Simply Six: Theresa Andersson (Again)

This is a reposting from 2009 when Theresa Andersson did the Simply Six interview.  Since she's the Artist of the Month I wanted to repost it for more people to read.


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I think I've always known that I wanted music to play a major role in my life. At the age of 7 one of my friends entered a talent contest and I felt deeply jealous because I didn't know about it and had to wait another year to sign up.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Air, Aphex Twins and Wildbirds and Peacedrums at the moment.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

My most recent record "Hummingbird, Go!" really feels like an artistic arrival for me.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Well I think music can have a theraputic and inspiring quality. We all listen to music in a different way, so I can only speak for myself. I cannot imagine a world without music. I do like movies that are quiet though ( must be my Strindberg influence).
I once bought an iPod because of the song in the commercial.....

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

If by technology you mean the Internet I say it's been fantastic! Sites such as YouTube makes it possible for the independent artist to showcase her stuff without first bring judged by a small panel. It let's the people decide. And THAT is a beautiful thing.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

A comfortable yet stylish shoe made out of high quality leather. I would be made for walking. I would be hugging the foot of my bearer and supporting her weight putting a spring in her step.

Theresa Andersson: Mary, Don't You Weep

Video Wednesday

This week's video we feature Theresa Andersson from the Louisiana Music Factory. When she's talking about her video and you see a hand pop up with a copy of the video, that's my hand and video from the show. I almost stuck it up too high, there was a fan above me and that's what the laughter is about as I almost stick the video in the fan.

Video Wednesday:

Our Video this week is in honor of the New Orlean's Saints win in the Superbowl.  It features Theresa Andersson, Aaron Neville and Carlo Nuccio (the creator of the original "Who Dat" song.)  

SPOTLIGHT: The Chilluns

New Orleans has long had a tradition of musical families, the Nevilles and the Marsalis being the prime examples.  But a band I caught at last year's Jazz Fest follows that legacy.  Honestly I thought the band was more or less a one time chance for some musical family members to get together and play some great tunes, but here we are almost a year later and the group is playing Tipitina's this Friday night.  All the members have day jobs, so to speak, in other musical acts, but it's nice to see them continuing on in this form.

                                                                              The group is called The Chilluns and its members come from three New Orleans' musical families, from both generations.  The groups consists of the musical Fathers and their musical offspring.  The Fathers are Dave Malone, Spencer Bohren and Cranston Clements.  The offspring are Johnny Malone, DarcyMalone, Andre Bohren and Annie Clements.

Dave Malone is a founding member of one of New Orlean's best loved bands, The Radiators.  As a group they have recorded over a dozen albums and tour constantly.

Spencer Bohren has recorded over a dozen albums under his own name and many more with other artists.  He has performed on A Paririe Home Companion and teaches.

Cranston Clements is another long time guitarist that has played with many other musicians such as Maria Muldar and Irma Thomas.                                                                 

Even though all the 'kids' sing in the group, Johnny Malone is more of the front man and handles the majority of the singing chores, sharing them with his sister Darcy and handing off some songs to Annie Clements.

Darcy sings in a local band called The Tangles with her husband.  She has sung with the Radiators, The Pfister Sisters, Theresa Andersson and others.

Andre Bohren is the drummer in the group, which he also does for the group Johnny Sketch and the Dirty 

Notes.

The final member of the band is Annie Clements.  Currently Annie is a member of the country group Sugarland and tours with them.

The group does mostly covers of British invasion hits and songs from Motown, but throws in some songs from the various members.

This is a group that the members come together for the fun and joy of it and the audience can tell.  Where they go with it from here, if they even want to do more than just get together irregularly and play is up to them.  With this much talent in one group they could produce some really amazing music on their own if they wanted to.

SPOTLIGHT: Assembly of Dust

Assembly of Dust was created when Reid Genauer left the group Strangefolk, the folk rock group he helped start in 1991 and stayed with until 2000. The group consists of Reid Genauer ∞ lead vocals, guitar,Adam Terrell ∞ lead guitar, vocals,Andy Herrick ∞ drums and John Leccese ∞ bass, vocals.

Their newest album Some Assembly Required is their fourth and went on sale towards the end of July. The new album features guest artists on almost every track. From Richie Havens, Bela Fleck, David Grisman, John Schofield, Mike Gordon and Martin Sexton, these talented artists give their assist in helping Assembly of Dust create some great music. One of my favorites, Theresa Andersson plays and sings on the song "Straight."

Genauer cites the Beatles, the Band, Neil Young and Wilco as among some of his influences. The songs are character driven, "I tried on some different characters and moods" relates Genauer.

Genauer credits his AOD bandmates for shaping the record. “It’s not like we went from bluegrass to heavy metal, but we all took a bit of a turn,” he says of his peers (who were once mockingly described as “[not] the worst batch of musicians you'll ever hear”...you can find that on their My Space bio). “The songs were loose to start with – we banged out some rough recordings on a digital recorder. They were skeletons – the band delivered the flesh and muscle to the songs. Andy and John did some stuff they had never done before, and Adam, he really stretched his musical vocabulary on this one. He and I spent hours listening to records together, coming up with an overall vision.”

One of the songs is about the old blues singer Leadbelly. "In the echo hall/stood the prisoner of a cold cell/a man of any age filled the solemn cage/dead or living you could hardly tell" captures the life Leadbelly lived before he was released from Angola.

The group is making a name for itself in its hectic touring schedule. They've played Carnegie Hall as well as Bonnaroo and continue bringing their music to as wide an audience as possible. The new album is...

the creative culmination of nearly two decades playing music and being one of the music world’s most respected (if slightly under-the-radar) musicians and songwriters.

SIMPLY SIX: Annie Clements

Annie Clements is from New Orleans and the daughter of noted blues guitarist Cranston Clements. She began playing bass at 13 and is currently the bassist and background vocalist for the country group Sugarland.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I was always involved in something musical ever since I was a small child. Having Cranston Clements for a dad will pretty much guarantee that. If I had to pick a particular moment though, I'd say it was in 5th grade. I was cast as the lead in the school play and sang a solo piece in front of the entire lower school. I made my teacher cry! It was the first moment where I felt like, "I can do this. This is what I want to do."

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

All time favorites include The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, The Beachboys, The Continental Drifters and Aimee Mann. I'm currently really into the new Racconteurs record, the new Kings of Leon, and this crazy band called Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears. They're awesome!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I've been fortunate enough to have a few of these. Theresa Andersson and I got to play the 50th Anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster at Wembley arena alongside David Gilmour, Brian May, Ron Wood, Joe Walsh and other legends. We got to spend a week rehearsing on a soundstage in London with them, hanging out. Standing onstage for the finale with those guys was one of the defining moments of my life. Another was the first time my band with my dad - The Chillun's - pulled off "Good Vibrations" at Tipitina's in 2004. It was one of the most triumphant musical moments of my life.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I think music can dramatically effect change. I recently posted a video on my youtube channel and Warner Brothers muted the sound because I'd used a 20 second clip from En Vogue's "Never Gonna Get It" and they claimed copyright infringement. The video was completely lifeless without the music. Once the music was added back in, the video made people laugh and cheer. I think that microcosm of an example works one hundred fold in the larger scheme of things. When presidents are elected it seems like the first thing they do is plan a huge concert. People want to come together and celebrate their victory with good music.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

The music industry has been turned upside down by technology. Sugarland may be one of the last bands out there that can still make money selling cd's. Labels are having to re-work their entire infrastructure and most of them are going down. It's a crazy time, but at the same time there's so much more opportunity for anyone and everyone to be heard. It's scary but it's exciting. Technology affects my life every day. You contacted me here on a social networking page. How on earth would we have gotten in touch before all of this? I've made so many connections with people as a result of all this new media stuff. I can even sing background vocals on someone's project, post the files online, and be a part of a record for someone I've never even met. Plus I'm totally addicted to Twitter now which is so much fun.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Hmm... Shoes... I'd probably be like a pair of Doc Martin's or something. I'll bet Susan Cowsill answered that too. Or maybe she said moccasins? Those were the only two shoes I ever saw her in all the years I nannied for her. Mostly she was barefoot. I'll have to check her answers! Yeah, Doc Martin's. Sort of rebellious, a little goth, waterproof. Sounds like me!

photo copyright by Annie Clements

SIMPLY SIX: Theresa Andersson

I just posted her video yesterday and today I get her answers to the Simply Six. Put simply Theresa Andersson is one of my favorite performers. And if you ever get a chance to see her live make it a point to go. She puts on one of the best live shows I've seen.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I think I've always known that I wanted music to play a major role in my life. At the age of 7 one of my friends entered a talent contest and I felt deeply jealous because I didn't know about it and had to wait another year to sign up.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Air, Aphex Twins and Wildbirds and Peacedrums at the moment.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

My most recent record "Hummingbird, Go!" really feels like an artistic arrival for me.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Well I think music can have a theraputic and inspiring quality. We all listen to music in a different way, so I can only speak for myself. I cannot imagine a world without music. I do like movies that are quiet though ( must be my Strindberg influence).
I once bought an iPod because of the song in the commercial.....

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

If by technology you mean the Internet I say it's been fantastic! Sites such as YouTube makes it possible for the independent artist to showcase her stuff without first bring judged by a small panel. It let's the people decide. And THAT is a beautiful thing.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

A comfortable yet stylish shoe made out of high quality leather. I would be made for walking. I would be hugging the foot of my bearer and supporting her weight putting a spring in her step.
My color would be chocolate.

Video: Theresa Andersson

I've spotlighted Theresa Andersson and more recently reviewed her latest album very favorably. I can say over time the album holds up and I am still enjoying it immensely. Since the release of her album Theresa has been out on the road and getting a lot more recognition than normal. She appeared on Conan's late night show. This is good for her, bad for us around here, since she used to do so many local shows. But I'm glad to see her getting a wider fan base. Here's the video that started her one woman show. To clarify she doesn't do her entire concert like this. She starts out as a one woman band and than after a few songs the rest of the band comes out and joins her. For the past decade Theresa has played the Gretna Heritage Fest until last year. The people behind the Fest were afraid that the public wouldn't like her one woman band act and told her either it went or she did. She didn't do the show. I guess she's good enough for Conan but not the city of Gretna. This video is closing in to a million views, which is great.

One Woman Band

Tonight Theresa Andersson performed at the Borders in Metairie. It was a small, thirty minute show that highlighted her new album. There was a few awkward moments at the start when she wasn't sure if she was supposed to just start playing or the book store was going to announce her start. With no employee in sight Theresa just decided to start on her own. Forgoing any band, save for her husband who sat off to the right and fiddled with the gear, Theresa was a one woman band, recreating the atmosphere of the album's creation in front of us. She opened with "Mary, Don't You Weep" which is not on the album and is a terrific version. Theresa really needs to put out a live album. After the one non album song the rest of the show were all pulled from her recent album Hummingbird, Go! The song "Na Na Na" is featured on You Tube and has pulled in over a quarter of million views so far. Following was "Birds Fly Away" and than she introduced her back up singers. This was a joke, she was her own back up singers for her album, but she said she named each member of the back up singers and even gave them their own group name: The Kitchenettes. She outlined the background and attitude of her own girl group and than played her final song "Hi -Low." Theresa is always a treat to see live and she put on a great show for the brief time she was on.

At the end of the show someone asked her why she wasn't going to be at the Gretna Heritage Fest tomorrow. Theresa has been a mainstay of the Fest for at least the past decade. She said the Fest canceled her show because they didn't think the audience would accept a one woman band and was afraid she'd get booed off the stage. It's evident that no one from the Fest has seen any of Theresa's recent shows or they'd know better.

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ALBUM REVIEWS

Hummingbird, Go!
by Theresa Andersson

This is the fifth release of Theresa Andersson. Each album is different from the previous. Her albums have ranged from jazz to americana to pop. Her live shows show a different side of the singer, where she truly lets go and rocks out a lot harder than she has shown yet on disc.

Her newest album is a departure from what she has done so far. Her last album was the self named ep that came out right after Katrina. The hurricane actually stopped the work on the album she was working on and the singer and her record company wanted to get something out for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Theresa is one of the top sellers at the record tent at the Fest. So they took what they had done for the album and made it an ep. And created one of the best for the year of 2006. That album was closer to Americana than her previous work.

Her newest album followed the same sort of trajectory of that one. For this year's Jazz Fest she again wasn't finished with the full album, so she released an ep "I The River" in time for the Festival. The full album "Hummingbird, Go" has finally been released this week. Of the five songs from the ep only 3 appear on the album. Anyone expecting Theresa to continue on the path towards Americana will be disappointed, but she has crafted something completely different and good.

For this album this was pretty much a one woman show. Theresa pretty much plays all the instruments on this album, which consists of the normal ones but also bottles and whatever else she could find in her kitchen to carry a tune. She recorded the album in her kitchen. Fellow Swedish poets Ane Brun and Jessica Faust supply the lyrics to Theresa's music and the whole thing was mixed by fellow Swede Tobias Froberg.

The album is a pop masterpiece. The songs are fun and sing a long. This is different from her latest work and from her previous live shows, but it is very good. Her singing has never sounded better and the music is a wonder. The songs mix the pop of her native country's group Abba with New Orleans and Amerciana to create a psychedelic potpourri. On "God's Highway" she moves closest to her previous style of Americana. The opener "Na Na Na" is an otherwordly gem that would have made a great summer hit.

Buy the album, and if she tours near you catch her live show, it's amazing watching her re create the one woman act of recording the album live.

Jazz Fest Highlights: Theresa Andersson

This show was pretty much the same as the one I saw last month at French Quarter Fest, but she's worked out the bugs in getting set up for her one woman band at the start of the show. Still it was a good show last month and it was just as good this month. She starts off with a very good version of "Mary, Don't You Weep." I would place this version alongside Springsteen's recent version with the Seeger Sessions. For the first few songs she does she performs as a one woman band, playing all the instruments and using her laptop to loop her voice she can harmonize with herself. Her new album coming out this summer was recorded like this, she played all the instruments on it and she's trying to recreate this on stage. After a few songs she brings out the rest of the band. One big difference from her French Quarter show is that band is not dressed as mimes, I'm not sure what that was about. But as always Theresa puts on a great show.

Scenes From Jazz Fest: Theresa Andersson

Theresa Andersson

She put out one of the best albums of the year in 2006, but most people have never heard of her. Outside New Orleans she is hardly known, if at all, by most listeners. Her name is Theresa Andersson and she is another transplanted native to the crescent city. Originally from Sweden Theresa moved to New Orleans with her boyfriend at the time Anders Osborne. Anders is another local singer/songerwriter. After living together the two broke up and Theresa went her own way, first moving to Nashville than Austin until she finally found her way back home to New Orleans.

Theresa is a singer and multi-instrumentalist, playing everything from guitar to the banjo to her preferred choice the violin. But don’t expect sweet classical sounds to come from her violin. She makes her violin wail like a heavy metal guitarist does his guitar. Her singing style is reminiscent of Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams. She can sing anything from a sweet ballad to a more rocking tune.

To date she’s released four albums, from the debut titled Vibe to the now out of print No Regrets to Shine and her latest the self titled ep. Her most recent was supposed to be a full length but a little something called Katrina interrupted the recording process. Afterwards she decided to release what she had finished as a five song ep. This small album was one of the best pieces of music that was put out in the year 2006. Every song on it was a gem, from the Lucinda Williams cover of “Jackson” to the surprise cover of the Madonna song “Boderline”. If you’re not a fan of Madonna, don’t worry, this song does not sound anything like the Material Girl. I listened to it twice before I realized where I had heard the original song.

Theresa is not a writer of her own material, but she has a great ear for picking wonderful tunes to record. I think this is important. Too many singers want to write their own material, even if they’re not capable of it. I think it shows great wisdom for a singer nowdays to chose other writer’s material and not think they have to write all their own material.

In concert Theresa shows a lot harder rocking side than she has so far on disc. She makes her violin wail like a banashee in concert. Her version of Gillian Welch’s “I Want to Sing Rock and Roll” is a classic that deserves to be recorded.

She is currently working on a new record that should be out by the end of summer. This is a release you should mark down and make a point of getting when it comes out. If it’s half as good as her last one it will be great.

"Borderline"