Last year, John Vanderslice, Minna Choi and nineteen members of the Magik*Magik Orchestra spent three days in the studio, capturing live recordings of JV’s latest songs with Choi’s orchestral arrangements. The approach might have been outside Vanderslice’s studio wizard comfort zone, but the resulting album, White Wilderness, is wholly engaging, a vital, unique addition to one of indie rock-pop’s most consistent discographies.
On June 17, Vanderslice and Magik*Magik reunite for a one-time-only live performance of White Wilderness the way it was recorded, with a thirty-piece orchestra and choir. The show, at the historic Herbst Theatre, also celebrates Magik*Magik’s third birthday. All told, it promises to be a very special night of music that you won’t want to miss.
John Vanderslice
The Magik*Magik Orchestra
June 17, 2011
Herbst Theatre
8pm, $20
John Vanderslice and The Magik*Magik Orchestra – “Sea Salt”
John Vanderslice and The Magik*Magik Orchestra – “The Piano Lesson”
About the Performers:
With White Wilderness, local institution John Vanderslice continues to demonstrate why he’s one of indie pop’s most gifted singer-songwriters. “It’s not that he’s become Sinatra, but over the nine songs of the release he brings his ruminative, elegant creative ear to some excellent partners in the Magik Magik Orchestra. ” (All Music Guide) “
In three years, The Magik*Magik Orchestra has become the go-to group for adding an orchestral flavor to rock recordings and performances, having collaborated with a diverse set of big music names, including Death Cab for Cutie, Mike Patton, Carlos Santana and The Dodos. “The orchestra’s work creates beautiful settings for what [Vanderslice’s ] voice says without either overwhelming it or pushing it past its limits.” (LA Times) “You hear those layered, atmospheric strings? That, friends, is Magik*Magik Orchestra a youthful, S.F.-based assemblage of supremely talented musicians that has worked with all sort of famous people.” (SF Weekly)
