Anderson Reinterprets Songs From Harry Smith’s Archives

Why this is here: Anderson incorporates bluegrass techniques into “Quodlibet,” an intricate medley originally performed on the Uzbek dambura—a fretless lute.

Marisa Anderson performs songs from non-American folk traditions discovered within Harry Smith’s archives in the United States. The US guitarist accessed Smith’s collection in 2023, focusing on music from Southeast Asia, Soviet Russia, and the Islamic and Arabic worlds. Anderson’s interpretations come from regions impacted by US conflicts since 1970, and she notes the challenges of translating compositions across cultures.

She adapts an Uzbek medley, “Quodlibet,” adding bluegrass techniques to her guitar playing. Anderson also performs “Hamd,” a qawwali vocal tune, layering guitar to create a warm sound. The album’s liner notes detail what is gained and lost in musical translation.

Anderson acknowledges her inability to replicate quarter-tones on guitar, revealing a limitation in her approach. She continues to explore and share these rediscovered tunes, building on Smith’s legacy.