Divas On Fire

The first impressions delivered by "Memphis Revisited" were the excitement of the kicking horn section and the tastefulness of the guitarist. The versatility of the guitarist, and how he had so many good sounds were next to catch my ear. The arrangements overall and how effective they were for the different songs was third. The lasting impression is how versatile Liz Lottmann is as a vocalist. She can effectively, wrenchingly deliver the emotional impact of "You Were Never Mine" with no overkill, punch out "Trouble" with perfection, get funky with Ben Cauley on "Spellbound," and wail with the chorus behind her on "Do Right Woman" and "Love and Happiness."
Liz Lottmann, Lectric Liz, kicks ass. "Memphis Revisited" is her triumph. She really delivers the package -- the songs, the arrangements, all the star players, she leads the pack. Liz Lottmann proves she can play with the big boys in Memphis just fine. - All About Town, Fayetteville, Ark.

Over four days around Thanksgiving 2003, Lottmann and her merry band of musicians gathered for a memorable reunion and recording session. The long weekend produced a lot of special memories for all involved as well as some superb recordings. Lottmann's session with (Ben) Cauley is a prime example of the history that was made. (Ben is the only survivor of the plane crash that killed Otis Redding and Ben's other Bar-Kays band members.) The goal of the studio time was to capture the Memphis sound. Mission accomplished. - The Morning News of NWA, Amy Cotham

The first impressions delivered by "Memphis Revisited" were the excitement of the kicking horn section and the tastefulness of the guitarist. The versatility of the guitarist, and how he had so many good sounds were next to catch my ear. The arrangements overall and how effective they were for the different songs was third. The lasting impression is how versatile Liz Lottmann is as a vocalist. She can effectively, wrenchingly deliver the emotional impact of "You Were Never Mine" with no overkill, punch out "Trouble" with perfection, get funky with Ben Cauley on "Spellbound," and wail with the chorus behind her on "Do Right Woman" and "Love and Happiness."
Liz Lottmann, Lectric Liz, kicks ass. "Memphis Revisited" is her triumph. She really delivers the package -- the songs, the arrangements, all the star players, she leads the pack. Liz Lottmann proves she can play with the big boys in Memphis just fine. - All About Town, Fayetteville, Ark.

Liz Lottmann has just released a new CD "Memphis Revisited" on her own Ginnin' Cotton label. The new recording includes backup from a crew of Memphis icons. It is a first-class project that showcases Lottmann's wide ranging vocal talent on a variety of Memphis tunes from the bluesy "Why Do You Treat Me Like You Do" to the smooth, jazzy "Why Can't I Be Satisfied." Liz said that the recording sessions for "Memphis Revisited" with musicians of this high caliber is one of the greatest moments in her music experiences. - The Free Weekly, Fayetteville, Ark.

Liz Lottmann has just released a new CD "Memphis Revisited" on her own Ginnin' Cotton label. The new recording includes backup from a crew of Memphis icons. It is a first-class project that showcases Lottmann's wide ranging vocal talent on a variety of Memphis tunes from the bluesy "Why Do You Treat Me Like You Do" to the smooth, jazzy "Why Can't I Be Satisfied." Liz said that the recording sessions for "Memphis Revisited" with musicians of this high caliber is one of the greatest moments in her music experiences. - The Free Weekly, Fayetteville, Ark.

Four Stars ****
R & B torch singer Liz Lottmann and her aptly-described backup band, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, bring back that vintage Memphis sound. A full horn section, Tele-twanged guitar, and winsome organ help Lottmann excavate the urbanized blues on her latest, “Memphis Revisited.” - MusicTech.net Indie Artist Review

Four Stars ****
R & B torch singer Liz Lottmann and her aptly-described backup band, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, bring back that vintage Memphis sound. A full horn section, Tele-twanged guitar, and winsome organ help Lottmann excavate the urbanized blues on her latest, “Memphis Revisited.” - MusicTech.net Indie Artist Review

Liz's CD is a neo-classic. It should be on everyone's playlist. - Terry Buckalew, KFFA Radio, Helena, Ark.

Liz's CD is a neo-classic. It should be on everyone's playlist. - Terry Buckalew, KFFA Radio, Helena, Ark.

Lottmann is "right at home" with some of the most experienced Memphis musicians to assemble since the Bar-Kays went down with Otis Redding in his tragic plane crash. In fact, the only founding member of the Bar-Kays to survive that crash, Ben Cauley, plays trumpet on this session that was pulled together by Jeff "Stick" Davis on bass and keyboardist Billy Earheart, both of the Amazing Rhythm Aces. The connections are "Lectric," and Liz is in her glory. If she's a little over the top on "Trouble" and "Spellbound," you can understand. How would you feel if you got to mix it up with artists who not only defined Memphis soul but share several Grammy nominations between them and resumes that include work with everyone from Webb Wilder to Al Green? Home is where the heart is...and Liz is nothing if she's not all heart. - Donald Wilcock, King Biscuit Time Magazine

Lottmann is "right at home" with some of the most experienced Memphis musicians to assemble since the Bar-Kays went down with Otis Redding in his tragic plane crash. In fact, the only founding member of the Bar-Kays to survive that crash, Ben Cauley, plays trumpet on this session that was pulled together by Jeff "Stick" Davis on bass and keyboardist Billy Earheart, both of the Amazing Rhythm Aces. The connections are "Lectric," and Liz is in her glory. If she's a little over the top on "Trouble" and "Spellbound," you can understand. How would you feel if you got to mix it up with artists who not only defined Memphis soul but share several Grammy nominations between them and resumes that include work with everyone from Webb Wilder to Al Green? Home is where the heart is...and Liz is nothing if she's not all heart. - Donald Wilcock, King Biscuit Time Magazine

Bringing The Heat!!
"INCREDIBLE WALL OF SOUND!!! ".... Jeremy Woffard of Tulsa World

"Thought Provoking!"
By Ricky Kej, September 30, 2016
Liz Lottmann's smoky, husky voice is like an magical cloak that wraps itself around the senses. Divas on Fire has 10 crackling songs that hit the right notes with me! "Blues Habit" is a Blues-lover's dream come true. Lottmann's voice is fantastic!! "Phenomenal Woman" echoes the feelings of all women who are as natural as they come, with no need for outward adornments, but rather an attitude :-) Loved the lyrics! The guitar in "You Don't Know Me" has a lovely flowing quality that perfectly complements Lottmann's superb vocals. "Wake Up (Witchy Shanke)" has a feel of an anthem and the Divas are truly on Fire with this one! Another song that I want to mention here is "Break in the Road" with very powerful lyrics that is imaginative and full of wisdom :-). Lottmann leads the Divas on a fiery ride that is equal parts enjoyment and thought-provoking. -

Rarely will a band test the possibility that if one lead singer is good, more might be better. Divas on Fire does.

In this band, divas outnumber players by a margin of 6-4. One some songs, the singers pass the lead from one to the next. On others, one voice prevails while the others form a massive backup squad.

The all-woman band from Fayetteville, Arkansas, will co-headline the Greater Ozarks Blues Festival, today and Saturday at American Legion Vietnam War Memorial Post 639. The event has a strong lineup of numerous local bands, which, heard one after another, will demonstrate the depth of blues talent in the area. The Saturday session will culminate with another northwest Arkansas unit, Earl and Them, led by the dynamic guitarist Earl Cate, followed by the Divas.

Divas on Fire singer Lectric Liz described the band’s sound in ways that live up to the “fire” part of its name: “Definitely rock-based blues, R&B and gospel. Rock in the sense that our sound is fat and full and pretty much in your face.”

However, the “diva” aspect is tempered by the divas’ willingness to share the spotlight. The six vocalists all are lead singers in their individual bands, and they relish the opportunity to sing backup parts in Divas on Fire, Liz said.

“The thing that I enjoy is watching the crowd when we start belting those backups on songs like ‘Hold on I’m Comin’ ’ and ‘With a Little Help from Our Friends,’ ” Liz said. “People’s eyes get wide, their mouths drop open, and they stand there like, yeah! It’s fun.”

A quartet of guitar, keys, drums and bass drive the band, with keyboard presets that enlarge the sound to include horns and other effects, she said.

Brenda Seely, president of the Blues Society of the Ozarks, said she booked the Divas based on hearing the band last year. “I was blown away. We’re very lucky,” Seely said.

BSO has emerged from a couple of weather-distressed festivals, which diminished the organization’s coffers. Last year’s event was a success, enabling BSO to hire first-rate regional talent along with local bands.

The three-day festival is filled with music, storytelling, culture, crafts and vendors. Information: ocf.missouristate.edu

Ed Peaco writes about locally grown Ozarks music for the News-Leader. Contact him at 417-413-9029 or EdPeaco@gmail.com - Springfield MO News