‘Still, Here’ contains 8 tunes and 33 minute’s worth of spiralling, enthralling instrumentals. There’s a vitality and luminosity to Marisa Anderson’s fingerpicking that transcends musical boundaries.
As I write, this Portland, Oregon based artist is currently touring Europe with Godspeed You! Black Emperor, a band who have also demonstrated that strong musical statements can be made without the need for words.
As a solo artist, Anderson follows more of a ‘less is more’ path but even without blazing crescendos, she still manages to convey an authentic sense of commitment to her art.
The slide playing has elements of Ry Cooder’s sublime soundtrack to Wim Wenders’ ‘Paris, Texas’ conjuring up images of shimmering landscapes and meditative mindscapes.
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All the music was written, performed and produced by her, except for arrangements of two traditional tunes: La Llorona and Beat The Drum Slowly.
There is piano accompaniment on Night Air but otherwise the solo guitar is queen.
This album serves to confirm that Marisa Anderson is an artist at the top of her game.
Marisa Anderson’s website
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