Lisa McClendon is back with her refreshing and unique sound on her third album and first live recording, Live from the House of Blues New Orleans, which releases on January 31st.

The CD, which was recorded in New Orleans just a few months before Hurricane Katrina devastated the city and region, showcases McClendon’s soulful vocals and poetic lyrics, backed by a eight piece band, seven soulful singers and an energized live audience.

“I am so honoured to have had that experience at The House of Blues before that devastation,” said McClendon. “I believe I will always have a special place in my heart for New Orleans because of the love and support they showed me.”

Live from the House of Blues New Orleans was produced by Maurice “Mo” Henderson (Out of Eden, Grits), features 13 tracks, including new songs penned by McClendon such as the jazzy opener Made and the foot-tapping Move On Over, which is the first single. The CD also features an old-school soul and rocking gospel version of the classic praise and worship favourite Joy of My Desire and a cover of The Winans’ hit Uphold Me, that she recorded as a tribute to the late Ronald Winans. Live from the House of Blues New Orleans also includes a medley of favourites from her previous album, the Stellar and Dove Award-nominated Soul Music.

Perhaps foreshadowing the events to come with Hurricane Katrina and the hope her album might continue to bring after the storm and in the rebuilding efforts, McClendon says of the music on Live from the House of Blues New Orleans. “When I think of all the songs together, they are about triumph,” she said.

McClendon also hopes that Live From the House of Blues New Orleans will remind listeners to support the rebuilding of America’s Gulf Coast by giving to the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Food for the Poor, the Salvation Army, World Vision or a charity of your choice. Information on these and other trusted organizations can be located at www.charitynavigator.org.

Head on over to McClendon’s YMZ artist page to sample the groovy live album and also sample her other ultra-hip albums. Then visit your local Canadian Christian retailer next Tuesday to pick up a copy of Live from the House of Blues New Orleans.