Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton – Ronnie Scotts Soho 08/01/2019

Lisa Fischer’s vocal performance was stunning and thrilled a packed Ronnie Scotts audience.
I was aware of Lisa Fischer’s reputation before my wife and I arrived at Ronnie Scotts, but did not know what to expect. Anyone who has sung backing vocals for Luther Vandross, The Rolling Stones, Sting,Tina Turner and Roberta Flack had to be versatile and an exceptional singer. She certainly was exceptional; she has a great range, tone and control. There were elements of classical soprano singing switching with a number of other genres including rock and jazz.
The set lasted eighty minutes, her band of musical director and guitarist Jean-Christophe Mallard, Aiden Carroll (Bass) and Thiery Arpino (Drums) were superb. Each of the eight songs became an Opus, re-arranged brilliantly by Mallard.
The set started with The Police’s ‘Every Breath I Take’ and continued with Amy Grant’s ‘Breath Of Heaven’ . Led Zeppelin’s ‘ Rock ‘n Roll’, Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett’s ‘Superstar’ and Lisa Fisher’s own ‘How Can I Ease The Pain followed before finishing with The Rolling Stones ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ and Gimme Shelter’ which featured a memorable double bass solo from Aiden Carroll.
Throughout Lisa Fischer was charismatic and constantly joined in with the audience’s applause directing hers to the band and back to her audience. Whilst most of her career has been spent backing others, she demonstrated that she is a talented leading lady.