Who would have guessed that, shortly after Lisa McClendon’s live recording at The House of Blues New Orleans, almost the entire city of New Orleans would go underwater? Lisa states, “I am so honoured to have had that experience at The House of Blues New Orleans before that devastation. I believe I will always have a special place in my heart for New Orleans because of the love and support they showed me.”
With 3 Stellar and 2 Dove award nominations already under her belt for Soul Music, her first recording for Integrity Gospel, the highly anticipated, long awaited sophomore album, Lisa McClendon: Live from The House of Blues New Orleans, marks Lisa’s 3rd album release. With songs like Move on Over, Just Another Day and the classic Joy of my Desire, you can expect to hear Lisa’s heart through this album. Lisa McClendon also brings something new to her supporters, a live experience.
The making of the project was an adventurous journey; one that would include Lisa carrying a baby in her womb during the preparation and actual live performance for the recording. The journey culminated with a spectacular recording and a grand finale of an early arrival of her new son Joshua, which her and her husband, are excited about. “It was a challenge”, Lisa explains, “carrying 25 extra pounds was no joke, but it was worth it; he’s beautiful, just like Diamond (her five year old daughter).”
Lisa McClendon: Live from the House of Blues New Orleans boasts 12 new tracks that feature an amazing eight piece band and seven soulful singers; you won’t be disappointed with the new album. Warm, live horns, a soulful bass and cutting edge drum grooves are only a few of the sounds that will serenade your ears and minister to your heart. Lisa and her producer Maurice “Mo” Henderson (Leon Timbo, Out of Eden, Grits, and Pettidee) do it again! Anyone who has followed Lisa’s career knows that the chemistry between her and “Mo” Henderson is truly heavenly.
“Mo is not “like” a brother, he is my brother”, Lisa states, “He is also one of my business partners; we are in this thing together, until God say’s otherwise”. With the help and support of Mo, Lisa not only takes on co-producer role again, but also adds “engineer” to her/singer/producer/songwriter titles. “Mo pushes me in ways that I will always appreciate,” Lisa states. For this effort, Lisa collaborates with great songwriters like Willie Bonds, Dave Stevens, and Evelyn Keene, who also serves as one of Lisa’s background singers, to bring a classic, but new, sound to gospel.
So many doors of opportunity continue to open for Lisa. She has nurtured her passion for writing and was blessed to have co-written a song with Mark Kibble (Take 6), for the new release from Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir in Nashville, Tennessee (Bishop Daryl Walker, Pastor).
Immediately following her recent live recording, Lisa flew into Miami to tape Praise the Lord hosted by Yolanda Adams on TBN. “If I never do anything else with Yolanda, I will always be grateful to her for opening that door to me” Lisa states, “She did not have to invite me, because I am sure there were many others she could have called, but I am grateful she did.”
Lisa is looking for God to do great things through this album. Her vision for the impact of this album is that people will continue the journey with her to being real and free; “Real Free”.
Favorite scripture: Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…”
Favorite movie: Rocky
Favorite colour: Black
Favorite singer: Ella Fitzgerald
Favorite pastime: Watching movies/fashion designer (Look for my exclusive clothing line soon!)
Favorite place: The country (Opposite of the big city)
Now that you know a little more about Lisa as a person, check out her brand new “Pause” video from her new album in stores now titled “Reality”.
