Azaima Anderson is not only an award winning singer-songwriter based in New Mexico, but is also a certified yoga instructor, shamanistic practitioner, and astrologist that has written in newspaper columns for over a decade. Anderson’s mother was a jazz musician, and was responsible for establishing her earliest interests in music. Of the albums that Anderson has released since the early nineties, she has garnered an impressive amount of recognition and awards. Her 2014 release titled “Horse Sense” was a huge success and won the Down East Country Music Association of America’s “Album of the Year”, and the title track of the album won a coveted CMA award. Anderson’s music ranges from many genres, encompassing elements of jazz, rock, folk, and country, with traditional and ethnic instrumentation and influence as well. Her newest album, titled “Untamed” came out earlier this year.
Anderson’s music is incredibly eclectic and demonstrates her worldly and spiritual nature. The overall presentation of her material is very reminiscent of the many famous sixties and seventies era solo female artists that greatly contributed to the rise of innovative folk-rock music. Azaima Anderson’s general musical presence is a cross between Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, taking more vocal similarity with Baez, but having the same overall acoustic sensibility and songwriting vibe as Mitchell. In addition, Anderson’s work has a touch of Carole King as well, which comes out in the instrumentation choices on some of the more folksy songs. In conclusion, Anderson’s music has a vintage, lived-in, naturalistic feel to it that will take listeners back to late-sixties acoustic folk-rock; a time when solid songwriting and a unique voice was all that was needed to carry an entire career. Again, song content and style varies greatly, many tracks are upbeat country-esque jams, such as “Who Decides”, while other songs focus much more on Anderson’s interest in shamanistic practices, such as the nine minute track “Bismillah”, which incorporates ethnic and worldly instrumentation intended to provide a soothing background for focus on yoga. However, Anderson really shines in tracks that have a jazz/rock feel to them, like “Don’t Tempt the Tigress” and “Yoga”. “Don’t Tempt the Tigress” features fun, playful lyrics that serve as an excellent compliment to a groove-worthy jazz arrangement with an edge. The solo in this track is dynamite. On the surface, it is straight up and simple, yet a closer listen will reveal a lot of tasty modal riffs that add depth to the musical sophistication of the composition. “You Lie” is another song that demonstrates not only Anderson’s aforementioned writing skills, but is a also a track that listeners will really hear her voice and overall musical vibe really come into its own. The song features a twittering, saloon like piano and quick-witted, spiteful lyrics with a hint of humor that all serve to give the track a really vintage feel. “You Lie” sounds so familiar to those catchy early Mamas and the Papas tunes like “Dedicated to the One I Love” or “Creeque Alley” in particular.
Azaima Anderson is certainly capable of writing great songs, but that being said, there are many tracks that come off a little cheesy both in theme and in execution. Let it be stated that even when the lyrics are cheesy, the vocals and the instrumentation do not suffer as well. Songs like “Sweetness” and “Creampuff” aren’t necessarily “bad” tracks, but the overall lyrical construction and wordplay just seem a bit off and not necessary. It is understandable that some songs can just be “for fun”, but sometimes Anderson’s writing may leave some listeners disappointed and unsatisfied.
Overall, Azaima Anderson is a creative, multi-talented singer-songwriter that gives off a musical experience that is both lived-in and genuine, even if at times it may be playful and silly. The instrumentation in all her music is fantastic, combining everything from dynamic jazz progressions, to tasteful, twangy country/rock guitar, to insightful folk music. This artist makes acoustic driven music that displays a close connection to nature and will remind listeners of some of the best female folk artists of the late-sixties.
Artist: Azaima Anderson
Albums: Barking Up The Wrong Tree, Tigress, Horse Sense, Heart Lightning, Untamed
Label: Independent
Sounds Like: The Mamas and the Papas, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell
Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Viability: 5/10
Songwriting Skills: 7/10
Performance Skills: 7/10
Overall Talent Level: 7/10
Best Songs: Don’t Tempt the Tigress, You Lie
Strengths: Mature, lived-in vocals, can write great songs, host of interesting instrumentation
Weaknesses: Some lyrics and song themes can be cheesey
~Owen Matheson
