LISA LAYNE COUNTRY, 5 June 2008
Veteran singer/songwriter, Lisa Layne has her show at the God & Country Theatre where she performs at 2:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. What makes this show a favorite is the sound and quality of Lisa’s voice, the song selection, the talented musicians, and the relaxed and humorous interaction among the cast and audience. Of course some of the most comfortable theater seats in town also contribute to an overall pleasant experience.
Lisa performed as Patsy Cline for over 12 years. She toured the U.S. and Canada starring in the Patsy Cline tribute show, “A Closer Walk with Patsy.” From 1998 through 2000 she performed the Patsy show at the Texas Troubadour Theater in Nashville. She is one of only three performers sanctioned by the Patsy Cline Estate. The Lisa Layne Country Show is more about Lisa’s music but she satisfies the audience demand by including a Patsy Cline segment. It is amazing to see Lisa change her image, speech, and demeanor to that of Patsy Cline. The Patsy segment lets the audience experience what it was like to see Patsy live in concert. Lisa becomes Patsy Cline, reincarnated for this segment.
Then the show gets back to Lisa Layne, her One Layne Road Band, and her music. The songs are original, classic country, or new country that has the traditional country sound. Lisa’s music lets you hear a soft smooth voice with attitude. This Texas redhead, with natural comedic instincts, gives you everything from soft tender ballads, to hard driving blues, to classic country, and then Bob Wills-style Texas swing.
The show is in its second season and Lisa brought in Susan Burr to sing backup and lead vocals. Susan is a Branson veteran who harmonizes perfectly with Lisa’s voice. Talk about harmony; listen to Susan singing lead on, “Never Again, Again” with Lisa singing the backup harmony. These gals have got talent to spare. Bassist, Mark Abbot also sings lead and backup vocals during the show. He keeps the pace lively with his rendition of, “Highway 40 Blues.”
A twist in the show demonstrates the versatility of the cast when Lisa plays bass guitar while Mark Abbot plays the fiddle. Speaking of versatility; how about some conga drums in a country show! Steel guitarist, Boo Miller wears a sombrero while Lisa sings, “Mi Vida Loca (Welcome to My Crazy Life).” This is a number that is fun to watch as well as listen to.
If you have never heard Lisa sing and would like a preview, take a listen at the following link: http://www.rhapsody.com/lisalayne. Select a song from the list. One of my favorites is, “One Man’s Opinion” from her “Shade’s of Blue” CD. You can also hear the #7 all time most requested Christmas song, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Lisa sang the lead vocal when this song was made popular by Vince Vance and the Valients. Listening through computer speakers doesn’t do the music justice but you can see her in person at the Lisa Layne Country Show in the God & Country Theatre. You can also get copies of her CD’s at the theatre and she will autograph them for you. She always takes the time to talk to fans before and after the show.
Bob Cort, Editor