Local artist, Alisa Amador brought her two debut shows to the acclaimed Club Passim in Cambridge. Having previously served as a tour opener for renowned names in the industry, including Hozier, Madisson Cunningham, and Watchouse, among others, she now takes center stage for a captivating full concert experience in the very heart of her hometown.
The Bostonian artist, who proudly identifies herself as a Boricua and Chicana on her social media platforms, has gained acclaim for her distinctive fusion of genres in music. Seamlessly blending rock, jazz, and funk, she effortlessly delivers songs in both English and Spanish. Renowned for winning the “Tiny Desk Contest” hosted by NPR, this recognition catapulted her into the spotlight, captivating music enthusiasts and unlocking numerous opportunities within the industry.
As Alisa joins the stage, she reminisces on the first live shows she had in her career and how she sees Club Passim and the people that work here as her family. The ambience in the venue is intimate and perfect to connect with the artist, the people in the audience are not only fans but have a connection to the place and the music community in Cambridge.
The singer’s repertoire spans a diverse range of themes, from deeply poignant love ballads to introspective reflections on personal growth, all the way to what she playfully terms as “feminist funky” tunes—energetic songs that compel you to hit the dance floor.
Gracing the stage with her are the talented bassist, Cilla Bonnie, and the skilled drummer, Dave Brophy. Expressing genuine excitement about collaborating with such accomplished musicians, she shares the heartfelt story of how she and Cilla first crossed paths. Reflecting on that moment, she recalls an immediate connection, recognizing in an instant that Cilla was the ideal partner to complement her musical journey.
Among the opening numbers is the enchanting “Quedar,” a song where the singer playfully notes the rarity of joyous love tunes in the present era. Meaning “To Stay” in English, this track poetically expresses the yearning to be a lasting presence in someone’s life.
Alisa seamlessly carries the night forward with her compelling track, “I Need to Believe.” In this performance, she immerses the audience in a journey of emotions, delving into the profound experience of investing energy into the belief that her dreams and aspirations are tangible and also capable of materializing in her life. This song emerges as a powerful and inspiring anthem, serving as a motivating push for the singer and resonating with those who share the pursuit of their own aspirations.
The artist’s engaging conversation with the audience fostered a unique connection, as her banter effortlessly shone through. She opened up about the creation of her song “Alone,” delving into the significance of self-care and the notion of not pouring oneself out before prioritizing personal well-being. Intriguingly, she revealed that the song was crafted in the format of a college dissertation. Adding a playful touch to the performance, she even called out specific parts of the essay during the song, creating a lighthearted and humorous interaction with the crowd.
When delving into her Spanish repertoire, Alisa makes it clear that these songs are crafted from moments when she is fully immersed in the Spanish language and culture, often inspired by her visits to Puerto Rico to be with her mom. A standout example is the soulful “Nada Que Ver,” translating to “Nothing to Do.” To the audience’s delightful surprise, Alisa extends an invitation to Tema Siegel, the lead vocalist of the band “Couch,” to join her on stage for a heartfelt rendition of this anthem. The atmosphere in the room during this performance is so palpable that you could hear a pin drop – everyone is entranced, some even closing their eyes to fully absorb the rich blend of music and emotional lyrics.
The night featured well-loved tunes like “Burnt and Broken” and “Pasajeras,” along with a sneak peek at unreleased material, including the promising “A Million Ways.” Alisa casually let us in on the news that a full-length album is on the horizon, expected to drop this spring. She kept the details on the down-low, but did reveal that the album’s title is a cognate – a word that’s the same in both English and Spanish. This bit of info sparked curiosity and buzz among the audience, leaving them eager for the upcoming release.
Alisa’s musical resonance within the vibrant city of Boston serves as a testament to the continuous emergence of exceptional talent from this cultural hub. Her music offers a refreshing portrayal of the nuanced thoughts and diverse topics that encapsulate and authentically represent the human experience. Serving as a reminder of both the joys and occasional burdens that come with being human, Alisa skillfully utilizes music as a vehicle to navigate and express the complexities of this shared journey.
LISTEN TO ALISA AMADOR HERE!
