Your First Sweetheart (Self-released, 2004)

Lisa Bastoni is a throwback to what singer/songwriters traditionally have been. They tour the country collecting just enough coin of the realm to make it to the next town. They get stories where they find them - subway stations, hotel rooms and fast food restaurants. In that way they hone their craft. Sometimes they continue that way their whole careers. Sometimes they get discovered.

Bastoni is one of those artists that should get discovered. This is all the evidence needed to support that statement. This Massachusetts resident has traveled all the hard roads and ended up more hopeful than bitter, which is a tremendous step. Her songs, all self-penned, feature simple backing so as not to distract from the message and her tender and talented vocals.

"If I Had My Way" should make you fall in love with her and make you wish she was signing it about you, while "I'm Not For Sale" displays her strength and independent spirit.Bastoni has learned her craft and then set out to become more than just another singer/songwriter. These 11 songs will make you want to share them with your friends and want to hear many more. (411A Highland Ave #126, Somerville, MA 02144)