Lisa Marie Bring's Her Storm To SF

Image: Alex Washburn, San Fransisco Chronicle

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the musical storm that singer/songwriter Lisa Marie Presley brought to the intimate club setting of Slim's in San Francisco while on her promotional mini-tour for her new album "Storm & Grace". My first observation was the mixed crowd that Lisa draws. It was an eclectic mix of people there to hear good music, some to gawk, some LMP fans decked out in “pirate" gear and other randoms who are always drawn by the Presley name with their preconceived notions and personal expectations.

I have been enjoying Lisa's music since her debut album but I have to say the most attractive quality about this album is its authenticity.  I feel like Lisa's music has undergone a recent evolution where she has been able to shed the shroud of production and step forward in a vulnerable and authentic way. She has found her voice, one she should truly be proud of.  That came through to me last night from my approximate 6th row position in the crowd, cocktail in hand after my near 4 hour  pilgrimage from California's Central Coast to hear her perform. The nerves are visibly still there but subsequently begin to melt away one she feels the energy of the room/ She has this instinctual way to decipher the genuine from the junk. 

The set was sadly a short one but she assured the crowd that she and her talented band would be back in the fall with a full tour, including selections from albums past and of course the new material which is a musical fusion tribute to her past and her present.

Image: Alex Washburn, San Fransisco Chronicle

I was moved by the shows intro of what seemed like a southern, rustic, blues chanting which translated into a sensory foreshadowing that set the tone for the show.

Many faces in the crowd were singing along to the new songs, including one of my FAV's from the album - "Un Break".  I loved when she took her turn on the double floor toms and following my sheer delight at this unexpected treat, some guy behind me screeched in my ear "I didn't see that coming". I laughed  quietly to myself and thought "you ain't seen nothing yet" .The toms and tambourine added another layer to her performance for sure.

The styling of the band is very cohesive yet each player brings something unique to the table. Lisa was in head to toe black, with a tailored blazer and statement necklace. Her husband, the always fashionable Michael Lockwood presented as a stylish mix of English gent meets military steam punk. The rest of the band each had their own look, with cohesive elements like top hats, feathers and suits. From my PROFashional opinion I LOVED it. Never before has her band had a "look" or "vibe" about them in this way.

I look forward to the long version of what I saw last night. Her grace post show was personally appreciated as she took the time to meet with fans, sign autographs and take photos. I enjoyed my warm reception and look forward to seeing her again on the road in the fall. I'll bring the champagne ;)

Lisa musically seem's on her natural path. A path that can not be compared to anyone else. I am excited to see where this one will lead her.

Lisa G & LMP