New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee Lisa Scherma has a voice that can melt glaciers and ignite infernos. Known for her powerful, emotion-filled vocals and eclectic style, she's been compared to the likes of Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt. Scherma, a self-proclaimed "musical storyteller," has just released her sixth studio album, ‘Jump and Shout’, and it's a vibrant tapestry of pop, blues, and soul.
From the moment the album opens with the poetic cry, "I am not in love, but I can get there," you're swept away by a sweet combination of Scherma's vocal prowess and the solitary instrumentals. The music builds with soulful intensity, perfectly complementing the raw emotion in her voice. It's an upbeat and moving start to an album that showcases the breadth of Scherma's talent.
‘Jump and Shout’ is a collaborative effort, featuring the talents of Michael Morreale, Alex Mahoney, Tom LaRocca, Guy Michetti, Robert Kipp, and Joan Moore. Together, they create a unique blend of pop sensibilities and bluesy grit. While Scherma is known for her genre-bending approach to music, this album leans more towards pop than her previous work. But fear not, fans of her blues roots will still find plenty to love here.
The album is filled with standout tracks. ‘I'd Climb a Mountain’ offers a taste of rustic Americana, blending heartfelt lyrics with upbeat melodies. ‘Lesson Learned’ and the title track, ‘Jump and Shout’, are anthemic celebrations, complete with big band energy. Then there's the beautifully understated ‘The One Who Loves You’, a piano-driven ballad that showcases Scherma's softer side.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Scherma was immersed in music from a young age. Her parents were both musically talented, and she learned to play folk guitar as a child. Singing in church and at home with family and friends, she penned her first song at the tender age of ten. Though blues has been a major influence on her songwriting, Scherma draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, including country, folk, rock, and jazz.
Scherma resists being pigeonholed into any specific genre, preferring to call herself "genre-non-specific." This allows her to follow her creative impulses wherever they lead. As she puts it, "Just because I haven't written a reggae song yet, doesn't mean I won't!"
Currently living in Staten Island with her husband and daughter, Scherma was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame in 2013. She continues to perform regularly in the tri-state area with her band, featuring lead guitarist Guy Michetti, bassist Gardy Louis, and drummer Mike Kane. With ‘Jump and Shout’, Lisa Scherma delivers an album that is both diverse and charming, filled with authentic sounds and heartfelt moments.
Connect with Lisa Scherma,
