1/21 Lissie @ Central Presbyterian Church

Given the set up and venue, professional coverage of an event like Lissie opening for City & Colour at the Central Presbyterian Church can be a bit difficult.  Not that the venue isn’t great (it is pretty sweet), it’s just that giving such an event proper coverage can be tricky.  No professional photography, limited set times, etc. can all be problems.  Regardless, the highlight of the evening for me was easily the voice of folk singer Lissie resonating throughout a crowded church house with incredible acoustics.  Follow the jump to read more.

The best moments of her opening set were always during the quieter moments of songs when that voice cut like a knife.  Seriously, I’m not sure anyone has ever said “Yeah” over and over and made it sound so amazingly powerful.  Her backing band, featuring a lead guitar player and bass player/drum time keeper, could rock out at times, but the loud jammin’ occassionaly overwhlemed the leading lady’s voice.  The best songs of the night, while softer, put Lissie at the forefront.  Hands down my favorite tune of the evening had to be “Everywhere I Go” (streaming/downloadable below).  You could hear the emotion and true fire coming across with each note of that song belted out into the church.  With such a beautiful venue and oustanding acoustics, I found myself asking “Will I ever be able to see this lady play anywhere else now?  Will this spoil me?”.  For now it’s done nothing but provoke more interest into Lissie’s career.  What an amazing voice.  Sadly, we couldn’t stick around for the set by headliner City & Colour, but I heard it was aight.  Fancy photo is provided by the great Jonathon Edwards.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Lissie-Everywhere-I-Go.mp3]

Download: Lissie – Everywhere I Go [MP3]