"The thirteen songs included on Starting from Zero are a blend of pop, folk, rock roots and a touch of jazz. There is also present, one other item that is not so readily apparent. Lisa has an impeccable sense of timing and song structure." Jack "Papa" Baer http://www.bigbaer.com/lisa.gianikos.htm
"Starting from Zero" marks Lisa Gianikos's debut CD, but Lisa is no stranger to music.
Lisa always loved music for as long as she can remember. She grew up in the Coney Island/Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn, NY. As a little girl, she spent many hours in her apartment, in front of her mirror using a hair brush as a microphone, wearing out the grooves in her records. She studied the piano from the age of 7 and by high school, she discovered she had a talent & love for singing & songwriting.
She graduated from New York University with a degree in music and eventually went on to be a partner in owning and running a rehearsal/recording studio in Manhattan. She worked with many great musicians, including Lenny Kravitz, Paul Schaffer & the David Letterman Late Night Band, Ronnie Spector, Meatloaf, David Sanborn, as well as countless, gifted, working and struggling musicians.
For many years she was a backup singer and keyboard player in various bands, playing around the New York City area. Seeking "the elusive record deal" became a frustrating endeavor. She eventually started recording and performing her own original music.
Her music career was put on hold when she got married and had two kids. She moved twice before settling down near Charlotte, North Carolina. She currently works as a piano teacher and massage therapist.
She co-produced "Starting From Zero" with Dave Zeltner (www.DaveZeltner.com). Dave is a fixture in the Charlotte music scene, an extremely talented musician, producer, engineer and arranger. With Lisa singing all the vocal parts and a portion of the keyboard parts, Dave played all of the other instruments on the album.
Mark Kaufman (drummer for Hall and Oates, Billy Idol, & Scandal with Patti Smyth) also appears on the CD playing drums on "Childhood Memories".
Lisa is very excited about the release of her CD and is busy writing material for the next one. Her songs are an eclectic mix of her Rock & Roll roots, infused with Pop and Folk and a touch of jazz; resulting in an emotionally charged cross between Cher, Karen Carpenter & K.D.Lang with bittersweet lyrics and memorable melodies.
She writes about things that anyone can relate to: love, failed relationships, heartache, suicide, parallel universes, and the meaning of life. You know, basic superficial topics. :) Her music has the ability to touch people's hearts and minds.
Together with childhood friend, lyricist Ariana Rinaldi, a collaboration... rivaling Elton John and Bernie Taupin...is born! The songs are emotionally powerful with clever, thought provoking lyrics and haunting melodies. Lisa wrote about half of the songs on her own but is thrilled to also have a great lyricist to write with.
Also on the album is Lisa's rendition of "I Can See Love", a personal favorite and brilliant song written by Aussie song writing team Greg Reeves & Lisa Richards formally of the band "the Cavers"
http://www.bigbaer.com/lisa_richards.htm
"Starting From Zero" will take you through a myriad of emotions and musical styles. From the rockin' title track "The Beginning" to the heartfelt ballads "A Love Like This" & Half Alive".
Here's what some people had to say:
"Wonderfully strong voice...harmonies are strong. I loved the dynamic range..."
Will Ackerman(former President & Founder of Windham Hill Records)
"ENORMOUS TALENT" & OUR WISHES TO YOU FOR GREAT SUCCESS"
Nick Gianikos
"AWESOME!!!!!!...it's a CD that should climb up the
charts."
Sandy Stinneford
"Your voice reminds me of Karen Carpenter."
Dave Zeltner
"I loved it so much!! I think you did an awesome job! The songs were great, I think that my two favorites were "Ace of Cups" and "Childhood Memories", but they were all really good. I went along reading the words, which fit the songs well. I really only have good things to say about it."
Debbie Leeds
"If this album got some airplay it could spawn a number of top ten hits."
Phil Gianikos (a totally unbiased opinion)
Check out the artist's website:
http://lisagianikos.comTrack List:
1. Ace of Cups
2. All You Wanted
3. Childhood Memories
4. Thought You Knew
5. I Can See Love
6. Recognition
7. Smash the Mirror
8. Fade to Black
9. A Love Like This
10. Child of the Air
11. Half Alive
12. Can't Let Go
13. The Beginning
Suggested CDs:
Other Genres:
