SHOW MUSIC
MAGAZINE
Summer 2002
Lisa Richard's VIRGIN TRACKS (LML Music 132; 63:30) is a find for those looking for unheard material, the 14 songs receiving their premiere recordings. Some are by new writers, others by familiar names such as David Zippel, Stephen Schwartz, Brad Ross, Jessica Molaskey, John Bucchino, Bruce Kimmel, and Francesca Blumenthal.
Zippel and Jonathan Sheffer's Harold Arlen-like "Another Mr. Right" is from their score for the unproduced Going Hollywood, an adaptation of the play Once in a Lifetime. Most of the others are stand-alones, several quite lovely, including "I Break So Easily," "Reach for the Moon," and "The Forgotten of the Heart." "Welcome the Rain" is anthem-like. "Don't You Be Shakin' Your Faith in Me" (duetted with Susan Egan) celebrates friendship. "How Was It For You?" is a wry, witty look at a breakup.
Richard is amazing, with a big, strong voice and secure tone whether belting or singing intimately. Although she perfoms in West Coast theatre and in cabaret at Los Angeles' Cinegrill and other venues (recently in New York City at Don't Tell Mama), she keeps her day job - as an executive for Toshiba - but shouldn't worry about losing it.
(Not part of published review - Note: We think Lisa didn't worry either, since she did give up her day job in 2001.)