Review: 'The Triangle (Expanded Edition) by Lisa Mills

Lisa Mills

By Chris Wheatley

A notable release for fans of soul/roots music arrives July 30 via Melody Place Music, by soul/blues singer, guitarist Lisa Mills. The Triangle (Expanded Edition) hits the virtual shelves and is produced by the acclaimed Fred Mollin. “The timing for the original release of the Lisa Mills musical road trip album, The Triangle, was the end of January, 2020, and the next thing we knew, our plans of being able to truly fulfil our marketing, as well as being able to support Lisa with showcases and being able to add visibility through her touring, were dashed,” Fred Mollin explains.

The titular triangle refers to the area between Memphis, Muscle Shoals and Jackson, Mississippi. The Triangle (Expanded Edition) pays tribute to the incredible sound and feel of the great southern soul music of the ‘60s and ‘70s. It showcases both soul and blues classics, as well as some little-known gems, all brought to new life by the incendiary vocals of Lisa Mills. Mills travelled between cities, recording her own versions of tracks that were originally laid down in the same locations. “We wanted to make a traditional R&B/Blues album,” explains Fred Mollin, who also features on guitar. “That preserved the spirit of the original songs, while giving them a fresh new life and point of view. Working in the most important musical southern cities and their most historic studios was such a great thrill.” Lisa Mills utilised local musicians along the way, many of whom who had played on the original versions.

This expanded edition gives us two never-before heard cuts which could not be squeezed onto the physical release: King Floyd’s “Groove Me” and the Booker T. Jones/William Bell composition “Everybody Loves A Winner.”

“Greenwood, Mississippi” starts the show, a swaggering blues-rocker with spiky guitar and classy horns. Mills’ vocals are up-front and center, her voice a treasure, rich and rounded and full of emotion. She is a singer who wrests all that she can out of every syllable. This cut has all the athletic power and authentic kick of late-60s Elvis Presley. “Travel On,” alternately strident and free-wheeling, flexes its soul muscles with chopping guitar and punctuating harmonies. “I’ll Always Love You” is a laid-back, deep-soul dream, underpinned by horns and keys.

On slower cuts such as “Members Only,” Mills and company are equally potent. It’s a soft, shuffling track with a jazzy atmosphere. Here, Mills shows herself equally adept at tackling more laid-back material. Hers is a singular voice, gritty enough to encompass the blues, warm enough to inhabit this tale of lost love. “Just Walking In The Rain,” a personal favourite, is a delight. Mills offers us a wonderful, stripped-back version with just voice and guitar. It’s a standout track. Jim Reeves and the great Johnnie Ray are among the list of notables who have previously recorded this tune, and Mills’ version is up there with the best.

The two extra songs slot in seamlessly. “Groove Me” shuffles and dances with stabbing horns and a wonderful, sunny feel. Once again, Mills’ voice is the star, effortlessly combining with the assembled players to conjure up a compelling, classic sound. “Everybody Loves A Winner” is similarly classy, rolling out on shimmering keys and subtle guitar. Mills gives it her all and her voice carries more than enough weight and depth to do the track justice. “It’s one of my absolute favorites,” says Mills, “and, oh what a treat to return to Royal Studios in Memphis and sing on Al Green’s microphone to finish the vocal track.” Mills goes on to point out that, although often referred to as a blues artist, “…in my heart I feel I am a blue-eyed Soul singer/torch singer with a great love and respect for black Gospel music.” That love and respect is palpably present throughout The Triangle (Expanded Edition).

Listen to “Tell Mama”