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
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
BBC Radio Norfolk music feature for Rob Butler’s show
It’s been really fun to be part of a new regular music feature for Rob Butler’s show on BBC Radio Norfolk where I’ve recorded live acoustic covers from the 80’s and beyond, as well as Britpop tracks and Pride anthems. Rob previously featured the Future Radio fundraising single ‘This Fine City’ and interviewed me about it for Norwich City fanzine show The Scrimmage. So far I have performed six brilliant songs: the classic pop of Erasure’s ‘A Little Respect’, Tom Petty’s anthemic ‘I Won’t Back Down’, ‘Slide Away” by Oasis, ‘Inbetween Days’ The Cure and most recently ‘So in Love’ by OMD. I’ve also covered ‘Jolene’ by the one and Dolly Parton and you can see a live performance on YouTube as well as hear the version on my Soundcloud page Keep listening to Rob’s show (Monday – Wednesday evenings) for my next covers challenge!
Dolly Parton ‘Jolene’ acoustic cover
Broadcast for International Women’s Day
It was lovely to be part of a very exciting and creative broadcast being played across the U.K. for this year’s International Women’s Day. I was among 30 female artists from across the country invited to write & recorded a brand new piece in under a day to be broadcast on community radio stations around the country, including Future Radio. The full #internationalwomensday broadcast is now available to listen to online at SoundCloud – my original piece written ‘Wings to Fly’ is at 11:30 https://soundcloud.com/soundart-radio
Safe Rescue for Dogs feature for All Things Norfolk
I wrote about the IWD broadcast in one of my recent columns for All Things Norfolk. I also shared details of ‘One in the Crowd’ – acoustic charity single for Safe Rescue for Dogs – and it was lovely to receive airplay on various radio stations for the song as well as getting to talk about it and introduce it on a BBC Upload show – a show that showcases local creative talent of all kinds. Thanks also to Belles and Gals for this lovely article about the song and for having me perform recently for one of their #UKCMSA live-streams.
BBC Upload
After writing a feature for the winter issue, it’s lovely to have contributed another new article ‘Lessons Learned in Lockdown’ to the brilliant spring issue of Songwriting Magazine. The new issue is packed with tips, news, reviews, gear and interviews featuring Diane Warren, Teenage Fanclub, Hailey Whitters, Tom Grennan, Newton Faulkner, Peggy Seegar and more. Available at Pocketmags here
Please take a moment to watch this touching video that charity Safe Rescue for Dogs have put together, giving an insight into the amazing work they do rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs from the UK and abroad.
I have written and recorded the music in the video to the words by one of the team Kelly Hare. On reading her touching and heartfelt poem I was moved to help them raise funds and awareness for all the hard work this very small team do to save dogs in dreadful conditions in the shelters.
If you would like to find out more and donate, take a look at their Facebook page. As a small charity they rely solely on the kindness and generosity of people to enable them to carry on rescuing and caring for the dogs. So lovely to see that there has been some money raised already.
I’ve also done a live acoustic performance from home on YouTube and written all about the inspiration and charity in a feature for All Things Norfolk
It was lovely to talk about the song and hear it played on BBC Radio Norfolk this week. Listen again to Rob Butler’s show here at 1.17. Also next week I’ll be part of a fun brand new music feature on his show, starting Monday with an 80’s cover.
Lisa Redford in Songwriting Magazine for their #keepsongwriting pledge
I’ve written articles and interviewed acclaimed artists for the brilliant Songwriting Magazine. I have also written a feature in the latest Winter issue. Songwriting is the UK’s only publication dedicated to writing songs. Aimed at songwriters and their fans alike, expect up-to-date music news, reviews and artist interviews as well as lots of practical, hands-on advice.
Very proud to be a part of their #keepsongwriting campaign where they are sharing tips and quotes, as well as highlighting the importance of creativity through these difficult times and championing those who have vowed not to stop creating original music in 2021.
This is such a difficult time for us all. 💔 I do hope you are keeping safe and healthy. Dealing with cancelled & postponed gigs and heartbroken that my upcoming trip to Nashville for meetings, radio sessions and shows has been cancelled. However, I am continuing to share my passion for music. 🎶 Teaching guitar, vocals and ukulele via Skype, WhatsApp, Zoom and FaceTime. Please go to the teaching page to find out more and to read testimonials. You can also email parrotrecords@gmail.com The show page will also be updated with any rescheduled dates. Please keep safe everyone. 💕
My CD’s are looking pretty in HMV Norwich! Instagram post from HMV Norwich Chapelfield – On sale now in our store, are 5 releases from the amazing Lisa Redford in our live and local section!
Thanks to Simon Moore, Breadknife Music for filming ‘Why’ live at BFR Presents at the Bowling House. Jason French on banjo. More live clips at https://www.instagram.com/lisaredfordmusic/
Live at the Reindeer Norwich for Tilting Sky Presents Songwriter Sessions. Photo by Dickie Hartt.
Had a lovely time returning to BBC Radio Norfolk at The Forum to be the studio guest of Keith Greentree on The Big Country Show. We had a great chat talking all things country and favourite artists such as Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss. Two of my tracks were also played.
The show is also broadcast on BBC Suffolk, BBC Essex, BBC Radio Northampton, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and BBC Three Counties Radio and is available to Listen Again from 21 minutes in, after Garth Brooks:
Delighted to have written my first article for iSing Magazine. The ultimate resource for singers. I’ve written about country music, some of the great artists and its history and how to sing in a country style. Issue 21 out now and available here
“just a beautiful number which touches on the emotional aspect of the festive season. Lisa has a brilliant ability to convey that emotion perfectly to give an enchanting performance” Huge thanks to excellent country music blog Belles and Gals, who have been such a great support, feature my Christmas EP and make “St Benedict’s Christmas Fair” as a Song of the Day here
Special fun Christmas show announced! Looking forward to singing my festive originals and also some covers at the cool Blue Joanna in the Golden Triangle. Out now! my 5 track acoustic Christmas EP with 3 originals and 2 covers. Available on SoundCloud
Original festive singles “When Christmas Comes Around” and “St Benedict’s Christmas Fair” available on BandCamp Also my entire digital discography for sale at a special price on BandCamp Have a lovely Christmas!
Had a great time playing two successive lovely Americana nights. I performed at Grapevine for Music at The Guildhall, who host regular showcases of great folk and country artists, and then on the following night supported I support the excellent duo, The Worry Dolls at OPEN, fresh from their recent AMA UK Award nomination. Also playing were the fabulous Morganway doing a special stripped down set.
“An easy and engaging manner between songs and wonderfully evocative, melancholic, wistful stories within them.” Thanks so much Richard Shashamané for this great review in his excellent Norwich music blog here. Superb photos too as always.
Full video of Lucinda Williams cover “Still I Long For Your Kiss” performed at OPEN. Love singing this great song:
Thanks to Connor Bannon for this cool photo from The Guildhall show:
Following on from my recent Future Radio People’s Playlist show, where I played and talked about my favourite songs, I’m really looking forward to being the Tuesday Guest on BBC Radio Norfolk next Tuesday, 21st November between 6-7pm. I’ll be chatting to Matthew Gudgin about my career journey and all-time favourite music. Just going to be hard to whittle down my choices to only 6 favourite songs! The show link is here
Two new live videos from my recent show supporting Tom McRae. “Live Your Life” from this year’s beautiful charity compilation “Postcards for Peace”:
Now on Mixcloud! My People’s Playlist radio show on Future Radio, talking about songs that have been a soundtrack to my life. Listen here to tracks by The Smiths, Ryan Adams, Sufjan Stevens, Kate Bush, Nick Drake, Kings of Convenience and more. I also played live on the Drivetime show this week previewing all my upcoming local gigs.
Women in music and country music feature in my new column for Songwriting Magazine, a review of the recent Amplify Introducing event by the BBC. Includes an interview with the one and only Bob Harris here after he hosted a panel on UK country with advice for aspiring country artists.
Another new article is my music column for All Things Norfolk.which includes another music conference, Norwich Sound and Vision, features an In Conversation with Dave Rowntree of blur.
Writing about a beautiful Ryan Adams song, “Oh My Sweet Carolina” with Emmylou Harris, in this cool regular feature for country music blog Belles and Gals.
Thanks to Oxjam Norwich for having me play last weekend. Really nice audience. Live video of “Time to Grow”
This weekend had a lovely gig supporting outstanding songwriter Tom McRae on the last date of his tour at The John Peel Centre in Stowmarket. Thanks so much to Tom for having me play and all the kind words from the audience.
Thanks also to Stephen Foster for having me as this weeks live session guest on BBC Radio Suffolk. There was a live acoustic track every evening and also an interview.
Have two gigs in a week, next one is at the lovely Guildhall in Norwich for Grapevine for Music:
And playing the night after at OPEN Norwich for a lovely night of Americana.
Had a fun day performing an acoustic set for Record Store Day at Vinyl Hunter in Suffolk. It’s always a great day celebrating independent record shops and excellent bands Saltfen and SIAH also performed.
I was also interviewed on BBC Radio Suffolk ahead of the Record Store Day gig 1 hour 35 mins in. I also chatted about the ‘A World of Hope’ compilation I feature on by Postcards For Peace
New video uploaded! A live performance of acoustic ballad ‘When You Go’ from OPEN Norwich.
