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Guitarist Reimagines Global Folk Music's Untold Stories
15 May
Summary
- Guitarist Marisa Anderson reinterprets folk songs from conflict-affected regions.
- She explores archival recordings of Southeast Asian, Russian, and Arabic music.
- The album highlights musical connections across diverse global cultures.
Guitarist Marisa Anderson has released a compelling collection of reinterpreted folk music from regions shaped by significant US conflicts. Drawing from the archives of 78rpm collector Harry Smith, Anderson explores traditions from Southeast Asia, Soviet Russia, and the Islamic and Arabic worlds. Her work highlights the universal nature of music, even when translating compositions across cultures.
Anderson’s interpretations include an intricate medley of Uzbek tunes, a warm rendition of a qawwali vocal piece, and atmospheric pieces inspired by Armenian woodwinds and Vietnamese folk music. Violinist Gisela Rodríguez Fernández contributes to a shimmering tune from Soviet-era Afghanistan and a Yemeni piece intended for healing. The album magics the listener into questioning how porous far-flung musical cultures truly are.
