The Virginian Pilot review of “Tempered in Fire” by Eric FeberJan 05
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 Virginian Pilot
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/01/lisa-mills-tempered-fire
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