Talking Story with Grammy-Award Winning Singer Lisa Fischer

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Grammy award-winning singer Lisa Fischer a few questions about her music, career, and what to expect at her upcoming show at the Kahilu Theatre on May 31.

I first saw Ms. Fischer perform with The Rolling Stones at the Oakland Coliseum in 1997. Producer Narada Michael Walden, who had worked with the R&B singer on her debut hit album, How Can I Ease The Pain, invited me to join him at the show. I have been a fan ever since.

In addition to touring with The Stones as a backup singer for 26 years, Fischer has had an outstanding career, performing with artists like Luther Vandross, Sting, and Tina Turner. Fischer is also a key artist featured in the Oscar-winning documentary film 20 Feet from Stardom – you may have seen the free screening at the Kahilu last Friday. The film explores the behind-the-scenes life of backup singers like Fischer and others.

Fischer currently leads her own band, Grand Baton, which performs a variety of hits in concert, from Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” to The Police’s “Message in a Bottle.” I spoke with Ms. Fischer (by phone) at her home in New York.

When did you decide to make music a career?

You know, I've always sung, but I never realized you can actually get paid for it. [laughs] I just enjoyed singing, so I think it kind of became a career once I started working and people paid me for it in my teens. I was probably 17, somewhere around there. I believe I would sing no matter what, whether it's a career or not. It just feels more like a lifestyle than a career. It makes me feel good, and it makes me feel useful. 

What has been your most pivotal career experience?

It's a culmination of all the wonderful people I've had the chance to work with. I'd say 20 Feet From Stardom was pivotal for me because it allowed me to showcase everything I am—whether it’s doing sessions in basements, recording in New York, touring with the Crystals when I was young, or sharing a room and working with Chaka Khan and The Rolling Stones. I’m really grateful that people responded to it because I believe that, no matter what you do, supporting someone usually comes from a loving place. I love being of service, so that resonates deeply with me. After the film came out, the only way I could start doing my own shows was by adopting the mindset that the music is in charge, and I need to serve it. I have to serve the music properly so that it fulfills its purpose. 

How do you balance personal life and work life?

I'm not sure if I'm good at that yet. I feel like the world is spinning so fast that we almost feel guilty when we take time to breathe and do something we might truly enjoy. You know, like being with family, going out to dinner, sharing thoughts, watching a movie, or taking a nap to let your body rest and recharge. It's like everyone is running on empty and staying up late trying to catch up, but it feels like you never do, and the laundry is still piled in the corner. I have to constantly focus on making time to balance my life because otherwise, it can really get out of control.

What excites you most about music?

 The chance to bring people together and make time feel like it's not really passing, but that you're truly present in it.

 Tell me about your band, Grand Baton.

 I first met Jean-Cristophe Maillard (JC), my artist from Guadeloupe. My manager introduced me to him because I needed a musical director since I didn't have a band five or six years ago. When I met him, I immediately fell in love with him. He plays a saz bass (also known as a Turkish bağlama). It’s like a cross between a lute and a bass. He sings, writes, and has created all the beautiful arrangements for our music. Terry Martino is the drummer and percussionist, and they played together for a very long time. Then we added the bassist, Aiden Carroll, who’s from south of Oklahoma. He is so wonderful. He plays upright bass, electric bass, and keyboards… It's like a little family. It's just beautiful, really special. 

What can fans expect at your upcoming show at the Kahilu Theatre?

We'll be performing songs from my history with the Rolling Stones, as well as tracks I've done with Tina Turner. There might be a classical piece or maybe some blues, but the sound that JC adds really brings all the genres I love together. It’s a mix that kind of floats, boils, and stews in different styles but ends up melding into something unique. I'll also be playing things from my own record, but none of what we do sounds like what you might expect.

Do you have any upcoming studio projects this year?

 Not yet, but we're discussing doing a live recording. I've really wanted to capture the essence of our live sound, and right now, we're focusing on finding the right space, time, and song list. So, we'll see what happens.

Well, thank you very much for your time. We are really looking forward to your upcoming show later this month.

Aloha, thank you so much! I can’t wait to get there! Everyone is looking forward to coming.

If You Go…

 Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton will perform on Friday, May 31, 2019, at 7 pm. Tickets are $65/$45/$25 and can be purchased at kahilutheatre.org, (808) 885-6868, or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela.