Happy New Year! Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and productive 2024.
“A fine voice from a fine city!” Such an exciting start to the year – I have a lovely in-depth interview/feature in the new January issue of Suffolk Norfolk Life magazine. Available in WH Smith, local shops, from their website or call 01728 622030 to buy a copy for £3.50 (plus postage).
It was really nice to speak to John Kerrison about my music career, songwriting, private teaching, music courses & well-being sessions for Adult Learning, as well as my work as a supporting artist in some Norfolk and Suffolk films and TV shows.
Do you know anyone who would like to learn to play guitar or ukulele in 2024? Or have you always wanted to learn how to sing? I am running one-to-one and small group lessons in Norwich NR2 at the beautiful Christ Church. Fun sessions tailored just for you with flexible times. A safe and welcoming space, no previous experience needed! Please contact me at parrotrecords@gmail.com
A summer of fun events so far – Wimbledon, Latitude Festival, Lowestoft 1940s Weekend and the National Portrait Gallery
It’s been a fun summer attending a few wonderful cultural events and festivals including Wimbledon and a 1940s weekend for the Seagull Theatre in Lowestoft where I got to dress up in vintage attire. I had a fab (see what I did there!) time seeing the new Paul McCartney exhibition “Eyes of the Storm” at the National Portrait Gallery. It was so cool viewing his intimate, never-before-seen images which offer a personal perspective on what it was like to be a Beatle at the start of ‘Beatlemania. More recently, it was great to be back at Latitude Festival after a few years – so many music highlights: Impressive new talent at the Inbetweeners Stage from Access Creative and amazing sets by Metronomy and Pulp. Last weekend I went to Primadonna Festival for the first time in the beautiful surroundings of the Food Museum, Stowmarket. So much creativity there with fascinating workshops, panels and talks on writing and music. It was lovely to meet JB Gill from JLS, now a children’s author and farmer, after a talk and signing of his children’s book and a real highlight was meeting the brilliant Miki Berenyi from Lush who was there to discuss her highly acclaimed memoir ‘Fingers Crossed’
Lisa Redford at First Light Festival
In June I had a busy “two gigs in one day tour.” It was lovely to perform at First Light Festival in Lowestoft for the first time – such a warm welcome and great atmosphere. It was also wonderful to share the night again with the fantastic The Weeping Willows as part of their UK tour. Thanks to Grapevine for Music for hosting such a special night, Jason French for joining me on sublime banjo and fiddle, Chad Mason for gorgeous sound, and Katie Harris for this live photograph below.
Lisa Redford and Jason French live at Grapevine for Music, Norwich with The Weeping Willows. Picture by Katie Harris.
Lisa Redford at FutureFest 1.30pm
For my next gig I will be supporting my friends at Future Radio, performing at the inaugural FutureFest – a vibrant celebration of community, music and fun – to raise money for local charity Future Projects. Future Radio will be taking over The Brickmakers Pub on Sunday 6th August, featuring live bands on three stages, food trucks, kids activities, and DJs from midday until 11pm. Full-access tickets are just £10 (plus booking fee) and under 13s go free! Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/futurefest-tickets… For more information, visit futureradio.co.uk/fest/ I will be playing a solo set at 1.30 as part of this amazing and eclectic lineup. All funds raised at FutureFest will go toward local charity, Future Projects.
Ukulele Taster Session with Lisa Redford at Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library for Creativity and Wellbeing Week
I May I ran a lovely ukulele taster session for #CreativityAndWellbeingWeekAdult Learning. It was so great to see some new and also familiar faces joining me for a fun strum downstairs at Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library. Thanks to Norfolk Library and Information Service for having me.
Join me in September for some more fun group music courses. I will be teaching ukulele for beginners and improvers again as well as guitar for beginners and there will also be more singing for well-being sessions. For further information and to enrol, please visit the Adult Learning website: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/education-and-learning/adult-learning
Ukulele courses for Adult Learning, Wensum Lodge, Norwich
Guitar for Beginners Course with Lisa Redford at Wensum Lodge, Norwich
Ukulele Taster Session with Lisa Redford
Catching Killers and Mother Undercover
Always exciting seeing filming projects I’ve worked on finally make it to the TV. Back on Netflix recently was Catching Killers – try and spot me playing a TV reporter in season 3. All episodes of brand new series Mother Undercover are now available on HULU in the US, and on Disney+ in the UK. In this inspiring series I was excited to play a photographer.
Really nice to see my recent interview with the Eastern Daily Press newspaper is now online. The link is here
As the interview mentions, I’ve been really invested in my teaching and sharing my passion for music, with beginner guitar and ukulele courses and community singing, I’ve recently finished teaching my first Singing for Wellbeing courses and look forward to running more inspiring singing sessions and music courses next year. Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas and happy and fulfilling 2023!
Lisa Redford EDP Newspaper – The Big Interview. Photo: Denise Bradley
Abbie and I are cover stars! Huge thanks to Mark Nicholls and the EDP for featuring me in this weekend’s EDP newspaper. It was lovely to sit down with Mark and talk about my music career, support from Whispering Bob Harris, songwriting, teaching music courses at Adult Learning , as well as my recent ventures into acting and filming .
The feature also mentions Future Radio, Access Creative and performing at this year’s Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell and Deepdale Festival.
Lisa Redford. Photograph by Denise Bradley, Archant
Lisa Redford and Bob Harris
New Music Courses
“I think you’re a very engaging teacher, knowledgeable and personable. I would highly recommend.”
I have just finished teaching my beginner ukulele and guitar courses in Norwich this term and it was really rewarding to teach such enthusiastic learners who progressed so well.
I’m very excited to be running the fun and friendly 10 week sessions again at Wensum Lodge, Norwich for Adult Learning, Norfolk County Council from January 9th 2023. As well as beginner courses, for the first time I’m also teaching a Ukulele for Improvers course.
I’d really love to see some new students – more information on Guitar for Beginners here
It has been so rewarding and fun leading Singing for Wellbeing courses in Norwich for Adult Learning. Join me in a new wellbeing-focused online group for mental health service user charity Viewpoint, where we’ll be singing a selection of classic, well-known songs to uplift, connect, make you smile and improve your overall wellbeing. The first free session kicks off on Monday 5th December at 7pm!
As before, there’s no previous experience required. Just bring along an open mind and a joy for music! All are welcome – book your place now!
Viewpoint Community Singing Group
Toys that Built America – Season Two
Lisa Redford in The Toys that Built America on the History Channel
Now showing on the HISTORY channel in the US, the second series of #ToysThatBuiltAmerica The stories behind the innovations, inventions, and revolutions of some of history’s greatest toys. I appear in two episodes – the first, “Masters of the Universe” about the beginnings of iconic action figures, notably #StarWars, and as a stylish #Edwardian lady.
To see my appearance – and 70s hair! – in the first episode playing Ray Wagner’s PA, got to my Facebook page
Lisa Redford running a Songs from the Shows community singing session at The Forum, Norwich
Ran a lovely community singing session last week at The Forum, Norwich Thanks so much to everyone who came along to sing some classic musicals with me. The event was in support of Norfolk County Music Library Sets Norfolk Library and Information ServiceNorwich Millennium Library – bringing the joy of music to libraries and the community.
Singing for Wellbeing Course at Wensum Lodge, Norwich run by Lisa Redford
I am really enjoying teaching my current ukulele and guitar for beginners courses and am very excited to now be launching my first Singing for Wellbeing course later this month for Adult Learning at Wensum Lodge, Norwich. Discover the joy of singing together. Further details of how to enrol on this free 8 week course here I am also running Saturday classes including ukulele strumming sessions, more community singing and songwriting – please take a look at the Adult Learning website for updates. It was also nice to chat to Stephen Bumfrey about my community singing activities on BBC Radio Norfolk. The interview is available to listen to via BBC Sounds here – from 1:50.
Playing a journalist in This England on Sky Atlantic
This England on Sky Atlantic
Currently on Sky Atlantic is “This England” – Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson in an unsettling account of the government handling of the pandemic. It was thrilling to play a journalist and film on a set of Downing Street at West Raynham and Wolterton Hall, Norfolk. I even got to say a couple of lines – look out for me near the end of episode 6!
Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival 2022. Photo by Jon Clifton
Had a great time playing this year’s Deepdale Festival. Lovely to be part of an amazing line-up and there’s always a warm welcome in beautiful North Norfolk – thanks to the hard working, passionate team there. Thanks to Jon Clifton for some great photos from the performance.
Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival 2022
Songs from the Shows Community Singing Event at The Forum Atrium
Very excited for this! After a wonderful few weeks running fun community singing sessions in the spring, which was so rewarding and uplifting, I’m looking forward to be singing some well known songs from the musicals in the Atrium The Forum, Norwich on Thursday 6th October between 6pm – 7pm – come and join us! This free special event is in support of the Norfolk Music Sets Friends as part of a fundraising Community Singing Event.
Notes on a Scandal on Investigation Discovery Channel
Lisa Redford as Mary Kay LeTourneau in Notes on a Scandal – Investigation Discovery Channel
It’s always really exciting seeing that filming projects I’ve worked on now being shown on the small screen. Recently premiered on Investigation Discovery in the US was my portrayal of Mary Kay Letourneau entitled “Mary Kay Letourneau: Notes On A Scandal” as part of #Killer90sOnID
Had a lovely first week teaching my beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge. For further details of upcoming music courses, take a look at Adult Learning’s website where they will be more creative classes and workshops added.
Lisa Redford performing at Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell, Norfolk
Huge thanks to Adam Pryke Photography for these cool shots from a lovely afternoon performing at the first Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell near Dereham in Norfolk. A beautiful setting and wonderful family atmosphere. Next festival performance is Saturday September 24th at Deepdale Festival in Burnham Deepdale, another gorgeous location. It was lovely to chat to Jason Borthwick about my creative process and appearing at the festival for the Deepdale Podcast. Listen to the interview here
Lisa Redford and Jason French performing at Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell
Huge thanks to British Country Airplay for making me Artist of the Week. This will mean lots of airplay for my songs across various country music shows.
Had a great time in August performing more summer festival and events. Thanks to Trevor Allen for some lovely photos from my set at The Waterfront Sessions. He also filmed the black and white live video below for latest single “Let Go.”
Thanks to 140 Promotions for filming “The Edge of Love.”
Such a special moment! performing to a full room and hearing the lovely audience singing along to this Cat Stevens classic. Thanks for the warm reception Weyfest Music Festival
“Lisa has an easy, beautifully textured voice and an achingly candid way with a lyric..sharp, sweet insight and heart-tugging hooks, the sounds of her different worlds collide to soothe your soul..” Beautiful review for ‘Edge of Love’ ❤️ huge thanks to respected music journalist, publicist and broadcaster Alan Cackett for featuring on his brilliant website. Full review here
“For those looking for a folk-laden country record, you need look no further.” The second lovely review for new EP ‘Edge of Love’ in 24 hours! An honour to also be compared to the amazing Nanci Griffith. Huge thanks to Building Our Own Nashville for this wonderful review
New Interviews! Lovely to chat to Samantha Melrose for her brilliant ‘The Inside Track‘podcast. Talkingcountry music, being a woman in music and independent artist, plus new EP Edge of Love❤️ thanks for listening.
I also chatted to Laura Klonowski about the writing of new single “Let Go” Huge thanks Laura and Belles and Gals Full interview here
I am really excited to announce that I will be performing at the brilliant Red Rooster Festival which is happening at Euston Hall, Suffolk from 30th May to 1st June 2019! In partnership with the fantastic AMA-UK and inspired by the EUKeychange pledge which aims for #genderbalance in music, I’m honoured to be part of a female-led acoustic stage, curated by wonderful New York singer/songwriter Sunny Ozell. Get your tickets here: bit.ly/RedRooster19h
Excited to share the brand new EP teaser video for “Edge of Love” released worldwide on 10th May. 5 self-written songs from the ❤️ it is now available to pre-order at my Bandcamp store.
There have been some amazing reviews coming in for the EP – 9.5 out of 10 at Outline Magazine:
“Compulsive listening” Forever British Country. Full review
“This latest release brings us the full maturity of her beautiful music..really wouldn’t be out of place on the BBC Radio 2 playlist. I hope they are “listening!” Full review below:
“Lyrical Lisa” 🎵 Lovely to be featured in the May issue of glossy monthly EDP Norfolk Magazine – in shops now. Full page interview about the new EP, launch gig, songwriting, Norwich’s music scene and more.
Also lovely to be interviewed in the April issue of the style bible Norwich Resident Magazine.
Excited to announce that the new EP “Edge of Love” will be released worldwide on 10th May. It has been wonderful to receive so much airplay for the single on BBC shows from Ralph McLean on BBC Ulster, Keith Greentree on BBC Radio Norfolk, Stephen Foster on BBC Suffolk and Mike Shepherd on BBC Merseyside.
“Anything But Easy” has also received airplay on Baylen Leonard’s “The Front Porch” on Chris Country , Leader’s American Pie and various shows across the world.
Advance tickets are now on sale for a special EP launch gig on 9th May at the Louis Marchesi in Norwich. Featuring musicians who have performed on the record, it is going to be a lovely night. Here is the link
“A catchy, melodic song with heartfelt vocals, reminiscent of Emmylou Harris, the beautifully shot video is a perfect accompaniment to the original song.” Country Lowdown
“Love this new record” UK Americana Bar
“a gorgeous song” Keith Greentree, BBC Radio Norfolk
“I recommend you check this out” Ralph McLean, BBC Radio Ulster
“Lisa Redford has a wonderful voice and writes songs that can melt your heart, and this comes together perfectly in this new single – a perfect slice of Americana/Country.” Belles and Gals
“She has that particular voice that gives you chills of happiness..With her guitar she knows how to express all kinds of emotions.” Rock n Reviews, France
As many of you know, I love to write about music and in this new article I have written about the inspiration behind the new single “Anything But Easy” for Songwriting Magazine. The feature also includes how the song was recorded and themes of “Edge of Love.”
Huge thanks to Audiotree CD DVD & Vinyl for the lovely design and duplication of my new EP “Edge of Love” and to Claudia Taveira for the beautiful photography.
I am really excited to share the official music video for my new single “Anything But Easy” released this Friday! From upcoming EP “Edge of Love” produced by Jose McGill. Filmed in beautiful Dunwich and Walberswick, Suffolk on a glorious February day! Huge thanks to David McKenna at Light to Love Productions for filming and directing and capturing such a magic light. ❤️ Thank you so much for watching – really appreciate any shares or comments on YouTube.
I have been so happy with the response so far and all the airplay the single has already received. Thanks to all the radio shows that have playlisted the track including many BBC shows and Simply Country, who made the song Track of the Month. It will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other digital platforms. It is also available at my Bandcamp store – https://lisaredford.bandcamp.com
SINGLE REVIEW – LISA REDFORD – ANYTHING BUT EASY “there is something so special and unique about Lisa’s vocals and song-writing abilities from the off. The chorus of Anything But Easy allows you to paint your own picture in your head based on your own past relationships. It bought me to tears quite a few times. The beautiful instrumental throughout make the song connect perfectly especially with the second verse allowing the lyrics to shine through. The final verse of Anything But Easy is very strong and the lyrics are relatable when it comes to being in a relationship and with the thought of letting go of a relationship being so difficult even though you know it’s the best thing to do. Anything But Easy is a very special and unique song that showcases Lisa’s incredible vocals wonderfully.” Huge thanks to Bring Country to the UK for this lovely review.
Josh Ritter, Brandi Carlile, Jenny Lewis, Patty Griffin..the new single is already in some great company! “Anything But Easy” is 14th in the charts of Wrecking Ball radio, the best Americana online radio station in USA
EP Artwork
I’m excited to share the cover artwork for “Edge of Love” huge thanks to Claudia Taveira Photography for the lovely photography and Nigel Harris at Audiotree for the design.
Interviewed on BBC Radio Tonight
I have been doing many radio interviews and tonight I had a lovely chat with Stephen Foster at BBC Radio Suffolk. As well as talking about the new single, video and EP, he also played exclusive tracks from the EP. Interview is in two parts. You can listen from 22:29 and 2 hours 15 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06zy60x
