Kid and Lisa “Little Baby” Andersen

Spirits and Soul

Little Village Foundation

This two-CD set includes “Spirits” Kid Andersen’s first solo studio recording while his wife provides harmony to his vocal leads. On the second CD they trade places and Lisa “Little Baby” Anderson becomes the leader. Kid first came to national attention as the lead guitarist for Charlie Musselwhite, before joining Rick Estrin and The Nightcats.

Lisa appeared nationally as a singer on both “American Idol” and “Showtime at the Apollo”. As a result she signed a two-record deal with Succession Records and recorded the albums “Sing Me Home” and “Reality”.

Lisa got married to Kid and together they built “Greaseland”, a studio that has become a musical wonderland. As the Queen of Greaseland (California) she has performed on over fifty album releases including Blues Music Award winners and Grammy award winners. She is featured on albums by Willie Walker, Frank Bey, Tommy Castro, Junior Watson and many others.

This two-CD includes many supporting musicians; it would be impossible to mention them all but I will do my best to highlight significant lineup changes. Kid’s “Spirits” CD opens with a haunting melody as Kid sings “once we we’re legends on far away shores…that chapter is over and the page is turned”. The Son’s of The Soul Revivers, James, Dwayne and Walter Morgan provide the background harmony, while Stevie Gurr is featured on harmonica.

“Scratch” is a funky tune “there is a man who lives in my house and his name is scratch…there is a man who lives in my head and his name is scratch”. Rome Yamilov joins Kid on guitar while Jerry Jemmott plays bass. “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” is a cover of the Blind Willie Johnson classic with Lisa singing harmony. “Hey, Mr. Reaper” has got a boucey beat as Kid’s clear voice annunciates “don’t make your rounds so slow…let’s get this show on the road” as Charlie Musselwhite plays harmonica. “Give Me The Road” is co-written by Kid and Rune Endal.

The title track “Spirits” was written by Kid and Lisa’s dad William Leuschner. There are many voices dubbed onto this track including those of Willie Walker, Paul Oscher, Finis Tasby, Frank Bey, Henry Gray, Little Charlie Baty, Mike Finnigan, James Harman, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Michael Ledbetter and others.

“I Ain’t Right”, “I know I’m doing something wrong” with Eric Spaulding on saxophone. “Day Tripper” is the Lennon and McCartney classic with background vocalists the Son’s of the Soul Revivers and “Sax” Gordon Beadle. “Ships Of Fools” was written by Kid and Guy Hale (Mike Zito’s partner in Gulf Coast Records; Kid plays some scorching guitar while Jemmott again plays bass.

On the companion CD Kid’s significant other steps forward to be the leader while Kid provides the backing vocals. Lisa’s voice is one of delicate beauty so she sings with great emotion. On “In My Mind’s Eye”, written by Mike Schermer, Lisa sings “I just want to go back in my mind’s eye”; while Kenny Franklin plays bass. “I Miss You” is a sentimental samba written by William and Lisa “Little Baby” Andersen, again Jemmott is featured on bass. “I Won’t Let That Happen To Me” was written by the late Donnie Woodruff. “If You Could Only See” is from Kid and Bill Troiani; again the harmonica is palyed by Stevie Gurr.

“Rock Bottom” is from Jo Baker and Elvin Bishop. This is a powerhouse of a song with Mike Rinta trombone and horn arrangments and Dr. Aaron Lington, saxophone; “I’m busted and disgusted, all bent out of shape”. “Why Not Me” was written by John Nemeth and another sentimental vocal with Jim Pugh on keyboards. “Slipped Through My Fingers” was written by Kid and Guy Hale; special guest Latimore is added on piano and he shares a vocal duet with Lisa.

Lisa sings two Stevie Wonder songs “You Met Your Match” and “Free”. “Flying” was written by Bobby Vega and Lisa, as Vega sits in on bass. “You Took Me All The Way” is another wonderfully sentimental song that Lisa wraps her chops around; it was written by her father William Leuschner for her mom Edith on Valentine’s Day in 1985. “This Time” is another beautiful vocal written by William, Lisa and Kid. The closer is “Family”, a vocal duet with Kid, “I’m sure that’s the way it should be “whenever you feel all alone remember you inspired me…you and me, family”.

Lisa Leuschner a.k.a. “Little Baby” Andersen is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime singer that can make you feel a song so strongly that it will rock your emotional core. The raw talent she possesses can only come from a higher source.

Richard Ludmerer

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter