Product Description
Ana Popovic is widely regarded as one of world's very best female guitar-players. Her new album, Unconditional, was recorded at the famous Piety Street recording studios in New Orleans and is Ana's sixth studio release. It was produced by Ana Popovic and Grammy Award winning producer John Porter. ''I recorded in eclectic cities like Memphis and Los Angeles, but always wanted to go to New Orleans to capture something of their rich musical history,'' says Popovic (who was born in Belgrade, Serbia). ''I loved being in New Orleans for a period of three months. I love everything about that city - its vibe, spirit and optimism, and not to forget, hospitality and kindness of the people. I think it influenced the album in more ways than just musically.''
Popovic was recently honored to appear as a special guest at B.B. King's German shows. Her previous studio release, Still Making History made its way to #3 on the U.S. Billboard blues chart for a total of 19 weeks. On 2011's Unconditional, Ana truly is a guitar goddess - illustrating a daring side on a powerful guitar record that presents a soulful fusion of contemporary and classic blues. The album features a representation of New Orleans' finest musicians such as renowned slide guitarist Sonny Landreth, the amazing Jon Cleary and David Torkanowski on Hammond B3 and piano, Calvin Turner on bass and Doug Belote on drums. ''I was fortunate to have the fabulous Sonny Landreth - my slide idol since my Belgrade years - to play on the album, a dream come true,'' says Popovic. Also the incredible harp player Jason Ricci makes a guest appearance.
Of the album's twelve songs, eight are originals by Popovic, from which two are co-written by writing partner Mark van Meurs. Also on the album are songs gleaned from the rich blues history done by some of Ana's favorites, including Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Otis Spann, Nina Simone and Sugar Pie DeSanto. ''The title Unconditional,'' Ana explains, ''describes what I feel on stage. That place is simply unconditional. It is magical. It's just me and my guitar, notes, sounds and drum grooves. I let the band lift me up, and I feed off of their energy. I hate to think when playing. I only feel. Unconditional is how I stand towards my music - it's mine, it's sacred, and it's with no boundaries - absolute, definite. I tend to put everything I have into it and don't let anything or anyone get in between, except the people that truly inspire me.''
Unconditional Reviews
Unconditional Reviews
| 30 of 34 people found the following review helpful This review is from: Unconditional (Audio CD) It's been over two years since guitarist/singer Ana Popovic released her last album, but her latest, "Unconditional," has made it well worth the wait. Recorded in New Orleans, it successfully fuses classic and contemporary blues into music with high energy and lots of passion. Her guitar playing is amazing and her vocals are as smooth as honey. Soulful and virtuoso are words that come to mind when listening to her play. The album also features the amazing slide guitar of Sonny Landreth and the talents of Jon Cleary and David Torkanowski on hammond B3 and piano, Calvin Turner on bass and Doug Belote on drums. The title track, "Unconditional," has some unbelievable guitar work but also incorporates a beautiful piano which adds depth to the song. Jason Ricci makes a guest appearance and plays the harp, adding a unique and beautiful texture to the sound. I love the backbeat drumming on "Slideshow" that has a huge, pounding bass line and delivers with nothing short of a sonic boom. "One... Read more 15 of 17 people found the following review helpful By Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Unconditional (Audio CD) Ana's last album was a change of pace, what with falling in love and having a baby -- it was a different kind of album.Unconditional is a return to form -- a blues album with outstanding guitar work, great vocals, and a wonderful collection of guest artists (Sonny Landreth and John Cleary from New Orleans where the album was recorded), as well as Jason Ricci on harmonica. Her songwriting is also excellent, as always. Her originals are mixed with a few old blues songs she loves. This album also showcases Ana's versatility. The instrumental slide duel with Sonny Landreth, "Slideshow," is a highlight. Hopefully, this can be Ana Popovic's breakthrough album (they've all been excellent) in the U.S. Ana should be playing stadiums in this country instead of small clubs. 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful By Mark Dunlap "Markhawks" (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews This review is from: Unconditional (Audio CD) Bsides being hot (you may have noticed the cover), Ana really is an amzing slide player and song writer. Her singing is developing over time, as her accent sometimes stands in contrast to the great lyrics.Sonny Landreth sits in on part of the CD< and they play very well together - he kind of pushes her along. Overall, 4.5 out of 5.... |
› See all 20 customer reviews...
No comments:
Post a Comment