Moira Smiley – The Rhizome Project (self released, 2024)
The Rhizome Project is a multifaceted work that includes a superb album with thoughtful lyrics and an accompanying book, “The Rhizome Song Stories.” This remarkable project centers around the concept of interconnectedness, likening the creative process to a rhizome; an underground root system that spreads and connects.
In an age dominated by ephemeral singles and playlists, composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter Smiley presents a full album to invite listeners into a cohesive collection of ideas and emotions. By curating exquisitely folk songs that have shaped her, she reflects on how these influences continue to inform her current work.
The Rhizome Project is pure delight. Moira Smiley expertly combines American roots traditions with chamber folk and elegant effects, such as mesmerizing gradual fades. Notably, her exquisite, emotive voice, which is utterly mesmerizing and groundbreaking, is the highlight of the album.
The accompanying book provides personal narratives, exploring the stories behind the music. It serves as a companion to the album, yet Smiley believes the book can also stand alone, offering insight into her artistic journey and creative process. Several tracks on the album hold special significance, as they were among the first to give her the confidence to sing solo. Other songs address broader ethical themes, while grounding her in a tradition of voices connected to nature and resilience.
Smiley views herself as both an introverted artist and a dedicated worker within the music industry, shaped by her travels and the landscapes she returns to. As she navigates her forties, she reflects on how deeply her environment and community influence her creativity, grounding her in both the complexities and beauty of everyday life.
Smiley shares: “I am a worker bee for music, an introvert, and dreamer who travels to make my living. One of the lessons of being in my forties is how deeply shaped I am by the landscape and people I come home to. I look to certain neighbors and friends to remind me of the myriad creative and practical ways to be human; right here, right now, in all the mess, the ordinary, painful and precious.”
Musicians: Moira Smiley on voice, piano, banjo, drums, field organ; Rhizome String Quartet: Brooke Quiggins-Saulnier & Laura Markowitz on violins, Stefanie Taylor on viola, and John Dunlop on cello.
Guests: Merrill Garbus on vocals; Taylor Ashton on vocals; Seamus Egan on guitars; Samantha Fox on vocals; Nuala Kennedy on vocals; Adam Bradley Schreiber on drums; Jean Rohe on vocals; Liam Robinson on vocals; Vivien Ellis on vocals; Deborah Felmeth & Summar Taha on spoken voices; Malcolm Dalglish on vocals; Dave Weber on sound design elements.
All songs arranged by Moira Smiley
Produced by Moira Smiley & David Weber
Buy The Rhizome Project CD from Bandcamp or digital download from Amazon.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.