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)
The National - 9/11
Marymoor Ampitheatre
The Black Keys - 10/2
The Paramount Theatre
Broken Social Scene - 10/10
Neumos
Broken Social Scene - 10/15
The Paramount Theatre
It was a great show. The energy was intense. I was lucky enough to be right up front.
by Burt on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 05.01 pm from the entry: The Avett Brothers + Langhorne Slim - Crystal Ballroom (Portland-town, OR; Aug. 30, 2010)
lovin trackz #4,13, and 16
by Phoxy Philly on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 04.03 pm from the entry: Chiddy Bang's "The Swelly Express" Mixtape (download)
Nice concerning as better as clarifying position.Gives Thanks for providing for us.I show your article with my delight.
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by jhon on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 02.35 pm from the entry: Tiny Vipers + Rafael Anton Irisarri + Cars & Trains - Mississippi Studios (Portland; Jul. 14, 2010)
agree with beth! dope stuff on both sides of the review.
by @bosconcertphoto on Wed Sep 1, 2010 at 09.48 am from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Thanks Nicole!
Just wanted to say that although this may be our last time performing this show, I have many other projects in the works. Info and show schedule is on my website.
- Ben
by Ben Darwish on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 11.47 pm from the entry: Ben Darwish - Afrobeat Tribute to Michael Jackson - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA; August, 29, 2010)
Love these photos and review. So, these DJ sets are at 7:30? I don’t really get it. And are these gonna continue once the Whitney moves? And most importantly, where can I attend an “hour-long clinic on shaking ass?”
by beth on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 06.44 pm from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Super post there! Comprehensive and well collated material. Thanks for sharing.
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by jhon on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 01.56 pm from the entry: Deerhoof + The Donkeys + Southeast Engine - Berbati's Pan (Portland, OR; July 6, 2010)
