When a musician wants to “be her own band,” technology and common sense afford her a few more options than strapping on cymbals, a harmonica, bass drum, etc. and marching around the stage. The most obvious solution would be to write songs that can be performed using only one instrument at a time, but not everyone would be satisfied with such a restriction. Others, like Alaska in Winter, play prerecorded backing tracks and perform the lead parts live, perhaps with embellishments such as having a virtual band (like AIW’s mustachioed, video-projected alter egos). Finally, there is the cost-effective but practice intensive-solution chosen by performers like Theresa Andersson, who use an array of pedals and lightning-fast instrument changes to electronically loop themselves into a quasi-orchestra.
Andersson, barefoot on a white shag rug, surrounded herself with panels of pedals, drums, dulcimer, classical guitar, turntable (equipped with Smokey Johnson’s “It Ain’t My Fault"), and a custom dual-mic stand that also held her violin. In woolen leg warmers, wrist warmers, tights, a skirt, and with a frequent smile, Andersson made the performance look easy, if incredibly practiced and choreographed. She danced around joyously, ending some songs with yoga-inspired poses stretching out to the ceiling. She worked the pedals and twisted dials with her bare feet, recorded voice into one mic and sang into the other, and demonstrated mastery of all her instruments in the time span of a single song.
Andersson’s songs were beautifully arranged and delightfully catchy---the product of a Swedish-born singer-songwriter infused with New Orleans rhythm and soul. A particular highlight was the single song she performed in Swedish, which showcased Andersson’s sometimes playful, but well-trained, voice. Nevertheless, I found myself questioning more and more whether the incredible looping performance enhanced or detracted from the experience. Somewhat distractingly, I was caught up in the question of whether electronic looping is a musical skill or something more akin to a parlor trick?
The crowd seemed to love it; they were buzzing about Andersson before the set and were glowing afterwards. I loved the songs too, but felt (somewhat guiltily) like they were presented to me as a physical, rather than musical, accomplishment. To feel something in the moment and be carried away---whether it’s driving a car, reading a book or anything else---you can’t be constantly wondering at how it’s put together, or whether it will unravel. It’s fun to lift up the hood or diagram the sentences afterward, but that requires a step back that I don’t particularly want to take in a live show. So while I’ll definitely seek out Andersson’s music in the future, I think I’ll just put in the CD, close my eyes, and enjoy it.
DOWNLOAD: Theresa Andersson - Birds Fly Away (MP3) or Follow us for more Theresa Andersson MP3s (Twitter)
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
Columbus Short Would be an excellent match for Sam Cooke (especially if this movie was to include Sam’s Soul Stirrer years). Just as long as in the movie Sam does the singing of course lol. But as far as physical resemblance my boy Columbus Short all the way. View this clip of Cadillac Records were he played lil walter… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmxTbcnW6bY
by Akin Z on Wed Feb 1, 2012 at 12.37 am from the entry: Sam Cooke to get a movie
Oops meant Aloe Blacc not Black. Sorry about the typo. If you doubt that he should play Sam check him out here on you tube singing Loving you is Killing me. The likeness is uncanny - but the voice is quite different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yJuyaVcL2I&feature=artist
by Tamara L on Tue Jan 31, 2012 at 08.30 am from the entry: Sam Cooke to get a movie
I have read the Peter Guralnick book and it is thoroughly researched down to the minutest detail. Amazing.
I would go for Aloe Black because he looks so much like Sam, but for heaven’s sake why are we talking about the quality of the actor’s singing? Sam’s singing has got to be dubbed in. We want the real thing not an impersonator. There is only one Sam Cooke. The actor can act, let Sam do the songs.
by Tamara L on Tue Jan 31, 2012 at 08.24 am from the entry: Sam Cooke to get a movie
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by Dirty Ice on Tue Jan 24, 2012 at 11.04 pm from the entry: Yasiin Bey - Fete (Providence, RI; Dec.10, 2011)
John Boutte should play Sam Cooke. Except the point someone made about him dying young, this is true. Boutte may be a bit too old.
by Brendan on Tue Jan 17, 2012 at 06.17 pm from the entry: Sam Cooke to get a movie
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by asdsad on Tue Jan 17, 2012 at 04.29 am from the entry: Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic Weigh In On Kurt Avatar
Blacks say the word 50+ times a day. Fuck the double standard, stop trying to create controversy.
by Steve C on Fri Jan 13, 2012 at 02.00 pm from the entry: John Mayer is about to get swallowed up in public outrage
