If you get the chance to see Anne Vriend live, do it. I was introduced to her music a few months ago at a small venue in Calgary and was knocked out by her performance, just her and her piano.
She has a wonderful way of telling a story in a song, whether she rips a page from her family history or sings about affairs of the heart.Her piano playing is impressive. I was a little surprised to hear influences of stride piano in her approach. It's not what I'm used to from singer songwriters whose instrument is piano.
Then there's her voice. As she shared with us during her show, one critic describes it this way - "where Dolly Parton and Aretha Franklin meet (see quote below). That critic is not wrong. There are shades of country and soul in her singing. From a growl to a whisper. On top of everything, she has a great sense of humour.
SOME PRESS QUOTES (from her website..)
First, the voice: “Soulful, inspiring, brave and bluesy” (Rip It Up, Adelaide) with a “vocal range from vulnerable delicacy to blasts of soulful power” (Halifax Chronicle) Vriend's vocal sound has been described as an enchanting cross between Dolly Parton and a young Aretha Franklin and as “almost confronting” by The Sydney Morning Herald.
ANNE VRIEND HISTORY (from her website..)
Ann Vriend (pronounced Vreend) was born in Vancouver B.C. When her parents discovered their 3-year-old could play nursery songs on a Fisher Price xylophone, they encouraged her musical development by enrolling her in violin lessons.At age nine, when Vriend sought to accompany herself as a songwriter, she took piano lessons from an elderly woman down the street who charged $5 per visit.
In high school, in order to be able to do submit her home-made recordings for a school project, Vriend was coerced into performing three of her compositions at the school talent show.
Accolades from her fellow students evolved into projects with older students in bands, interest from record labels, praise from critics, and loyal fans around the world.
Ann Vriend has a strong following in her home province of Alberta, and I think she's a viral video away from a much wider audience.
I am so pleased Ann came through for me when I asked her to PRESS PLAY>
What have you been listening to lately? What is on your iPod, CD player, turntable these days?
What is the record (okay maybe two or three or four or more ) that influenced your music the most?
As a kid I would say Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel). And Raffi, everything by Raffi. Which later I found out was produced and arranged and nearly all instruments played by Ken Whitely. So, really, he has to be in that list, too.
What was the first record you bought?
Graceland (Paul Simon) with money from my first flyer route.
What’s your favourite cover tune? (Song and covered by whom?)
What is the record that you count as a guilty pleasure?
OK Computer - Radiohead
Currently, what’s your favourite record to listen to on the road?
Which of YOUR records is your favourite? (or one where you appear as a guest?)
 |
| NOT Ann's favourite of her records |
Oh man, I haven't guested much other than on some very obscure recordings (is this a sign? hmmm...) so by default I would have to say one of mine, but I always have an uncomfortable relationship with my own albums, so my answer, which I hope comes true, is: one in the future (title yet to be determined).
(Musical Immigrant's note: here's a review of
Love & Other Messes)
What’s the record you bought that you wish you didn't?
Milli Vanilli ..(just kidding)
(Musical Immigrant's note: I'm not sure whether her "just kidding" means a) she's really glad she bought it or b) she never actually bought it.)
What’s the record you bought that you wish you didn't?
Milli Vanilli ..(just kidding)
(Musical Immigrant's note: I'm not sure whether her "just kidding" means a) she's really glad she bought it or b) she never actually bought it.)
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