'one of our finest singer/songwriters' Bob Harris. Acoustic, Americana. Vocal coach, guitar/ ukulele tutor. Music columnist Evening News/Songwriting Magazine. DJ at Future Radio
After a lovely gig together last year, I’m so looking forward to playing another show with these incredible friends – award-winning Americana/bluegrass duo The Weeping Willows next month for Steve Howlett, Grapevine For Music, Norwich on Sunday June 18th – the same day that I’ll be playing First Light Festival. This will be a very special intimate show. Don’t miss these super talented Australian friends on their UK/Switzerland summer tour! For tickets, please DM: www.facebook.com/GrapevineForMusic
Norfolk Creativity and Wellbeing Week – Ukulele Taster Session with Lisa Redford
I love teaching my ukulele courses for Adult Learning, and if you’d like to learn more about playing this joyful instrument, I’m running a ukulele taster session at Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library on Tuesday 16th May for #creativityandwellbeingweek – come and have a strum and also find out about all the music courses I run for Adult Learning. More details here
Excited to share that I will be performing at the excellent First Light Lowestoft in sunny Suffolk on Sunday 18th June. Among its amazing and eclectic line-up is Eliza Carthy and Tom McRae – two incredible artists that I have had the honour of opening for. Full line up at https://firstlightlowestoft.com
It’s been really fun putting together this little video of images and clips from various TV shows and film projects I have worked on. I have really enjoyed the process of filming and exploring another creative outlet, as well as getting to wear fabulous costumes!
Lisa Redford Showreel Video
Ukulele Courses, Adult Learning
After a really fun Ukulele for Improvers course, I’m running two ukulele courses for Adult Learning next term: Ukulele for Beginners and Ukulele for Improvers. Find out about these courses and many more #creative workshops and courses for spring here
Ukulele courses with Lisa Redford for Adult Learning
Joyful last session for the final week of my Singing for Wellbeing course at Wensum Lodge for Adult Learning. Thanks to my lovely learners for all their kind words and feedback. During the course we’ve had fun exploring popular music genres and songs. Videos are on my Facebook and Instagram as well as details of any further singing sessions.
Singing for Wellbeing course with Lisa Redford at Wensum Lodge, Norwich for Adult Learning, Norfolk County Council
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
Lisa Redford, Jason French and The Weeping Willows
I recently played a lovely gig at The Reindeer Norwich. Thanks so much to everyone who came along and made it such a lovely night. It was so nice to finally share the stage with the sublime The Weeping Willows on the first night of their UK tour which included sets at Maverick Festival. Thanks to the brilliant Jason French for joining me on banjo and fiddle – live video clips at Instagram @lisaredfordmusic
I also have some lovely festivals and events coming up including Reepham Festival on Sunday August 7th. It will be great to be back at this wonderful festival and I’m performing at the historic Whitwell Station from 2pm. More details and ticket info here
Lisa Redford at Reepham Festival 2022
Looking ahead to September and I’m excited to be performing at the award-winning Brisley Pub for Brisley Live – a weekend of live music, comedy and theatre. I will be playing on Saturday September 10th. Further details and tickets here
Brisley Live – A weekend of comedy, theatre and music at The Brisley Bell
Another favourite festival is Deepdale Festival on the beautiful North Norfolk coast and I’m looking forward to returning this year amongst a wonderful line up. I will be performing on the Saturday afternoon. To book tickets and for further details, check out the website
It was so rewarding to teach my first beginner guitar and ukulele courses at Wensum Lodge for Adult learning this summer term and to receive wonderful feedback from learners who had enjoyed the courses. I will be teaching beginner courses again this September so any budding guitarists and ukulele players please check out the dates and details on the Norfolk County Council website
Lisa Redford – Community Singing Sessions at the Millennium Library, Norwich
When I started the fun and free #community#singing sessions in Norwich libraries earlier this year, I didn’t think it would continue to grow. I’m excited to be starting a new #online singing group from June 6 – July 11 for Viewpoint – a mental health service user charity based in Hertfordshire.
I’ve also been really enjoying running my beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge this summer term. It’s been so rewarding and fun to teach in-person again after so long and share my passion for both instruments. I’m also resuming my one to one music lessons in-person and have a new teaching venue: the beautiful Christ Church, just off Mile End Road at NR2 2AQ. If you would like to find out more, please get in contact.
Viewpoint Singing Group
I’m also continuing to enjoy a mixture of acting roles. I had a great time recently filming in a beautiful North Norfolk beachside location, part of a fascinating true story and playing a glamorous party girl. It’s exciting to finally see projects coming on to the screen and I’m really looking forward to seeing ‘This England’ on Sky TV later this year in which I play a journalist in one scene. Kenneth Branagh looking and sounding remarkably like Boris Johnson!
Playing a party girl in upcoming crime documentary
Upcoming Gigs!
Really excited that I will be performing on Thursday 30th June at The Reindeer Norwich with wonderful award-winning Americana duo, The Weeping Willows from Melbourne, Australia. The free gig will be part of their upcoming UK tour which also includes a performance at this year’s Maverick Festival.
I’m also looking forward to returning to the lovely Reepham Festival; performing at Whitwell Station on Sunday, August 6th. More details on their official website and the shows page.
Lisa Redford ‘Anything But Easy’ | Under the Apple Tree Session
Ahead of some live concerts, I’m excited to share this never seen before live session for Whispering Bob Harris #UnderTheAppleTree which has been uploaded to my YouTube channel. Performing ‘Anything But Easy’ awhile back. The brilliant musician and dear friend Alan Cook on dobro. Thanks to Bob & all at #UTAT for the lovely memory & their support of #indieartists Thanks for watching.
My first headline show in a long, long time is next month. Performing in Beccles, Suffolk for Martello Promotions who promote the finest acoustic music in the North Suffolk area. Tickets are available online here It would be lovely if you can join me for what will be a very special night. I’m also booking other gigs – all details will be on the show page.
I’ve been continuing to record and perform live acoustic covers for Rob Butler’s show on BBC Radio Norfolk. Some of them have been uploaded to my SoundCloud page and here’s a live video of me playing Bruce Springsteen’s anthem ‘Dancing in the Dark’
My various creative activities have included doing some more writing for Songwriting Magazine. My my recent feature is a review of Gary Barlow’s songwriting course for BBC Maestro. Check out the review here
I’ve also been doing some acting! It’s been really fun to be part of the cast for various shows including a history and music documentary series. Will be sure to reveal more details when they are broadcast. More photos on my Instagram
Part of the cast in a history documentary series. Details to follow.
Playing a rock chick in upcoming music documentary series
I’m very excited to announce a new single release. I Just Can’t Forget – a song which has been recorded in session for Whispering Bob TV’s Under the Apple Tree and already received some lovely reviews – will be released on 15 November.
“It’s fair to say I’ve been really impressed by everything here; not just Lisa’s gorgeously expressive and honeyed voice but her clever and intricate songwriting too; with both combining best of all on my favourite track I Just Can’t Forget, which is a real class act in itself and made me stare at the speakers in wonderment the first time I heard it.” Rocking Magpie
“The beautiful, slow-burning impact of the pedal-steel coloured I Just Can’t Forget further displays Redford’s skills. Her ability to pen songs of genuine quality suggests her moment is due very soon.”RnR Magazine ****
“I Just Can’t Forget and the beautifully intimate closing track Alone Tonight are simply gorgeous tearjerkers. It takes real talent to make such songs not sound overly sentimental and sappy, and Redford pulls it off with class. Like I said: that’s how I prefer my country.” Slim Chance, NL
“I Just Can’t Forget is a soul-tinged song featuring Lisa’s silky voice crooning heart aching lyrics. Lush and honeyed but with an edge lurking underneath…natural and effortless, a moody slow burner that is quite irresistible.” Alan Cackett
“I Just Can’t Forget is perhaps the most musically intriguing track of five here. Its sultry intro, featuring the combination of pedal steel and electric guitars, is allowed to thread beautifully through the rest of the song. Acoustic guitar and drums are gradually added, with a dual vocal harmony towards the end completing an impressive musical build.” Building Our Own Nashville
“I Just Can’t Forget is one of those songs where country meets soul, another memorable melody and what must rate as some of Lisa’s most heartfelt vocals make this a highlight on the EP. “All the times you won’t remember/I just can’t forget,” sings Lisa and anyone who has loved and lost will relate to this song. It’s another remarkable performance and is in the running as the best song so far we’ve heard from this remarkable talent.” Penny Black Music
“The more I hear I Just Can’t Forget continue the more I fell in love with the song and Lisa’s vocal range.” Bring Country to the UK
“reflective, lonely and melancholic piece that can easily be imagined forming part of a soundtrack.” Outline Magazine
“a future classic” The Country Rock Show
“Fine artist..I recommend you check this out” Ralph McLean, BBC Radio Ulster
“That really is three minutes of musical genius.” Wow! huge thanks to BBC Radio Merseyside for the kind words and playing “I Just Can’t Forget” alongside many major country artists. The song has also been played on this week’s BBC Introducing in Suffolk and many other radio shows.
I am very honoured to be playing this beautiful celebration of the life and music of the incredible Neal Casal alongside some wonderful musicians at The Betsey Trotwood London on 2 November. I’m sure many of you know how much his music has inspired me and meant so much. Organised by Danny Champ, all proceeds will go to #MusicMindsMatter The event is already close to selling out and is going to be a really special evening.
“fits seamlessly into a contemporary Americana/Folk sound that is commercial & radio friendly..beautifully arranged and played by an ensemble of studio players that include the multi-instrumental talents of Jose McGill..No questioning the talent of this artist..the time for Lisa Redford to reach a wider audience is well-nigh… Do check out this excellent music.” Huge thanks to LonesomeHighway.com in Dublin for this lovely review of “Edge of Love” and also for the airplay on this week’s Lonesome Highway show
Another lovely review for ‘Edge of Love’ – huge thanks The British Steelies Society Newsletter for this lovely feature. “Norwich singer and songwriter Lisa Redford has written all the songs on this EP..her styling is a mix of country/folk, pop and soul and her deliverance of these songs are really first class.” Mentions for all the amazing musicians including Alan Cook with his “tasty pedal steel and 12 string Rickenbacker”
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’m excited that ‘Let Go’ from the new EP ‘Edge of Love’ will be released as a single on 26 July. It has already had some lovely reviews and airplay. Thanks so much to everyone who has supported the release. Little teaser video filmed in France:
“pretty much perfect pop-rock country” RnR Magazine****
“For our money though, the late-night draw of ‘Let Go’ wins hands down with its impression of attempting to win over a hardened crowd at the local honky-tonk via an abundance of harmonies and hooks (with special mention going to the pedal steel and 12-string Rickenbacker).” Famous Last Words Norway
“bright, confident, uptempo..has a “stronger on my own” attitude of liberation..cracking.” Outline Magazine – 9.5 out of 10
“can’t get ‘Let Go’ out of my head.” Zetland FM Country
“a little bit Country, a little bit Folk, a little bit Pop and a whole lot of heartfelt soul!” The Music Below
The single coincides with a few lovely summer festivals and events that I am performing including Ipswich Music Day – the biggest one day music event in the country – new festival F-19 on 27 July and a special Americana day at Norwich Waterfront featuring a host of great bands and artists. More information at the show page.
It was great to perform recently at the brilliant Red Rooster Festival and I was privileged to be selected for a special Americana Music Association UK (AMA-UK) stage featuring an amazing line-up of international female artists – part of a pioneering EU Keychange PRS Foundation pledge to ensure a 50-50 gender balance on festival lineups by 2020.
“Our advice would be to catch her in a small venue now before you can only see her headlining the main stage at C2C Country to Country C2C Country to Country .” Another lovely review for “Edge of Love” ❤️ also compared to Sarah Darling The Shires and Ward Thomas – Huge thanks Shire Folk Magazine July/August edition.
