Lisa Maxx Official Website, Biography - a Canadian singer, songwriter and performer from Salt Spring Island, B.C., on the west coast of Canada.

Lisa Maxx Still Hold True

The title track Still Hold True speaks of being true to ones self, no matter what. Which is exactly what Lisa Maxx has done in creating this delicious album of her original compositions; through life’s joys and through adversities, determinedly navigating her way through all the curve balls life has thrown her, Still Hold True is a much celebrated debut album for one woman, for her family, and, in fact, for her whole community; a long time in the making; a long cherished dream come true.

An acoustic roots album which covers the roots, folk, country and alternative genres, this mix shines with the resonant, raw and deeply moving elements of Lisa’s powerful vocals, backed by the impressive accompaniment of Christian Stonehouse, Edward TW Perkins and Jaime RT, with tasteful, rich back up vocals by Lisa’s daughter Jekka Mack and Christian Stonehouse.

The opening track, I Ya, is buoyant and uplifting and contrasts well beside Shadow Dance, which takes the listener immediately to a place of deeply evocative contemplation. Terra Nova (penned by Lisa's father) is a poetic and moving lament, while Listen with Your Heart is a reassuring peppy country-flavoured love song. The strong grooves of Old House with the haunting back-up vocals of Jekka Mack, are immediate in nature, while the lilting Canadiana story in Song for Mikley is zesty and fun and moves through an historic time capsule. Raven-Haired Boy is full of yearning, amplified by the edgy harmonies of Christian Stonehouse. Ode to Ogis Rose is upbeat, cheerful and full of dreams come true, while the poignant and lingering vocals of Joshua will surely tug at heartstrings and tear ducts. Still Hold True lifts us again with its bright musical elements which seem adroitly juxtaposed at times to the song's lyric. And then, we are taken somewhere completely different with Farðu Draumaveginn, the closing track. Sung a cappella, laid atop a mournful drone, it is a ballad worthy of becoming a national treasure in Icelandic communities around the world.

The performances are fresh and passionate with a fine and well executed mixture of almost tangible darkness moving into all that is life affirming and bright.

About the Artist

Lisa was born in the small coastal town of Steveston, which is now part of the city of Richmond, on the Lisa Maxx Image - the old house in Steveston southern west coast of British Columbia, Canada.

From her early years of growing up in a musical family Lisa has fond memories of family gatherings where all ages would encircle the piano, some would pull out accordions and violins and other instruments, and everyone would sing. Lisa also remembers listening to music on the stereo as a young child and pretending that the ‘performer’ had arrived at her door and had invited her to sing on stage with her. She always said Yes!

Lisa wrote her first song at nine years of age. She took piano lessons as a child, and when she moved away from her piano at age twelve, taught herself to play guitar. A deeper passion for music developed throughout the 1970's. Growing up now in the tranquil south end of Salt Spring Island, Lisa went to every dance at the local community halls and, while she danced every dance, she would watch with eagle eyes the nuances of the performers, gaining much insight into the art and craft of performance. By age 19 Lisa Maxx image - Mt. Maxwell, Salt Spring Island Lisa was performing with local island bands doing back-up vocals. Her love for music quickly flourished and she began to perform professionally.

As a member of Salt Spring’s highly creative and music-filled community for over three decades, Lisa has developed her own unique musical style, offering musical inspiration to many at events like Salt Spring's Sea Capers, Fulford Day and Fall Fair, as well as International Women's Day and International Day of Peace celebrations. At the renowned Salt Spring Festival of the Arts Lisa had the opportunity and pleasure to open for such internationally known performers as Rory McLeod and Buffy Sainte-Marie. At the equally renowned Salt Spring Folk Club Lisa opened for Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

In 1994 Lisa's musical career took a dramatic turn when she was debilitated by the sudden and severe onset of rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. For a number of years Lisa used a wheelchair, then graduated to a walker and then canes for aiding her mobility. But even when she had to be carried on stage, Lisa never let health challenges get in the way of doing what she loves to do best - share the music that feeds her soul.

Lisa is now primarily independently mobile but, due to changes in her joints, has lost the ability to play guitar. "This has been harder for me than when I lost the ability to walk," she admits. "When I needed to sort out my thoughts, my feelings, my life, I went to my guitar. Music has been my solace, my outlet, and my best friend. My life now is shadowed by my disability. Creating music and art is definitely a bright light that, thankfully, continues to shine forth and lead me on in faith and in joy."

Lisa Maxx Image - performing at Beaver Point Hall, Salt Spring Island

Lisa has offered inspiration to others who are faced with life challenges, performing for National Aids Awareness events and at kickstART; a celebration of disability arts and culture in Vancouver, B.C.

As a member of the Salt Spring community choir Tuned Air, Lisa has showcased her original materials singing with the accompaniment of Jaime RT and Andy Hillhouse. Lisa has also had the fabulous pleasure and honour of singing one of her original compositions as a duet with such greats as internationally-renowned Leon Bibb, and Canadian music icon and former president of SOCAN, Bill Henderson, of the band Chilliwack fame, while backed by these top performer's amazing bands and by the 50 voice Tuned Air choir, under the direction of Canadian composer and director, Bruce Ruddell.

Click here for the latest information on where you can hear Lisa's powerful music.

Lisa Maxx Still Hold True

About the Artist

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