Bentley's Bandstand
Excavating the musical world these days is as exciting as ever. From the unlikeliest of places come gems of such brightness they can only be described as brilliant. Lissa Hattersley spent the swerving ‘70s in the Austin group Greezy Wheels, which got thrown in with the redneck rock set but were in actuality a psychedelic swing band with rural roots branching out all over the place. Hattersley was one of their spirited lead singers, and her sweet voice belied an earthy sense of gospel-fueled rhythm & blues. All these years later she has finally made a solo album, and what a kick it is. Her voice has a timeless quality to it, impossible to pigeonhole into a single style or time zone. What really comes across is her inner beauty, a sultry playfulness that makes it seem no matter what comes her way she’ll take it to the sunny side of the street. “Easy Reverie” is a striking original that could just as easily be written in the ‘30s, sung at a Café Society speakeasy in downtown New York, while “Moonstruck Love” is a soul song that lets Hattersley shine at her brightest. Some of the best musicians in Texas are on these sessions, and while there is an easeful joy in every song, the years of experience of all the players always feels like seasoned professionals are ably on the case. The singer grew up on the East Coast before heading for Texas, and the sense of sophistication running through the sound makes an intriguing case of yin and yang, uptown and back home, with Lissa Hattersley our gracious vocal host taking us to the other side. For a glimpse into a musical world that may be off the beaten path but promises a spirited journey, How I Spent My Summer Vacation could be the best travel tip you receive all season.
