Tashi Dorji / Marisa Anderson

Footfalls Records, the new label from Wooden Wand’s James Toth and Leah Hutchison Toth, has come right out of the gate with a stellar first release — a split LP highlighting Tashi Dorji and Marisa Anderson, two of the most exciting and interesting solo guitarists on the scene today. The two players’ approaches couldn’t be more different: Dorji constructs spindly, haunting acoustic improvisations that unfold in unexpectedly delightful ways. Anderson plays mostly electric, drawing from gospel, folk and blues sources to create an absorbing, thrilling atmosphere. Pairing them together on two sides of a single record, however, is a total success, Dorji’s delicate minimalism nicely complementing Anderson’s earthy, Americana vibes. Ultimately, they’re both total originals, and their Footfalls LP is terrific from start to finish. Get it.   words / t wilcox