Artist: Lisa Kane
CD: "Sooner... than later"
By: Jennifer Layton
Indie-Music.com

From the introductory notes to Lisa Kane's "Sooner... than later" CD:

"I realized the place I enjoy the most is being alone in a candle lit room with one voice, one instrument, and a world open to creativity. I want to share with you a few of the moments now captured in time. I sang and played these songs together so there are no overdubs or punch ins – this is basically how I sound when I perform solo, but most importantly, this is when I feel free and sound blends with insight."

With those words, we're led into the intimate setting that is Kane's follow-up to last year's "Old Strings And All." The recording quality of "Sooner...than later" is perfect, drawing us right into that candlelit room with her as she plays for us. Listening to these pure folk songs done with just voice and guitar is a beautiful and moving experience. Kane's speaking part on "Which Road" adds to the intimacy of the setting, making it sound like she's sitting right next to the listener.

I had the pleasure of reviewing Kane's debut CD last year, and her lyrics are still vivid and poetic. The mood of this CD is more romantic than the first one. From a song describing the simple pleasures in life, Kane sings, "If God hands out presents, then I know she gave me you." She also captures anxiety about the future in "Which Road":

"Sitting by a fence post and I don't know what to do. The river is heading west and the east is calling too. I twirled my thumbs and kicked a can to wind up in this place. I wish I had a mirror to reveal a hidden face. What am I supposed to do? Which road leads to you?"

One of my favorite tracks of Kane's first CD was "Sage," and she offers another version of that song on this CD. Slowed down, with just her voice and the guitar, the ballad becomes an inspiring folk hymn. Her voice is yearning and innocent in this plea for a world without fear and violence. Without a band to accompany her, Kane's voice is stronger and more expressive in each track on this CD. She vents, she soothes, and on tracks like "Bless This Rain," she sounds sultry and demanding.

Kane is a gifted artist with the heart of a child, and I'm glad I was able to join her in this quiet setting.