Shine by Theresa Andersson

30 Jan

Written by Glenn Astarita
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She grew up on a farm in a small town in Sweden, while eventually becoming a band member for blues artist Anders Osborne in 1989. Since then, singer/songwriter/violinist Theresa Andersson has called New Orleans her home, amid stints in Nashville and Austin. She has become a regional favorite in the Big Easy, thanks to her energized performances amid stints with laudable bands such as The Radiators and others. With this fine debut on Basin Street Records, and an upcoming national tour in the works, Ms Andersson is seemingly postured for widespread recognition.

Guitar hero Shane Theriot adds a steamy touch to the majority of these pieces, while also having a hand in the production. But it’s Andersson who resides as the focal point throughout, due to her angelic vocal attributes, and acute sense of dynamics. She transparently melds country-rock, pop, and hard-rock during many of these works. On the memorably melodic, and electrifying opener "Connected," she sings about the unity of artist and audience. Her lyricism is slightly autobiographical, yet not overly cerebral within the scope of these generally, tuneful compositions.

Theriot grinds out some blistering chord clusters, on "It’s Gonna Be Okay," while Andersson radiates a casual, C&W type gait, via a folksy motif drenched with optimism. Where Neville Brothers drummer Willie Green spices up "Good Girl via a straight four groove, spiced with elements of funk. In addition, the diva’s violin work provides a gleaming edge among variances of pitch and meter. At the end of the day, Ms Andersson shines forth as an ambassador of good cheer. (Recommended.... )