Portland jazz artist Barbara Lusch is no novice to the heart and grit that fueled the 80s and brought about rock powerhouse numbers from Springsteen, Bowie, Bon Jovi and many other culture icons. In a creative attempt to underline the passion and emotive fervor contained in the lyrics of these rock ballads, Lusch and conductor Earl Rose have slowed the tempos and reinterpreted these songs as sensual and honest jazz numbers.
Lusch’s upcoming cover album, Rock Me Sweet, is a tribute to some of the best love stories in rock music. As Barb puts it, “I wanted to do these songs my way, and bring out the vulnerability and emotional depth of the lyrics”. Barb’s reinterpretations are mesmerizing, alluring, and allow us to hear these rock narratives of the 1980s in a novel way.
Artists & Tracks Covered on Rock Me Sweet:
U2 “Where The Streets Have No Name”
Foreigner “Hot Blooded”
Cheap Trick “I Want You To Want Me”
Bon Jovi “Livin On A Prayer”
Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child Of Mine”
Yes “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”
Duran Duran “Hungry Like A Wolf”
David Bowie “Cat People”
Bruce Springsteen “Dancing in the Dark”
Billy Joel “Dancing With Myself”
Jackson Browne “Running On Empty”
