Margaret Glaspy: Embracing Chaos and Creating Raw Indie Rock
Margaret Glaspy’s latest record, “Echo The Diamond,” is a testament to the power of spontaneity and unrehearsed grit. Teaming up with bassist Chris Morrissey and drummer Dave King, Glaspy has crafted an indie-rock masterpiece that captures the essence of live music.
The Magic of Collaboration
“It was exciting to say that we could put these three people in a room and play music, and it would be record-worthy,” says Margaret Glaspy, the talented guitarist and singer-songwriter behind the album. Working alongside established jazz musicians Chris Morrissey and Dave King, Glaspy took some calculated risks and let the magic happen in the moment.
The Result: Edgy and Raw
The trio didn’t rehearse extensively before recording the album, allowing for a sense of spontaneity and rawness to shine through. Some tracks, like “Female Brain,” were even captured during rehearsal takes. The result is an edgy and raw sound that feels like it could fall apart at any moment, but never does. With naturally overdriven guitars and the omission of overdubs and synths, “Echo The Diamond” stands in stark contrast to Glaspy’s previous polished and poppy release, “Devotion.”
A Flag for Live Music
According to Glaspy, “Echo The Diamond” is all about capturing the essence of live music. The album’s intentionally wild and wooly nature flies a flag for the power of live performances. Glaspy’s songwriting and arrangements are tailored for the live experience, ensuring that her music can be performed solo without losing any of its impact. It’s a skill she honed from her early days of opening for other artists and commanding the stage on her own.
Playing Everything All at Once
Glaspy’s guitar style is a reflection of her desire to create a self-contained sound that doesn’t miss a beat, even in a solo performance. She strives to play “everything all at the same time,” blending rhythmically interesting parts with lead lines. Tracks like “Memories” showcase her ability to weave melodic solos with chordal accompaniment on the same guitar. Meanwhile, “Irish Goodbye” features intricate bass figures, riffs, and chords that add depth and complexity to the music.
Echo the Diamond: Margaret Glaspy’s Journey
The Influence of Julian Lage
Glaspy’s partner, jazz guitar icon Julian Lage, co-produced “Echo The Diamond.” The album’s title actually came from a suggestion Glaspy made when Lage was searching for a title for his own record. This collaboration and the influence of Lage’s expertise have undoubtedly contributed to the album’s unique sound and artistic vision.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Echo the Diamond?” Margaret Glaspy did, and she loved it. It stuck with her ever since and became the inspiration for her latest record. To her, it meant shining bright and being like a diamond. It reminded her of a Bruce Lee quote she had heard before, where he said to “be water.” Just like water takes the shape of its container, Glaspy wanted to be flexible and adaptable.
Glaspy recorded her album, Echo the Diamond, at Reservoir Studios in New York City. Throughout the process, she had the guidance of Julian Lage, who acted as her third eye. Lage wasn’t afraid to speak up when he saw something she didn’t. Glaspy trusted his judgment because he had a knack for understanding her vision. He became her compass and radar, ensuring that everything was happening the way she needed it to.
In Conclusion
Margaret Glaspy’s “Echo The Diamond” is a testament to the power of spontaneity and the raw energy of live music. With its edgy indie-rock sound and Glaspy’s masterful guitar work, the album is a must-listen for anyone craving a taste of authentic and unfiltered musical expression. So turn up the volume, embrace the chaos, and let Margaret Glaspy take you on a wild and unforgettable ride.
Photo: Paul Hudson from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
