After cutting her second CD, singer/songwriter Lisa Lawrence is returning to her hometown of Haverhill for a live performance in Bradford.
The show at Kelly’s Pub is among Lawrence’s first stops on a summer tour that will crisscross the northeast in promotion of her new CD “Yours to Break” by Sling Slang Records.
Alternating sets with Lawrence at the 9:30 p.m. show will be Eddie Felker of Haverhill, an acquaintance of Lawrence in high school. The two hadn’t seen each other since graduation, then bumped into each other in Haverhill last year. Felker, who taught himself the guitar and hopes to eventually go to Nashville, describes his original music as acoustic rock with an indie alternative edge. Lawrence’s sound is a diverse mixture of folk, blues and rock.
“I’ve been leaning toward more of a country sound lately,” said Lawrence, 32. “Soon I will be putting a band together and that CD will feature a little more rock ‘n’ roll; (this current CD) is getting air time on some college rock and indie stations.”
“Yours to Break” is Lawrence’s first label-supported album, which is a long way from her first album, “Enjoy the Ride!,” which debuted in 2003 and was made with just a $1,000 budget. Success wasn’t immediate for Lawrence, who took a lengthy break from performing prior to making a second go at her lifelong passion.
Her career began in earnest five years ago in Hartford, Conn. Every Monday night Lawrence walked two blocks from her apartment to Scully’s, a bar full of supportive friends and performers. It was her outlet for trying out new songs and perfecting her performances.
“I was at a crossroads in my (musical) career in Hartford,” Lawrence said. “I was new at the whole thing and just out there looking for support. I’m my own worst critic and made myself work hard and create new songs. I made the decision to be more serious at the time, and it became a turning point for my music as well.”
Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Lawrence was nominated for best solo artist in the Hartford Advocate two years in a row. Critics praised her “sweet, sensitive voice” and the “emotional content of her (folk-style) music.”
“Lisa’s strength is her ability to create intensely pretty moments in her songs,” said fellow musician Shane Jinson.
Lawrence, who lived in Haverhill from 1982 to 1995 and now resides in Worcester with her husband, Ted, explained that even now, it isn’t unusual for her to be the only guitar-strumming, female performer on stage. But the Westfield State graduate with a degree in musical theory doesn’t mind the distinction: She uses it to inspire her second-grade female students in Framingham, where she is a teaching assistant.
“The kids know what I do and they all want to know how its done ... it seems like a really big deal to them,” Lawrence said with a modest laugh. “I bring my guitar into class and play, and it inspires the girls to play the guitar too. They say, ‘Hey, I can do that too,’ and see it’s not just a guy’s thing.”
Lawrence’s love of music was born in the First Baptist Church children’s choir, then blossomed into singing and dancing performances at Haverhill High School.
Lawrence drew inspiration from her family and from her beloved Haverhill High School chorus director, Carol Ann Rogers. Lawrence credits the award-winning educator, who she still refers to as “Mrs. Rogers,” for helping her become a professional while she was still in high school.
“Both (Felker) and I had really positive experiences at Haverhill High. The chorus was an excellent program,” Lawrence said. “At Christmastime, (Rogers) had us out ‘gigging’ around the city’s restaurants. I have a strong musical background because of her.”
Rogers, who retired in 1998 after 40 years in the Haverhill Public School system, has had thousands of students but remembers Lawrence and Felker fondly.
“(Lawrence) was a lovely, very talented girl who I enjoyed having in class,” said Rogers, who had Lawrence in concert and swing choir classes. “(Felker) is another wonderful kid. I had these kids for so long and knew them so well. It was almost like they were part of my family.”
Lawrence’s father, First Baptist Church Minister Rev. Dr. Howard Lawrence, remembers seeing his daughter’s talents when she was a youngster.
“I can remember her as early as kindergarten taking ballet lessons,” said her father. “My wife and I have driven to her Saturday night performances in Connecticut and been back in time for church on Sunday. Under Carol Rogers it was such an absolutely incredible music program for Lisa; she was incredibly blessed.”
Lawrence does feel blessed and is thankful that what she does comes more easily than ever before.
“Writing songs comes really, really naturally,” she said. “I just seem to steal the words right out of people’s mouths. I’m a good observer of people and daily life; not all of my stuff is autobiographical. The more diverse you are as a musician, the more you can express to the audience.”
Lawrence plans more CDs, and to perform “tons more shows” in what many believe will be a bright and exciting future.
“I don’t see myself slowing down or taking much of a break ... I’ll be doing the same thing 10 years from now.”
Lisa Lawrence, 32, of Worcester lived in Haverhill for more than a decade. Since leaving Haverhill, Lawrence has gone on to make two CDs including her most recent release “Yours to Break” from Sling Slang Records. A teacher’s aide by day, Lawrence will be promoting the CD throughout the summer with shows from Pennsylvania to Maine. Kelly’s Restaurant in Bradford is one of her first stops.Handout/Haverhill Gazette(Click for larger image)
