++ALBUM++ review by Rob Hastings
Artrocker.com takes a five minute break from rock 'n roll drooling to bring you this report on the "considered honesty" of Joan Wasser's new record. Rob Hastings is certainly sold on it - and he thinks you will be too...
Rare is the musician that can better Joan Wasser’s CV when indie credentials are concerned. Previously a member of Antony and the Jonsons , the 37 year old American has also worked with the likes of Lou Reed, Sparklehorse and Joseph Arthur, and her late boyfriend, the sadly ill-fated Jeff Buckley, wrote “Everybody Here Wants You” about her.
However, put on one of her CDs, and all this history becomes a little irrelevant – her music speaks for itself. To Survive follows in the footsteps of it's predecessor, Real Life, in that it doesn't particuarly beg for your attention - instead, its light jazzy tones possess a special honesty that should draw warmth from any true music lover.
"What Joan has to offer is all fragile beauty, considered melancholy and chilled out grooves... "
Although much of her experience in music has come through her violin playing (as a student of the instrument, she played with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra), her songs are predominantly centred around the piano and her voice, which recalls the likes of Ella Fitzgerald or Nina Simone.
Make no mistake; her songs are for the most part far from catchy. To Survive does not contain the more obvious melodic hooks that Regina Spektor is so adept at creating, nor indeed the unique quirkiness of Joanna Newsom. But what Joan does have to offer is fragile beauty ('To Be Lonely'), considered melancholy ('To Survive') and chilled out grooves ('To Be Loved').
Give it your full attention, and by the time of the final track, 'To America' (not all the songs have names beginning with ‘To’, but there are certainly a few), which also features Rufus Wainwright, the delicate songwriting of this fine talent will surely have earned its place in your heart.
++ Rob Hastings ++
Artrocker rating: 4
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