Extraordinary Lori
Bruce Von Stiers
A while back I was trolling the Internet looking for new music, as I usually do. I came across the web site for an extraordinary young lady whose music is a bit pop, a bit country and a bit of the blues. Her name is Lori Lampkin. A New Jersey native, Lori has transcended music genres to become one of today's rising stars. Her debut album is titled That Place. It was released on her Double L Records label.
Helping her out on the album, Lori has Wayne Killius on drums and percussion. Wayne has worked production and sticks for top names like Big & Rich and Neil McCoy. Jeff King is on electric guitar. He played guitar on Clay Walker's latest album and mastered a song for another album I just reviewed, the self titled release by Ten West. Mark Prentice is on bass. He's been around for quite a while and has a huge list of people he's played with. Bobby Terry plays acoustic guitar. Like Prentice, Terry has an extensive list of performers he's worked with, including Trace Adkins and Amy Grant. Dennis Wage, another larger than life Nashville session veteran, chimes in on piano and keyboards.
All That I Know is the first song on the album. It is a catchy tune that is a bit country and a bit pop. It is kind of like something that Faith Hill might do.
Whatever Gets You Through is a lot slower. The song has some great lyrics and really shows the talent that Lori has. There is some great background music supporting Lori's vocals.
That Place Where You Loved Me is telling him to she wants him to take her away from all of the trappings of her current life. It is a very pretty song that should be getting a ton of airplay on both country and pop radio. The song has a killer guitar bridge.
Lori wrote all of the songs on the album. Like her bio states, Lori has been writing songs for several years. But sticking around the NYC area didn't seem to be doing much good. Under the direction of Joe Mattis, Lori headed to Nashville to put together this album. The finished product is as polished as any coming from stars that are topping the charts.
Once Was Enough is a love song. She's telling him that “one smile, one gleam in your eye” was enough to make her fall in love.
Cling To Me is a heart wrenching lament on love.
Why Me? picks things back up. It is about being blessed with so many opportunities and a good life.
When She Sings might just be a bit autobiographical. This is another great song with aching yet fluid vocals. It could just be another one of those songs that tops the charts.
Other songs on the album are More In Love and When I'm Gone.
The album ends with an acoustic version of That Place Where You Loved Me. I like this version even better than the one with full instrumentation.
With That Place, Lori Lampkin could very well become the next great singer / songwriter. Lori's lyrics are sincere and her vocals can melt your heart.
You can order the album through Lori's website. You can also hear music from the album there. The site can be found at www.lorilampkin.com .
Don't miss a chance to listen to this extraordinary singer/ songwriter. You can later tell your friends that you were a fan even before Lori had a # 1 hit song.
© 2007 Bruce E Von Stiers