Mia Doi Todd: The Golden State (2002)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: October 1, 2002

Where would we be without the folk singer? History demands that we remember, so that our future won’t repeat the darker chapters. With this collection of her own songs, Mia Doi Todd discusses the issues: both personal and public. Her sad-tinged alto voice sparkles with the knowledge being traded. She’s genuine in her interpretation. In that respect, Todd bears a close resemblance to Billie Holiday. The themes move from emotional freedom, courage, romance, instinct and the natural world around us, to worldwide destruction. Todd is giving us a wake-up call. Accompanied gently by guitarist Nels Cline, keyboard artist Mitchell Froom and several other significant partners, she brings a contemporary aura to her folk songs. Audio samples and complete lyrics may be found at her web site . The world needs to be reminded.

Track Listing: 88 Ways; Digital; Independence Day; Merry Me; Like a Knife; Autumn; Growing Pains; Poppy Fields; Hijikata; Age of Reason.

Personnel: Mia Doi Todd- voice, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboard, loops; Nels Cline- electric guitar; Mitchell Froom- keyboards; Kraig Grady- glockenspiel; Davey Faragher- bass; Jerry Marotta- drums, percussion.

Record Label: Columbia Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream