Lisa Gianikos

Starting from Zero

I Thought You Knew Lisa Gianikos…

If you don't, you should. Please, allow me to introduce you. I'll begin by Starting from Zero, after all, it's the logical place to start.

Every once in a long while I hear something special, something unique, in the music I review. There is a lot of great music out there, both old and new. There are classics that will always be with us and new songs that capture our ear the instant we hear them.

Some songs burn bright and fast, only to fade away forever. While others, less bold, more subtle, work their way slowly, cautiously, into our listening arena only to emerge as clear winners; songs that cannot be ignored or forgotten, songs that meld into our psyche and have us whistling their tune, humming their melody, mouthing their chorus. These songs, are special.

Childhood Memories - The Beginning

Lisa Gianikos was raised in the Coney Island - Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn, New York. Her childhood memories revolve around music, piano lessons beginning at seven years old, singing & songwriting in high school, and then onto New York University and a degree in music. Lisa even became a partner in a rehearsal - recording studio in Manhattan.

"I remember the days when my mother would tell me, 'Hope that you have a daughter just like you.' I can still hear her saying, 'Just wait for your father.' She knew there was nothing that she could do.

"I remember the days playing Batman and Barbies. Time stood still and we never went home. Do you think if you lived here our parents would notice? That way we'd never have to be alone. Those are the days I remember. When I think back on my past, those childhood memories." - Childhood Memories [Lisa Gianikos - Starting from Zero]

She has worked with artists and musicians including Lenny Kravitz, Paul Schaffer, Ronnie Spector, Meatloaf and David Sanborn, as well as countless other talented, but struggling, singers, songwriters and musicians. For years, Lisa worked as a backup singer and keyboard player in and around New York City. The elusive record deal never materialized.

Life moves on. Marriage, two kids and a home in North Carolina became the focus of Lisa Gianikos' life. I suspect that during this time, Lisa's music matured philosophically and refined aesthetically. You need to listen to her singing, to her music and words. "Read between the lines" nuances are served in equal measures with heartfelt sincerity and "open book" emotion that can only come from one who has lived life, made decisions, some good, some bad, and changed directions according to passion and commitment.

Starting from Zero CD Review

The thirteen songs included on Starting from Zero are a blend of pop, folk, rock roots and a touch of jazz. There is also present, one other item that is not so readily apparent. Lisa has an impeccable sense of timing and song structure.

The fourth track, Thought You Knew is a classic example of how to structure a song for commercial play. With a minimal intro and the hook coming only thirty seconds in, followed by a stirring chorus and refrain, Thought You Knew has all the makings of success.

The song is also superb soundtrack material and I challenge anyone who actively 'buys music' for Hollywood to say otherwise. Thirty seconds into the song was all it took, by then I already had the scene playing in my mind. Lisa, get this song out to Hollywood!

Other standouts include the very beautiful ballad, A Love Like This. The late Karen Carpenter would have absolutely loved this song. At a length of five minutes and forty-eight seconds, the song is given the time needed to set the mood and deliver in spades. Beautiful. Romantic. A great love song indeed.

"I knew you in a dream, though I didn't know your name. I knew your face, those eyes pierced through my heart, though it could never be the same. I reached out for your hand, I opened up my heart and let you in. Now I can't let go of feelings, can't let go of the love, can't let go of the memories of you." - Can't Let Go [Lisa Gianikos - Starting from Zero]

Can't Let Go is a hauntingly emotional piece. It's filled with the sad feelings of lost love and intense desire. It's the kind of song that, when played for the dance floor, lovers hold each other closer, look into each other's eyes a little deeper, and try to hold back the tears as they imagine what life would be like without the other.

With the exception of a beautiful rendition of a Lisa Richards cover, I Can See Love, all the songs and music were written by Lisa Gianikos, six of which were written in collaboration with childhood friend, lyricist Ariana Rinaldi. I have to say I liked this album, and I see good things for Lisa, and if one day, I see her name in the rolling credits for a Hollywood music score, I would not be the least surprised. - reviewed by Jack "Papa" Baer 2003/05/05

Please vist Lisa Gianikos online at www.lisagianikos.com, Starting from Zero is available at http://www.cdbaby.com/gianikos. Support Indie Artists!

Listen to the music! [Venus Hum | Blue Man Group | Lovage] The background image text wrap used here is accomplished using papabaer's sandbag div technique.

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