Lisa Hannigan
Country of origin:
Ireland
Type of music generally:
Folky alternative pop
Status:
Most recent release, Live in Dublin (as Lisa Hannigan and Stargaze, 2019)
See also:
Lisa Hannigan's site
Comparisons:
Vocally, similar to Imogen Heap; musically, a bit like Laura Marling and, sometimes, like a less introverted Stina Nordenstam
Covers/own material:
Own material
General comments:
Lisa Hannigan used to accompany Damien Rice, and has released a solo album which more than stands up on its own. (lotterose @ gmail.com)Recommended first album:
Sea Sew
Recordings:
Sea Sew
Release info:
2008
Availability:
See Lisa Hannigan's site
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Lisa Hannigan—vocals, guitar, harmonium
Guest artists:
Tom Osander—drums, xylophone, shakeroo, guitar (9)
Shane Fitzsimons—upright bass
Donagh Molloy—trumpet, melodica, glockenspiel
Lucy Wilkins—violin
Vyvienne Long—cello
Gavin Glass—piano, squeaky harmonium
Justin Carroll—hammond organ
Cathy Davey—backing vocals
Rhob Cunningham—backing vocals
Comments:
Apparently Lisa Hannigan's still pretty strongly tied to Damien Rice in some minds, but people (like me) who haven't heard a note of anything Rice has done will still enjoy this. The music ranges from tranquil folk tracks such as "Venn Diagram" and "Splishy Splashy" to more upbeat songs such as "Keep It All," with its prominent backbeat. And then there are songs that simply lodge themselves in your mind, like the lilting, sinuous "Pistachio." The numerous violin and cello parts keep this from becoming monotonous—check out the particularly gorgeous passage at the climax of "Teeth".
At its best, this album reminds me of some of the more orchestral songs on Stina Nordenstam's The World Is Saved. Stina's cloistered where Lisa is elusive (a subtle distinction, I know) but the albums share the same chamber-y, dreamlike feel.
Beautiful album art, too. (lotterose @ gmail.com )This album needs more shout outs. (timjy@sbcglobal.net)
Passenger
Release info:
2011
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Comments:
I feel that this album should have grabbed me more than it actually has. It's very pleasant, her voice is distinctive, but I'm still not blown away. (christina_skov@hotmail.com)
Thanks to Sarah Morayati and JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
