Jackson Free Press

Lisa Marie Presley really doesn't need an introduction. Most people know she's the only daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. She's also been releasing music of her own since 2002. Grammy award winner T-Bone Burnett ("O Brother, Where Art Thou," Elvis Costello and others) produced her third album, "Storm and Grace." Those who think they are familiar with her brand of pop/rock may want to rethink their position when they hear this stark, rootsy collection.

I spoke by phone with Presley, 45, about her new music, her current tour and, of course, family.

How did the songwriting for "Storm and Grace" happen?

I've worked with several different people, but everything really started coming together when I was working with Richard Hawley (of Pulp) in Harcourt. Most of the songs are written with that collaboration. We started getting into a groove 
writing together.

This album is complete departure from your previous work. Was that a conscious decision?

It came really naturally. It was not contrived. It started to really come on its own. I started with the song "Weary." It was really hard for me, because it was broken down and stripped back, and I was used to all this production on my first two albums. This was very naked for me. I was very uncomfortable with that in the past. It started with the demos, and I sent them to T-Bone. I don't think he would have responded to the harder material. He seemed to like the more natural, organic stuff. He came in and put all the icing on the cake.

What was it like to work with T-Bone?

I had 30-something songs, and he had them all in his computer. We would come in every day, and we'd listen, and he'd decide to do a particular one. The room was all set up, and we'd record everything live. He would come out and play, and we'd be so thrilled. We never knew what he might do because he's very last-minute, and you couldn't pin him down. He also has this aura about him, so nobody wanted to mess with him, but he's the sweetest teddy bear that ever walked the planet. He's so sweet. I had this paternal thing with him. He really took me under his wing and really believed in me. I was so grateful.

Tell me about the song "How Do You Fly This Plane?"

That was written for a friend of mine that had lost their child. It was hard for me to watch them going through that, and I was kind of part of that process. It was really scary because once I'd recorded it, I sent it to them, and they asked me if I would make sure it gets put on the record. They wanted to make sure it got on there in case it might help someone else going through something like that.

How is the new material translating to live audiences?

It goes well live. It's a little more rocking live, a little more energized. The first half of the show is mostly acoustic and very mellow. Toward the end, we ramp it up, and the last four or five songs are very high energy. This record is so different for me because it's not a rock record, so I'm not running all over the stage like a crazy person the entire time trying to compete with all the instruments. The newer material is more laid back, and I've noticed that people really sit and listen.

You're working with World Vision for this tour. How did you get involved with them?

Anyone that knows me knows that I have always been involved with charities involving children. I've always been active in that department. Somehow, through mutual connections, we got introduced. I was really impressed with everything they do.

No one really knows how big they are and how they help children all over the world in these third-world countries. You can donate $35 a month and basically save a child's life. They really allow people to get involved with these children and their families. I decided to use this tour as a way to encourage people to get involved so there will be a table set up at each show.

As a new mother of twins, what is like to be on tour and to be a parent?

It's one of those things. We get up, we have a nice hotel room, I give them a bath. If there's a pool, they play. Otherwise, they're on the bus. I'll do sound check and go back and make sure they're safe in time for the show. After the show, I make sure they have pajamas on and ready for bed.

They don't really care about the whole "show business" part of it. The other day we had a gig where we were outside, so it was kind of like we were camping and they were having fun just running around. The main thing is that I make sure they're always safe. It's definitely a juggle, but it's fun.

Lisa Marie Presley will bring her tour to Duling Hall in Jackson Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. VIP packages are available for $100. Visit ardenland.net for more info.