Open Sky Review by Willard Jenkins, Summer 2000

   There are times when wonderful talent is right in front of your face and it simply takes awhile for that talent to truly reveal itself.  Back in a former life at the National Jazz Service Organization we used to hear quite fequently from a typically "struggling" young singer out of the Boston area.  This young woman was steadfast in keeping us updated on her activities -- she still is -- and occasionally sent music as well.  Sometimes we all need a wake-up call to true talent.

    That slap in the face arrived recently with the release of Resonance, by that self-same singer.  With her brand new release on GM Recordings, Lisa Thorson reveals herself to be a songstress of uncommon heart and feeling.  Recently I plopped the disc into the player and cued up her stunning rendition of "The Nearness of You".  Admittedly that is certainly a tried and true vocal vehicle, but something about Lisa's version goes straight to the soul of the tune.  One spin on the program (Friday Drivetime Jazz 4-7 pm over WPFW, 89.3 FM in Washington, DC) and the phone lines lit up, with one inquiring mind suggesting that he was on his way to the car to rush right out and further discover Lisa Thorson at his local record outlet.

    Blessed with a voice that drips pure honey and a fine sense of phrasing, Lisa is also currently bringing those talents to bear in the classroom, at Berklee where she is on the voice staff.  Don't take my word for it, check out the aptly titled Resonance and hear for yourself.  Lisa Thorson has a checkerboard itinerary coming up through the summer that finds her appearances ranging from her home base in Massachusetts (where she will on occasion be working with another talented woman of jazz, saxophonist Cercie Miller), through Ohio, down to New Mexico, and across to L.A.