Known for her ability to pull the heart strings of her audiences, former session vocalist for The Rolling Stones and Tina Turner, Lisa Fischer is taking centre-stage.
Bringing her legendary show Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton to Australia for a nationwide tour, audiences can expect to be left in awe by the vocal powerhouse. Lisa will showcase not only her gifted vocals but her talent for reaching into audiences' hearts and bringing them to their feet.
You have had an incredible career: from Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and Nine Inch Nails. Now you have your own band, Grand Baton. How amazing has the journey been?
I am so thankful for the journey I have been on in my life. It feels like I'm dreaming and I never want to wake up.
The last 18 months or so has seen you perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival as well as the Hollywood Bowl. But you began playing small rooms with no material of your own to promote; how has the transition been, now as the frontwoman?
The transition feels most natural when I think of the music being in the forefront as opposed to me being the frontwoman.
The documentary 'Twenty Feet From Stardom' has had a huge impact on you professionally. Was there any inkling during the film's making such an outcome was a possibility?
For me? Not at all. It's taken me by surprise. It's one of those gifts you can never foresee or plan.
What's been the biggest learning curve?
Learning to pace myself.
© Edward GadjelDo you have an album in the works?
Grand Baton and I are in the studio and we will have time later this year to do some recording. It's a slow and meaningful process.
What can we expect on stage during your upcoming tour?
We hope to get lost in the music, to be present in the stories and to be found in the melodies.
And how excited are you to visit our shores?
Extremely excited! The last time I was in Oz was with The Rolling Stones.
Winning your second Grammy must've been a sweet cherry on the top?
It was such an incredible blessing. It feels like a dream, you know?
Chances you may get Sting and/ or Mick Jagger to being your backing singers for a show/ tour!?
(Giggling to myself) Now that would be a dream come true. What an interesting dream indeed. Anything they lend their voices to would be amazing, that's for sure! But their schedules are so full, I doubt such a thing could happen.
Connecting with your audience is a major aspect of your music; and in general more people are returning to activities involving direct, human contact. Do you sense humanity understands it has begun to shut itself off and is look to heal?
Yes. Lately I've been thinking that we touch our cell phones more than we connect with each other.
How satisfying is it when you do have an amazing connection with a room/ crowd/ festival?
It's such a beautiful rush of energy that I am truly grateful for. I'm in love with that feeling.
The music industry and world in general are far different place than when you started. That said, what are some of the elements that have remained the same to forge a career in the industry?
You have to love it... deeply... You have to feel as though you couldn't live without it.
Lisa Fischer Tour Dates
Fri 10 June – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (Brisbane)Wed 15 June – City Recital Hall (Sydney)
Thurs 16 June – Melbourne Recital Hall
Sat 18 & Sun 19 June – Adelaide Cabaret Festival
