Kid Andersen & Lisa Andersen – Spirits & Soul (Double LP)
This double LP was conceived by Norway-born session/multi-instrumentalist & producer Christoffer “Kid” Andersen & Lisa Andersen. Kid has played on & produced many successful Americana albums through the years. The 22 ambitious tracks here are divided between Kid’s 9 & Lisa’s 13 on Spirits & Soul (Drops Aug 2/Little Village).
Kicking off Kid’s LP is the somewhat novelty-oriented “Scratch,” performed in an indelible 60s fashion that would’ve gotten airplay back in that era because they had more of a sense of humor than today. Along with guest Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica), the 2nd cut is an upbeat J.J. Cale-Leon Russell-type finger-snapping humorous showcase called “Hey, Mr. Reaper.”
It has its cool elements & the playing is superb. Andersen can be forgiven for his musical strata stretching since his versatility is well respected. There are lots of extraordinary instrumental sounds in the arrangement. The vocal silliness recalls Cale’s single output on Liberty Records in the 60s with tunes like “It’s a Go-Go Place,” & “Dick Tracy.”
While the humor goes under the surface for “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” this bluesy & tangy tune with Lisa’s vocals adds to the haunting performance accentuated with nice brief leads & horn blasts. It almost sounds Don Nix-inspired. With “Spirits” Kid (vocals/guitar/bass/keys/sitar) with Lisa’s expressive vocals in the ether follows in the tradition of the masterful 70s band Deaf School (“All Queued Up,” “Hi-Jo-Hi,” “What a Way To End It All”) with Bette Bright.
The most compelling tune by Kid is “The Civilized Life.” Excellent, musically & atmospherically well expressed. “Ship of Fools,” is more progressive with touches of Planet P Project’s “Pink World” excursions as created by Tony Carey (1984). As for a summation – the music is all exploratory, a little retro but everything is entertaining.
As for Lisa, her sides are more commercially inspired though a mixed bag of styles — some easy listening/adult contemporary, poignant balladry & some bluesy percolating rock. She has pristine vocals adaptable to any song. But…when she wants to burn up the barn she uses gasoline. Quite an entertaining voice. Far different from Kid’s repertoire which is good but he’s more daring & experimental. Lisa’s “In My Mind’s Eye,” sounds as powerful as Phoebe Snow or Minnie Ripperton — impressive considering their range.
With “I Miss You,” the melody & arrangement is Euro-style. Something the late French chanteuse Francoise Hardy would’ve considered.
“If You Could Only See,” is a marvelous one. Wonderfully upbeat & expressive. Delightful – there’s no other word. Followed by the incendiary “Rock Bottom” that rocks out like nobody’s business. There must be blisters on somebody’s fingers. Excellent.
I hate to use the cliché, but this effort would’ve been stronger as 2 separate releases. From a marketing view, the music between these artists is that different. People who appreciate Kid may ignore Lisa. Those who enjoy Lisa’s showcase may dismiss Kid. I believe the set is a worthy listen for a patient ear. Both artists are talented & creative. But the cake has too much icing. All great authors have an editor with a red pencil.
Kid Andersen Highlights – “Scratch,” “Hey, Mr. Reaper,” “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” “Spirits,” “The Civilized Life” & “Give Me the Road.”
Lisa’s Highlights – “In My Mind’s Eye,” “I Miss You,” “If You Could Only See,” “Rock Bottom” & “Free.”
Musicians – Kid’s LP: Rome Yamilov (guitar), Endre Tarczy, Steve Evans & Jerry Jemmott (bass), Nick Otis, Derrick Martin, June Core & Dave LeMieux (drums), Tim Walker (bgv), Stevie Gurr & Nic Clark (harmonicas), Jon Otis & Vicki Randle (percussion/bgv), Chris Burns, Jim Pugh, Will Leuschner, Lucky Peterson, Lorenzo Hawkins & Chris Burns & Lorenzo Farrell (keys), Mike Rinta (trombone), Dr. Aaron Lington, Frankie Ramos, Jack Sanford. Gordon Beadle & Eric Spaulding (saxes), Jeff Lewis & John Halbleib (trumpets) & the Sons of the Soul Revivers (vocals).
With: Kenny Ken Franklin & Steve Ehrmann (bass), Bobby Vega (bass/vocals), Clark Seal & Jesus Martinez (percussion), Paul Revelli (drums), Baxter Roberston (keys), Scott Jensen (trumpet), Jeff Teczon (sax), Frank Bailey (trumpet), Latimore (vocals/keys) & Rusty Zinn (bgv).
CD @ Discogs & https://www.blues21.com/kid-andersen-lisa-andersen
