Lisa Reagan releases What We Need Is Here

The illustrious career of Lisa Reagan has long been synonymous with her two-decade tenure at the Washington National Opera—a pinnacle of achievement for any artist. Yet, for the spinto soprano known for her far-reaching voice, her years with the opera are not the end but the foundation of an ever-expanding canvas of creative expression. Lisa’s venture into songwriting and recording since the early 2000s has marked her evolution from an opera powerhouse to a multi-faceted artist.

In recent years, Lisa’s artistic journey has taken a captivating turn. Teaming up with Suzanne Jackson, a fellow National Opera alum, they formed Shunia—a duo that embodies the power of stillness and the clarity of receptivity. Their collaboration led to a unique blend of new age and global music, weaving together chant, opera, and diverse rhythms into an innovative auditory experience. Their pursuit to create music that heals and connects has birthed two acclaimed albums, “Ascend” (2017) and “Shunia” (2021).

For those who’ve followed Lisa’s career, her latest project is a mesmerizing leap into the union of music and literature. “What We Need Is Here” is an extraordinary album that pairs Lisa’s celestial vocal artistry with the profound words of some of history’s most revered poets. The project began in the simplicity of her studio with piano and vocal demos, but with the creative alchemy of Tony Award-winning producer Jamshied Sharifi, the music transformed into sweeping arrangements accompanied by a rich ensemble of strings and eclectic instruments like the Uillean pipes and didgeridoo.

Lisa recounts the collaborative process with Sharifi, noting that while the pandemic paused the world, it opened the door for this project to flourish. Their back-and-forth discussions and Sharifi’s innovative arrangements elevated the rough demos into a tapestry of sound that perfectly complemented the poetic verses.

At the album’s heart are two pieces inspired by poet Wendell Berry, introduced to Lisa by her colleague, Professor Jake Johnson from the Wanda Bass School of Music. The title of the album itself is a nod to Berry’s “The Wild Geese,” which concludes with the profound statement “What we need is here.” The piece invites listeners into the core of Lisa’s aesthetic, blending the traditional with the contemporary, as her vocals gracefully navigate between the serene and the operatic.

Each track on the album invites a unique contemplation, whether it be the tranquil reflection on “The Peace of Wild Things” or the thoughtful journey through Robert Frost’s beloved works. Lisa’s interpretations are more than performances; they are immersive experiences, inviting listeners to not just hear, but to feel and reflect.