Mary Halvorson’s Solo Album Reviewed

Source: Chicago Reader.

Guitarist Mary Halvorson has always been open about her influences and like many musicians her age—she turns 35 today—rock has been a huge part of her early listening. She’s certainly the first jazz musician whom I ever interviewed to profess her adoration for Deerhoof guitarist John Dieterich. She’s played in rock-leaning projects, like her spazzy band with drummer Kevin Shea called People, but her rock side has come out in her jazz playing in less obvious ways. Last month she released her first solo album, Meltframe (Firehouse 12), which she spent three years developing and finessing; she finally entered the studio after an opening slot on a tour with Melvins guitarist Buzz Osborne.