Andersen’s fifth solo CD “Swerve” features her new sound in eight extended improvisational songs that embrace a dizzying range of musical styles, from jazz standards to fiddle tunes, gospel, ballads and blistering rock and roll. All the tracks were recorded in live performance.
Andersen has always shown an uncanny ability to play violin and sing at the same time, often with the instrument and vocal in counter-rhythms and complex harmony. In her new solo road show, she takes this to a new level, combining it with a new set of plucked and strummed violin techniques she has developed. Add to this an array of hi-tech stage gear that would make a rock star drool, and Andersen now commands a staggering wall of sound emanating from her violin, viola, Norwegian Hardinger fiddle, and foot percussion.
With her powerful voice at the center, her concerts run seamlessly through traditional bluegrass, power ballads, torch songs, and houserocking re-workings of classics from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Big Mama Thornton, Steppenwolf and Jimi Hendrix.
Andersen has played all over the world, with stops in venues like Carnegie Hall, and the Conan O’Brien show, but this will be her first appearance at Nordica Hall.
Opening for Andersen will be Nordica favorites the Maranacook String Band, a youthful bluegrass band that started as a high school gifted/talented education project, but now maintains a very busy concert schedule. Headed up by nationally-known bluegrass songwriter Stan Keach, and featuring standout teen vocalists Julie Churchill and Lee Stetson and mandolin virtuoso Dan Simons, the MSB has played Nordica several times. With two CDs to their credit, and a repertoire of songs with Maine themes at the center of their shows, the MSB have earned high praise from critics and musicians.
Andersen and the String Band plan to do a little jamming together at the concert, which is sure to add some extra excitement to the proceedings.
Nordica Auditorium is in Merrill Hall, 224 Main Street, on the UMF campus. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for students; free for under 10. Proceeds benefit the Farmington Emblem Club. For more information, call 207-397-2241 or email stanleykeach@hotmail.com.
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- Submitted photo Joyce Andersen has always shown an uncanny ability to play violin and sing at the same time, often with the instrument and vocal in counter-rhythms and complex harmony.
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