Laura Martier - Diving for Light (2021)

Diving For Light is a distillation of many of my influences, all coming together during a year of quarantine and quiet. While participating in an online elemental workshop and in "Fire," I wrote a song every day for 30 days using open tunings inspired by a recent Joni Mitchell tribute concert I participated in. The words and songs emerged effortlessly. These are the seven that wanted to come to life now.

This record would not be possible without the amazing talent and vision of Matthew Wentz, accomplished guitar player for the band Zack Mexico. Matt transformed my rudimentary videos into lush arrangements and directed the recording with ease! It also helps to have extraordinary talent in my family and community; all of these musicians are either related to me or have been in my life as collaborators and friends for many years...except for Dylan! When we were at a loss as to who could contribute on piano and organ, my nephew Santosh, who is the amazing tenor sax player here, brought his gifted friend on board. Matthew coordinated tracks from Santosh in NYC and Dylan in Portland, Ore.