"Singer-songwriter Alisa Fineman has the voice of an angel. Reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, her voice, words, and music evoke memories and emotion. "I Could Not Ask For More" and "Better With Time" tell of hopeful love; "Story Ring" is of love gone by. "Mama's Hope Chest" is yesterday; "Home" is today.Alisa is a treasure, and her music is all that is beautiful in the world. Discover her."
One of the best folk artists today.
D. P. Strunk | 10/30/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Better with Time" captures many different moods and memories. You'll feel swept by the emotions, as well as harmonies, Alisa has brought to her songs. From the perfect memory of a mother, or a love that has withered , to losing your idealism to this fast-paced world. When I play this for friends, they often compare her voice to contemporary country artists, but she has a style all her own. One of the best songs is sung a cappella. It takes you on a journey. You can actually feel the flight of the bird she is singing about by her inflections and perfect rhythm.If you ever get the chance to see her perform live it's a real treat.I highly recommend this CD. It was, however, produced in small release and is hard to find. I hope there will be a new release soon."
Exceptional, intimate, easy to get lost in.
Gary Smyth | Pittsburgh, PA and Washington,DC | 11/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sounds and feels like the bar you wish you went to when you broke up with your significant other. Not sad exactly, just dusky rich and good. The kind of music in which to get lost. Terrific writing, exceptional voice, low and soothing, no high screeeches here. More like brandy than a martini. Not a bad cut on the disc. Label seems to have disappeared. It's been more than a couple of years out (1995), I hope/wish she finds a label. It would be a shame to not have more of this kind of music."
Promising
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/10/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Alisa Fineman has a lovely voice, kind of an acoustic Carly Simon. The resonance of her voice is a great part of the attraction for this good set. Most tracks have only acoustic guitar, which sets Fineman's voice off as a fine jewel, but has the drawback of allowing a certain sameness to permeate the set. Her images are often of family and her themes explore personal relationships. The opener "I Could Not Ask for More" is a lovely melody that stays with you, "I know it's never perfect, disappointments make me wise; & chasing dreams is far from easy, but I'll take purpose over lies." The ballad "Corridor" has a haunting Eagles-like quality to the melody but whose lyrics seem a bit obscure, "Remember the man who was last seen dancing like a Hindu on a high peak on a winter's day laughing." One of the most moving tracks is "Mama's Hope Chest," a remembrance of a mother who has passed. Alisa Fineman's disc offers the promise of what could come. There's some fine material here. Except for the a cappella "One Lone Bird," it is all acoustic guitar with slow tempos which does make for a sameness throughout. Perhaps someone could introduce her to a drummer. But there's enough here to enjoy!"