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Theresa Andersson: Street Parade

Basin Street

Once you realize that Swedish-born, New Orleans-based Theresa Andersson is a violinist, the musical pieces fall into place. She is another example of a member of a grade school orchestral outcast who is morphing into a virtuoso musician who creates soulful, accessible music. Street Parade, her sixth album, is as smooth and savory as a cup of Café Du Monde’s coffee. Although she’s worked with legendary artists ranging from Allen Toussaint to The Neville Brothers, Andersson’s style is her own magic blend of piano, New Orleans drums, bass and hooks. It’s Tori Amos’ passionate vocals with hints of Anastasia’s electronica and wisps of Candice Night’s New Age instrumentation. But it’s more. The horns on Street Parade accentuate Andersson’s soft yet confident voice, while “Sleepsong for Saoirse” moves her vocals front and center, where they float on strings and a throbbing drum line. Get out the ticker tape because Street Parade is a champion.