Lisa Mills - 'Tempered in Fire'

One British critic described Lisa Mills’ Southern soul voice as a “full-throated Otis Redding.” And as showcased here, the British-based blues singer by way of Mississippi can certainly work a song like the iconic Stax/Volt legend.

With a hurt in her voice, Mills is never one to chew the scenery a la Janis Joplin. Rather, she knows when to hold back and when to go full-throated. She lets songs build to a natural climax, purring, moaning and, finally shouting with full force during each tune’s culmination.

What makes this record work is the skilled, economical backing of her veteran guitar-bass-drums combo. Anchored by longtime Eric Clapton collaborator Andy Fairweather Low on guitar, the band and Mills nail two Wet Willie classics, smolder a Redding cover, and recall Redding and James Brown on the original track “Why Do I Still Love You?”

Lisa Mills’ voice is indeed “Tempered in Fire.”

– Eric Feber, The Pilot

Download “Keep On Smiling,” “Why Do I Still Love You?”

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.