An Exclusive Interview with Lisa Mann
Lisa has been awarded a 2015 Blues Music Award for her mighty skills on the bass guitar. This win falls hot on the heels of her win for Blues Blast’s Sean Costello Rising Star Award, as well as three Muddy Waters Awards from the Cascade Blues Association for Contemporary Blues Act of the Year, Bass Player of the Year, and NW Recording of the Year for her latest release, “Move On.” “Move On” was also honored by Blues411’s annual Jimi Awards for Best Rock/Blues Release, and has been featured on the Living Blues charts.
Originally from West Virginia, Mann’s vocals effortlessly straddle the line between the honey sweet warmth of the south, and the force-of-nature sound Mann has cultivated by mastering everything from hard rock to rhythm and blues. Her clever blues balladry is complimented by her considerable prowess on bass guitar. Her bass grooves touch on the hallowed soil of soul greats James Jamerson and Bob Babbitt.
Her influences run the gamut, from low down blues sisters Etta James and Koko Taylor, to singer-songwriters like Bonnie Raitt and R&B belters like Little Milton. She writes the majority of her recorded material, and her songs paint pictures of a gritty (and sometimes humorous) personal experience in life, love and the not-always-pretty music business.
Lisa has shared the stage with many Northwest greats, such as the late Paul Delay, Lloyd Jones, Kevin Selfe, Duffy Bishop, Karen Lovely, Ellen Whyte, the Insomniacs, and Sonny “Smokin’” Hess. She has often lent her bass grooves and musical direction to Sonny Hess’ NW Women’s Rhythm and Blues Revue, a very popular showcase at festivals such as the Waterfront Blues Fest, and at Musicians for the Cure’s annual cancer charity Christmas show.
Lisa’s vocals appear on Canadian blues master Bill Johnson’s Juno Award nominated CD, Still Blue. (www.billjohnsonblues.com). She is also the voice of internationally acclaimed symphonic rock project Cry for Eden. (www.cryforeden.com)
Career Highlights
2016 Blues Music Award – Instrumentalist, Bass
2015 Blues Music Award – Instrumentalist, Bass
2015 Blues Blast Award – Sean Costello Rising Star
Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame
Move On – Jimi Award for Best Rock/Blues Release by Blues411
