Lisa Franco recorded her debut CD in 1991 in Germany; it was released on the progressive Innovative Communications label.
Bigger Than Blue is subtitled "The Soft Rock Harp," and the album is almost a collaboration with electronic musician
Peter Seiler. He produced the CD, played piano and keyboards, co-wrote half of the tracks, and shares arranging credit with
Franco. But this is
Franco's disc, and she is clearly in control of her own musical destiny. She plays bass, mandolin, dulcimer, and acoustic guitar, and also programmed the drums and drum machines. Most importantly, she performs on the harp.
Franco's style is aggressive and allows her to get a response from the harp that is unique and all her own. In her hands, this elegant instrument is an extension of the soul. The subtleties of her arrangements allow the harp to be the feature of this true crossover material. While
Franco's music is most often associated with new age music, this CD has pop, rock, and jazz textures as well as ambient atmospheres and diverse soundscapes. This gem is hard to find but worth every effort to locate. ~ Jim Brenholts