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With more than 200 people in the audience, Oxford artist Lisa Biales didn't miss a beat; the release concert for Biales' third album, "Come to Me" was a hit July 21.

Numerous attendees walked out of the Oxford Community Arts Center ballroom with CDs in hand after two sets and an encore of stellar music. Accompanied by BikeWise owner Doug Hamilton on violin and bassist Noah Cope, Biales delivered a night of entertainment complete with humor, soul and personality.

"Wow, you all showed up, thank you," said Biales, after finishing "Connected" from her 2006 album, "Chasing Away the Blues."

The show was a pleasure to attend as Biales played superior versions of nearly every song on "Come to Me." At the show, Biales gave each song the attention it deserved in an atmosphere that can't be replicated. "Come to Me" is a great album, but it can't compete with the live performance.

Not only does Biales perform her songs better live, but she also knows how to keep them interesting. Biales took this opportunity to preview songs for her next CD, a "standard" album she plans on recording over the next year. I'll be buying it based on "You Can't Do That" and "Hey There," Biales originals, alone.

Fans also can look forward to a Biales spin on "Angel From Montgomery," by John Prine (1971); "At Last," by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren (1942); and "Summertime," by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, and Ira Gershwin (1935), which were all used for her three part encore after a standing ovation.

With some help from Hamilton and Cope, Biales earned every clap of the night. Cope provided deep tones throughout the night with a playful solo during the second set on "Woo Woo" from "Chasing Away the Blues." Meanwhile, Hamilton infused the night with some high-energy violin work culminating in a near jazz experience during "Where the Buckwheat Blooms," Biales' hit song that broke the top 40 of the International Folk Playlist at No. 32 last August.

"Her voice reminds me of a fine violin; it's sweet but it's strong," said Hamilton. "It's inspiring to play with her."

The highlight of the concert came at the end of the first set. Biales introduced new never-before-heard lyrics to "Chop Wood," from "Come to Me" with an apologetic tone, explaining that "this has never happened before ... I thought it was done!"