2016 – Ramasound Records
By Phillip Smith; Oct. 29, 2016
I have nothing but the best things
to say about the latest album from Lisa
Lystam Family Band, Give You Everything. Hailing from Sweden, this
terrific blues band is fronted by vocalist Lisa
Lystam, who has been called “The New Swedish Sensation” by Jefferson Blues Magazine , the world’s
oldest blues magazine still in print. Along
with Lystam, this amazing band consists
of guitarists Mattias Gustafsson and
Fredrik Karlsson, drummer Patrik Thelin, bassist Johan Sund, and Mikael Fall on harmonica. Blues
singer, Ida Bang also appears as a
backing vocalist. Bang, together with Lystam, are
known as The Tornadettes when
performing with the acclaimed Danish bluesman Thorbjørn Risager. Risager also makes a guest appearance on the album singing alongside Lystam
in the beautifully melancholy duet “Something is Wrong”.
It’s
hard to beat the riveting blues-funk-infused “Give You Everything”. Delicious and swampy, it’s a jamboree of outstanding
slide guitar, sweet harp, and vocals dripping with attitude. “Changes” is one hell of a track as well. Lystam attacks this with a more
soulful approach, while the rhythm section keeps the energy high. This favorite of mine closes out with a
heaping dose of bodacious SRV-inspired guitar licks. Lystam’s vocals on “Worship Me” are
rocking and sexy, while the dual guitar gives the song its unique hook. The swampy slide in “Get Up and Move” is wonderful,
and rich. I could listen to this bluesy
treat all day long.
This
fabulous group of musicians is blessed with an amazing amount of talent,
excelling in both writing and performance.
I really hope I get a chance to see them play live sometime.
