Lisa Bastoni (from the album On the Water

Lisa Bastoni (from the album On the Water

Lisa Bastoni (from the album On the Water available on Sweet Odine Music) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Lisa Bastoni weighs in heavily when it comes to the familiarity factor. Granted, her name isn’t all that well known, even though she can claim considerable credibility with her multiple nominations for various New England area Folk and Roots awards and, more specifically, her 2019 win at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival competition. A veritable renaissance woman — in addition to making music, she’s a teacher, painter, videographer, and single mom — she has a gift for sharing imagery and observations that are well connected to everyday life.
 
As a singer and songwriter, Bastoni draws on multiple influences. There are hints of Joni Mitchell, Sara Jarosz, Norah Jones, and other bastions of female expressionism implanted within her songs. While some might interpret this as adherence to a somewhat generic sound, Lisa Bastoni can claim her own gift in terms of crafting elegiac melodies and sharing expressive sentiments that resonate even on first hearing. The music is irresistibly alluring, and given the sparkle and sheen that emanates from any number of these entries — “Right Side of the River”, “Starlight”, “Only Goodbye”, “Honeymoon In Disneyland”, and “Out at Sea” among the many — they allow for that instant engagement, a Folk-like caress that also brings to mind the consistent strains of most singer/songwriters of a classic caliber.
 
Not that Bastoni does it alone. Producer Sean Staples deserves credit for helping to craft the rich arrangements, while a stellar group of backing vocalists — Mark Erelli, Kris Delmhorst, Rose Cousins, and Naomi Sommers — enforce the fact that New England artists are in a league of their own. Bastoni herself is responsible for all the songs, with occasional collaboration with Staples and, on one track — “Let’s Look at Houses” — with Willi Carlisle.
 
All in all, On the Water can be considered quite an accomplishment, an album that boosts Lisa Bastoni’s resume and deserves to bring her the wider recognition she genuinely deserves. Suffice it to say — if one can pardon the pun — On the Water flows quite smoothly. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Lisa Bastoni from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit the Lisa Bastoni website