Lizanne Knott: Lizanne Knott (Limited Edition) March 2004 By: Lauren Jonik

Like the touch of a sunbeam chasing the shadows away on a winter's day or the welcome sight of the first flowers of Spring, the music of Lizanne Knott is at once gentle and life-affirming. With vocals infused with infinite warmth, the ten offerings on her self-titled limited edition CD are the kind of songs that bring an unexpected smile--- one that softly surprises even your own reflection, leaving your day a little more inspired.

Beginning with soothing piano and the lyrics I have words I could say / I know that they only would get in the way / The rhymes in my head / The stroke of my pen / Would ruin these pages again and again. . . I only need you, the prelude The Last Line beautifully sets the tone for the CD by reminding that at the end of the day--- or perhaps more significantly, at the beginning, the best we can aspire to is to love and be loved. In Carry You Home, a duet with Phil Roy, Lizanne Knott sings with tenderness and grace, offering a message of hope. There's always a remedy for things that you cannot have / Bringing you to your knees / When you could just dance / So, dance with the sun on your face / Dream with moon in your nights / Know that all things in their place are giving you light. The song The Mermaid, which includes background vocals by Antje Duvekot, easily conjures the sea-faring images of the mythical--- and metaphorical--- creature diving beneath the waves and seeking safe harbors.

The blues-twinged Jimmy's Jive is a slight sonic departure and is a fun, upbeat song, while the jazz-infused Holiday is as smooth and lilting as a summer breeze. It's Only Me, which was used in the score of the independent film, TMT, is brimming with the sense of wonder that only comes from embracing self-acceptance and choosing to wander through the world that way. It’s amazing grace, that lights upon your face / It’s your touch, it’s your skin, it’s the origin of sin / It’s your soul in this world, it’s the singing of a girl / It’s only me. . . The last song, Melanie's Lullaby, is effortlessly open-hearted. The lyrics muse upon the marvel of motherhood. Melanie, the stars are shining / Melanie, their face is smiling / When you're around, my feet don't touch the ground. In many of our best moments, everything familiar suddenly feels new and everything new, instantly familiar.

http://www.lizanneknott.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/knott
http://www.antjeduvekot.com

Proceeds from the sale of Lizanne Knott's CD benefit The National Coalition For The Homeless http://www.nationalhomeless.org