Lisa Matassa Showcases Broad Range of Vocal Abilities on New EP "Somebody's Baby"

December 4 Release Hits All the Right Notes

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Nov 09, 2012, 08:30 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lisa Matassa soars on her new EP, the intimate collection, SOMEBODY'S BABY, and the December 4 release hits all the right notes for fans of edgy, rockin' Country. With a voice that blends the soulfulness of Southern Gospel with a bit of "city polish" and a dose of Country/Rock flair, this EP is by far her best project yet. Produced by Tony Bruno (Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias), and recorded in Nashville and New York, the It Is What It Is Records / Nine North Records release features outstanding musicianship. The enhanced disc, comprised of seven songs and a bonus music video, will be available online at Amazon, iTunes and other popular e-tailers.

The New York songstress co-wrote three of the tracks ("Wouldn't You Like to Know," "Girl with a Rock 'n Roll Heart," "Learning as You Grow") and adds three stunning covers of hits made famous by Dolly Parton, Bryan Adams and Nat King Cole. The EP's first single is "Somebody's Baby," a new song written by hit-makers Kelly Archer, Casey Koesel and Justin Weaver. As a bonus, the song's dynamic and visually-enticing music video, directed by hotshot Traci Goudie (Hunter Hayes, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin), is included. The video debuted on AOL's The Boot last week, and the single is currently on the New & Active Billboard/BDS Indicator Chart.

From the rollicking sweet sentiment of "Somebody's Baby," the disc saunters to the saucy side with "Wouldn't You Like To Know." Pounding drums, a smokin' electric guitar and a barroom chorus of background vocals make for a fierce and flirty track. "Girl With A Rock 'N Roll Heart" is somewhat of an anthem for Lisa; she grew up when girls didn't really "rock," but she did - and she still does. "That's me," Matassa laughs. "Leather and lace." The music slows with the contemplative "Learning As You Grow," an ode to children and the lessons they teach us. Matassa says she faces a new "learning curve" every day as the mother of two teenagers. "The challenges never end," she notes. "But neither does the love." A cover of Bryan Adams' "Heaven" is mesmerizing; showcasing Lisa's ability to blend her soulful side with her classically-trained voice – and giving kudos to a "magical song" from her younger days. It's rare for anyone to attempt Dolly Parton's iconic "I Will Always Love You," but Matassa conquers it with a brilliant performance recorded live before a New York audience. The normally-intimidating modulation is no challenge for Lisa, and she delivers a breathtaking performance. The closing track is another well-known number, Mel Torme's classic "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)." Lisa brings warmth – and the background vocals of The Broadway Youth Ensemble – to this beloved holiday number.