This is not the first time I’ve tried to get everyone I know to listen to Maya LaMacchia - her music is incredible!
I always use Elliott Smith as a reference point but I don’t think that would be her first choice. The way she spins songwriter-isms around is at times zany and I can sense her affinity for Mr. Bungle shining through. Sometimes her progressions are 47 chords long and her voice is drenched in layers of backups, filling in every conceivable harmony and counterpoint. Our track of the week however, finds her in a more unguarded and minimalistic mood.
Normally Maya plays piano like she’s in the pit for vaudeville, rollicking and stomping along like any great rag. Taking that approach to such delicate lyrical territory wraps the piano in a haze and reduces the progression to one of her most ordinary, allowing the words to shine through with a searing energy. Mainly the theme explores surrendering to the things you cannot control, delivered simply and sweetly while watching “From the Roof.” The setting produces a tension and we’re left wondering if the speaker might just step off.
One more thing - Maya also plays drums, guitar and bass. This multi-instrumentalism allows her the chance to fully execute a vision that is uniquely hers. It’s real good stuff!
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