Everybody knows one. A person that is so busy, so driven, so productive, that she leaves you shaking your head in amazement and wondering what gamma rays granted her those superhuman powers.
Tucson’s Marianne Dissard is one of these people. Singing all over the globe, directing films, creating performance art, and she still had time to release Paris One Takes, a fantastic live studio album. I am in awe of her ability to get things done.
Speaking of awe, Dissard’s voice is a marvel. It goes from evoking a 50s French film seductress to early Patti Smith without missing a beat.
Most of the music on Paris One Takes is a slow burn. Acoustic guitar, violin, and spare percussion come together to create a sadness on the way, like the imminent death of a cancer-stricken loved one.
Dissard sings in French. Being the dumb American that I am, I can tell you only my impressions of the music, as I have no idea what the lyrics are about. In truth, I kind of like it that way. It adds a layer of mystery to the aforementioned sadness.
Calexico’s Joey Burns, Tucson’s Brian Lopez, and a host of others wrote the music on Paris One Takes. Although a globetrotter, Marianne Dissard is firmly rooted in Tucson, writing and touring with Arizona musicians often. She even directed a documentary about Giant Sand.
Paris One Takes is an album worth hearing. You can download it for free at http://www.mariannedissard.com. Do it. Your ears will thank you.
