With a back story heavy on collaboration, Madison, Wis.-born violinist Marla Hansen is best known as a sidewoman for clients ranging from Duncan Sheik and Jesca Hoop to the National and My Brightest Diamond. Another collaborator is Sufjan Stevens, with whom she has toured and recorded repeatedly; he returns the favors by singing and playing piano on several tracks on her debut EP, . Perhaps more interesting than these indie gigs, however, is her recent work with two names that stick out on her résumé: In 2006, she performed with Jay-Z during his anniversary show at Radio City Music Hall, and earlier this year, she was part of Kanye West's backing band for his "Saturday Night Live" appearance. Neither of these stars shows up on of course, but the hip-hop influence is subtly present on these songs, specifically in the way Hansen uses her violin to create rhythm rather than melody.