include traveling to Europe and playing her music and having her music be used in a film.

Being internationally recognized makes Biales feel excited, she said.

"It makes me very happy. It makes me feel like all the work I've done is paying off. Although folk isn't a huge commercial market, it inspires me to do more," Biales said.

"I am really proud of her. She's a great lady — even without the fame she'd be a wonderful lady," said Marc Biales.

Biales is currently working on a new album, "Come to me." She is working with WMUB's News Director Gary Scott on this project.

Biales performs at the Alexander House, "A-List," every first Wednesday of every month from 9 to 11 p.m.

On her Web site, www.LisaBiales.com, there are links to her songs and more information about this internationally known singer.

By Hayley Day Contributing Writer Dayton Daily News

A small-town dream turned into a worldwide hit for musician Lisa Biales of Oxford this month when a song from her latest CD, "Chasing Away the Blues" cracked the Top 40 on International Folk Radio.

The Fairfield, Ohio native started performing at age 13 at Le Sourdesville Lake in Monroe, but the song "Where the Buckwheat Blooms" on her third solo album has transported her from wide-open spaces to exotic places.

"My music is being played in New Zealand," said Biales. "It makes me feel like the world is not such a big place."

While growing up, Biales' father's band and her mother's singing strengthened her admiration for music.

When you hear Lisa sing, it is her smooth voice and unique guitar playing that create her signature sound, combining different musical genres.

"My intention (with singing) is to make people feel good," said Biales. "It's my gift that I feel I'm supposed to share with people."

In 2006, she released "Chasing Away the Blues," her second CD. Lisa has plans for two more albums of original music. “The standards album continues to get put on the back burner because every time I start working on it, I am moved to write.”

Although Biales had slowed her career for her family in years past, with her sons in college and her husband, the owner of Wild Berry in Oxford, Ohio in full support, Biales is renewing her musical ambitions.

Although Biales has always been an independent artist, with her recent success she has been courted by industry professionals and is flirting with the idea of signing with a record label. But she’s not saying who just yet.

"To find out people are listening to my music all over the world validates me as an artist," said Biales. "To start out small and make these little steps is exciting, it's wonderful to learn that people all over the world are finding my voice.”

"My parents were both musical," she said. "My dad played upright bass and my mom sang and acted in community theater.

"I started writing music and plays as a child, casting and directing my playmates in our garage that I turned into a theater for the day."

When she was about 12, a student at Sacred Heart School in Fairfield, Ohio, she approached her older brother to teach her to play a song on the guitar that she could sing to.

"He taught me the chords to 'I'm So Glad,'" she said.

She soon started performing at the Sacred Heart Church's guitar mass and filling in the breaks of her father's Dixieland band when he would play at LeSourdesville Lake, where she first started performing her own compositions. By high school, she was in a band, Paragon, playing gigs at Waterworks Park, school dances and parties almost every weekend.

Her latest album, "Chasing Away the Blues," has earned a bit of acclaim with one of its songs, "Where the Buckwheat Blooms," climbing to the Top 40 at the On-Line Folk Festival, an Internet-based radio station.

"That was a song written about my mom when she was a little girl," she said. "Her family moved around a lot after the war. Her father had a hard time finding a job therefore, he drank a lot, but she would remember riding in a truck in the middle of nowhere with the buckwheat in bloom. It was a favorite time in her life, but it was also bittersweet because they moved often.”

While she said she didn't particularly intend to make a blues album, the bluesy tone seemed to emerge.

"The blues has crept in periodically throughout my career," she said. "Those are the songs that the great singers sing — something to sink your teeth into — and my vocals and the songs lend themselves to that soulful bluesy feeling."

Lisa performs the first Wednesday of the month at Alexander House Wine and Martini Bar. Treat yourself to a drive to Oxford, Ohio to hear Lisa sing. You'll be glad you did!

From the host of the Online Folk Festival, discussing folk music, life, the universe, and everything. "Where The Buckwheat Blooms" hits top 40 on the International Folk Playlist. #32 to be exact right between Cat Stevens and Bill Monroe. Not bad company.

Radio Stations in Germany, New Zealand, England, LA, New York, Nashville, Ohio, Wisconsin, Texas, Canada, Illinois, Missouri and Australia (to name a few) all LOVE Lisa's Music and have put her 2006 independant release, "Chasing Away The Blues" in current play roation.