LISA FISCHER REMEMBERS ‘PHILLY SOUL’ SONGWRITER LINDA CREED
During today’s unprecedented times of political chaos that has left many feeling hopeless and broken, it’s a blessing of spiritual healing to experience the amazing live artistry of 2X Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Lisa Fischer.
She headlined last week at New York’s historic Birdland Jazz Club with amazing musical assistance on each ecletic song choice by the jazz piano Orrin Evans Trio featuring bassist James Genius and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr.
Playing only three instruments, they created impressive melodic foundation on her surprising cover of Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder’s synthesized disco masterpiece: “I Feel Love”. The evening highlight for me was a powerful tribute to the late great singer, songwriter Linda Creed. During the 1970s, she teamed with iconic Thom Bell (RIP) producing dozens of ‘Philly Soul’ classics that continue to uplift us and inspire the music universe.
In a wonderful medley arrangement of “People Make The World Go Round”/ “You Make Me Feel Brand New” (The Stylistics) and “Betcha By Golly Wow” (Phyllis Hyman), Lisa showcased a unique vocal interpretation that was welcomed by the first of two standing ovations.
She also sang many of her personal favorites that ranged from classic rock standards to a heartfelt Luther Vandross tribute in memory of his upcoming 75th birthday in heaven. Best known for international concert background support to Luther and other legends including Chaka Khan, Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones with Mick Jagger, Lisa Fischer’s recording debut as a solo artist made 1992 music history.
Her timeless rendition of “How Can I Ease The Pain” not only brilliantly introduced fans to a stratospheric vocal range, but also earned her the NARAS Best Female R&B Vocal Performance Grammy award in a first time ever shared ‘tie’ with iconic music trail-blazer Patti LaBelle.
Believe it or not, Lisa Fischer has never blessed us with another solo recording project since then. Let’s all keep our fingers (and toes) double ‘criss -crossed’ for that to change very soon…
Darrell Hill
Black Entertainment Historian And Memorabilia Archivist
Sankofahouse100@gmail.com
