At the time of this release, one journalist called it "triumph of swelled narcism" (or something like that) and obviously Josipa Lisac has always been acquired taste, even more so as with time she consciously focused even more on her trademark vocal mannerisms - it is a brave decision and probably natural artistic growth but I have always wondered is it actually a hindrance, since it cost her certain commercial appeal. After all, artists need the audience and sometime it seems as Lisac pushes it just a little too much for her own good. But she is still selling out the concerts at the age of sixty eight, so who am I to say.
"Live" finds this indestructible veteran revisiting highlights from her very impressive and respectable songbook, mostly written specifically for her by late Karlo Metikoš who was her Pygmalion and who encouraged her unrepentant style that in the later days sometimes seems too excessive. Judging by this recordings taped trough several evenings in Zagreb, Ljubljana and Maribor, audience welcome is heartfelt and sincere, though personally I have problem with her live renditions that too often stretch listeners patience - most of these old pop classics are now transformed into dirges and when taken too seriously, seems they lost the joy of their original incarnations. At this stage Lisac is determined to give master classes in singing and though she is surrounded with brilliant young musicians, I suspect things might work better if she tones it down slightly just a notch, instead of twisting each song beyond recognition. To me it sounds like Al Jarreau and although lady would probably take it as compliment, I have this gnawing feeling people would accept her more if only restrain herself a little.
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