Even within the realm of independent music, Joanna Newsom has been redefining the character – the elements – of whatever a “feminine” voice is supposed to be. The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was hailed by NPR Music as the “21st Century’s Timeless Voice,” in command of a vocal style/range unrestrained by preconceived notions of feminine vocalization. There are no limitations to an artist like Newsom covering such an expansive terrain – one moment a coquettish softness and the very next a stormy screech, then everything in between.
Newsom is also an intuitive composer and performer, powered by an extraordinary musical language. Dim the lights and don those headphones as you play Newsom’s albums. This is unapologetically music to be experienced – listened to – quite closely. Soak in the details. Your world is richer for it.
Joanna Newsom is in Austin for two performances: Tonight and tomorrow night at Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Dr. The music begins at 8:30 p.m. both nights.
-Photography by Annabel Mehran.
