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STALLlNG
FROM FEAR - CD REVIEW The hardest part of starting out on a musical
career must be the distribution of that first album, especially when 'going it
alone'. I loved the music, and especially the lyrics, from the first time I heard
them. The CD consists of eleven tracks, all original songs composed by Liza Callahan
except for one very successful cover, the classic Carpenters' song "Superstar".
Liza's own writing draws on a wide range of musical styles, often using
Irish traditional instruments such as uilleann pipes in unexpected settings. Much
of the music is not obviously Celtic, yet there is an underlying 'Irishness' about
it in many tracks, and whether she is aware of it or not the influence of her
heritage is there. The lyrics of her songs speak more each time they are heard,
there is so much of life there. I doubt there are many people who will not relate
to the many facets of experience reflected in them. The songs take the
listener from one end of the musical spectrum to another. Two of the tracks, the
opening one "Predator" and the later "Fallen Angel" were a real surprise to me
as they are strong, modern rock numbers, vividly evoking the characters referred
to through the lyrics, and with vibrant musical settings that make both numbers
'ask' to be live performance numbers, with modern dancers and special effects.
The second track, "You're Somebody Special", is in total contrast to the
first, and for me more vividly presents Liza herself. With sweet lilting melody
and encouraging lyrics it is a tonic to listen to this song, a song full of sunshine
to brighten anyone's darkest day. From it glows the fresh, youthful purity of
Liza's voice, which is in strong contrast to the maturity of experience reflected
in all her lyrics. "Calling Me" is my favourite track. Maybe it's because
I love the sea and have lived close to it all my life, and it is close to my heart
as it is for so many Irish people. To write of the sea is so very Irish! I love
the slightly "lullaby" style of the melody; I also love the use of the saxophone
in the musical arrangement, evoking the sea so perfectly and at the same time
sounding very sensual. Does the lyric refer to the ocean itself or to a lover?
The dual meaning adds great depth to the song. "The Lucky Lady" is a track
that so many will relate to, telling of someone who apparently 'has everything'
yet is smothered by her life and desperate, determined to escape and be herself.
There is the sense of someone at the doorway of new beginnings, who has been 'stalling
from fear' but is now stepping forward in life, ready for the challenge. The
final few tracks on the album are very much 'family affairs', with an increasing
Celtic feel. "We Are One" has Liza's children joining in the chorus to give a
rich energy to the party atmosphere and strong message, two more - "Bridie's Bread"
and "I'll Remember You", speak of cherished relatives, and the last track on the
CD, "Beautiful Ireland" portrays a nostalgic picture of the land of Liza's heritage
which is now lost because of the changes of time and passing of loved ones. As
these tracks progress there is more and more a feel of Celtic folk tradition in
the music, and the images evoked in the lyrics transport the listener right into
the country kitchen where Bridie's cooking awaits, and give wonderful insight
into the grandmother who was so important in her life and who she remembers so
fondly. The Ireland Liza portrays in her songs is a very real one, and the final
ballad could stand very well alongside our best-known classics. All the
tracks on "Stalling from Fear" have a great deal to say in their lyrics; there
is meaning and philosophy is every one, and I think that is Liza's special talent.
Her voice is sweet and pleasing, her music melodic, catchy and full of that 'feel
good' factor that makes me want to hear it again and again, but most of all it
is the lyrics that speak to me so deeply. She has a great gift as a lyricist to
reach and move her listener. The album has been beautifully produced, both
in sound and also in the presentation. It may be a small thing, but I also love
the CD sleeve, which displays fine photography and also gives all the lyrics to
the songs, something I always love. Then there is a unique finishing touch, the
inclusion of a little loose, personal miniature note from Liza, saying 'thank
you' for buying the CD and asking for feedback. My reply to that little
note is - 'Thank you, Liza, for making your dream a reality and creating this
CD, so beautiful to listen to and with so much to say. I hope it is only the beginning,
brings you much success, and that there'll be plenty more where it came from!'
Click here for Ann Keller's interview
with Liza Callahan.
Review:
Ann Keller
Original
Web Design: Alexander Servas
Editing
and Header Design: Louise Owen
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