Here’s a beautiful performance of JJ Cale’s classic song “Magnolia” from Canadian singer-songwriter Matt Andersen. This artfully-shot live performance features a group of talented players, who bring a real depth and fullness-of-sound to the song. Joshua Van Tassel delivers hypnotic percussion alongside the soothing warmth of Kyle Cunjak’s bass. Another flowing layer of melody is added by Christine Bougie on lap-steel guitar and over this Andersen’s voice is masterful; deep and resonant, smooth and honey-rich, Andersen’s vocal is full of character and story-telling quality.
“Magnolia” features on Andersen’s forthcoming album, “The Hammer and The Rose”, due out on 25th April 2025. The new material is quite a contrast with Andersen’s last release, the JUNO-nominated 2023 album “The Big Bottle of Joy”, which, as the title suggests, was a grander, more spirited collection. After watching one of Andersen’s shows, producer Joshua Van Tassel told him how much he had enjoyed the quieter, more stripped back moments in the performance; at these times, Andersen’s weary vocal was more exposed and impactful. When Andersen started writing for his new album, he kept this in mind and the delicate, vulnerable songs that emerged are brilliantly-emotional, affecting pieces. Be absorbed.
