A passage of words set to a melody can wield immeasurable strength, and ignite within its listener a life-long connection. For the greats and the poets of our generations, a skill such as this one refuses coercion and falls naturally, and might even move millions in its wake. A song that has travelled the ages and continues to stir new listeners to this day, delivering beauty and longing both hand-in-hand, is Joni Mitchell’s classic confessional ‘River’. American singer/songwriter Lissie found, like many, a connection to Mitchell’s words and at a recent performance in London’s Union Chapel gave her own breathtaking stamp on the track.
Unmistakably, ‘River’ remains a solemn and reflective ode to loss which is binded by the hope of escape. Lissie’s renewed take brings with it an aching sorrow, but atop of the bleakness is an impassioned joyous love and wonderment for the sweeping emotional epic. Joining her on piano is The Travelling Band‘s Jo Dudderidge, who anchors Lissie’s earthy Southern soaring vocal with steely grounding.
Lissie’s sensational cover of ‘River’ can be found on her forthcoming ‘Live At Union Chapel’ LP featuring 13, solo, acoustic tracks recorded at Union Chapel in London last year.
Lissie will also be touring the UK in November and December in support of the new release, with Teddy Thompson as her special guest.
