“Lemons, Limes And Orchids”: Strong songs as a counterpoint to chaos | NDR.de – Culture – Music

by Marcel Anders

Joan as Police Woman, known in real life as Joan Wasser, is a trained pianist and violinist who has toured with Lou Reed, Antony & The Johnsons, Rufus Wainwright and Iggy Pop and teaches at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. “It's bad what is considered 'music' today, namely things that are thrown together quickly because people are no longer willing to pay for them. That's why we hear garbage made by robots everywhere. I myself usually wear earplugs – because I can't stand it any other way,” complains the musician.

Modern world – an imposition

For Joan Wasser, the modern world is an imposition: politically, socially, culturally. “Lemons, Limes And Orchids”, the tenth album by the 54-year-old New Yorker, is seen as a counterpoint to the here and now: a work that relies on handmade sounds.

Joan's tried and tested mix of soul, jazz, funk and synth pop – but the multi-instrumentalist, who has been active since the early 90s, has never sounded so calm, even meditative. Most of the twelve pieces are by Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye – with more groove than dynamics and with a deeply relaxed serenity. No wonder, she admits with a smile: she is in love and feels exhilarated and sexy. “You have to be at peace with yourself, otherwise you won't have any fun. And getting older is a painful experience. Many people become narrow-minded and rigid. They are afraid to ask for help because they see it as a sign of weakness. But all the help they can get is needed.

About relationship happiness and climate protest

Love, desire and openness – instead of stubbornness, fear and frustration. This maxim is also reflected in the lyrics of “Lemons, Limes And Orchids”: Although the focus is on Joan's happiness in her relationship, in “Long For Ruin” and “Help Is On It's Way” she presents herself as a climate activist who calls for more decisive action against geothermal energy. In “Full-Time Heist” she calls Trump a notorious liar and agitator.

“It's crazy and says a lot about how easily people can be manipulated. They want to believe what they want because they're afraid of the unknown. Trump is a master at that. But it's up to us to react accordingly. “If we do that, it can bring about serious changes,” she explains.

Counter-proposal without bitterness

Trump's renewed candidacy is like an attempted robbery. Joan Wasser supports Kamala Harris and hopes for the first female president of the USA. Her tenth album reflects her thoughts and feelings in a fast-moving, chaotic world – and an attempt at an alternative: without bitterness, without anger – but with charm, sex appeal and strong songs.

More information

On “Wild God,” Nick Cave describes the creator as a superhero in retirement who has clearly passed his prime. more

Anderson, known for experimental and socially critical performances, releases her new album “Amelia”. more

NDR Kultur hears Zügel in the latest pop CDs. more