Tracks of the Day: Lisa Shaw, 'Born to Fly,' 'Push-Button' (2005, Naked Music, from the LP Cherry)

Music is all about mood, and Lisa Shaw knows how to conjure it up. Whether through her pulsating deep house/techno collaborations with the likes of Miguel Migs, or in minimalist, hypnotic, spacey synth-electronica grooves, she’s the chanteuse of clubbing, the dancefloor diva, as much as she’s all cocktail dress, chillout classy, sensual and sassy. The embodiment of late night cool. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I gravitate to the latter.

Shaw's stylish, smooth, laid-back flow invites inevitable Sade comparisons. While many Sade tunes have been remixed for the dancefloor, most of them still bear her widely identifiable tropical island vibe, rather than the more aggressive beats of Shaw's house and techno-singed work. Ironically, it is the Toronto-born and New York City-based Shaw, not Sade, who claims Caribbean roots by virtue of her Jamaican parents (Sade is half Nigerian and half British). And when Shaw rounds those hard club edges, her lush, breathy, ethereal vocals join with choice funk/disco guitar riffs and sparse, tasty, well-placed synth and bass stylins.' The result is nocturnal bliss!

The production feel of Shaw's two LPs (2005's 'Cherry' and 2009's 'Free') is 1980s meets New Millennium. I definitely hear a smattering of Prince's funk and late 70s/early 80s New York City New Wave/Synth, mixed in with 2000s digital programming. 

For the late-nite houseparty/afterparty set, tunes like 'Hot Skin,' 'Stylin,' and 'Like I Want To' are sure to deliver the get-your-groove-on hedonism and fuel the desire.

My two favorite Shaw tracks, 'Born to Fly' and 'Push-Button,' are both from 'Cherry,' and are featured below.

Lyrically, 'Born to Fly' explores themes of free-spiritedness, empowerment, wanderlust, independence, and generosity, is anchored by some hooky, angular, bouncy synth beats and alternates between soaring and staccato vocals:

'(You are) No More Wasting Time
(You are) Like the Stars at Night
It's Time to Get Your Gift Don't Forget
It's Time to Give Your Gift Don't Forget
This Life A Gift Don't Live To Regret'

Push-Button, meantime, is reserved for those coveted 'one-on-one' moments of the deep night/early morning. It's purring vocal verses are punctuated by wickedly minimalist bass drops and synth riffs, which build an inviting mood for mutually consenting parties to pounce:

'The Black Box Has Got the Secret

Talked to a Friend and Found Out Why

Works in the Dark While You're Still Sleepin'

I’m Pluggin' it in Before Goodnight

...Feel the Vibe Now That It’s Ringing

Hearing the Bells Like Singin' Birds

No One Can Tell You When to Hang Up

You Know When You're Runnin' Out of Words

Push and Hold the Button Down
Let the Music Turn You 'Round
Push and Hold the Button Down
Move your Body to the Sound.'