Artist description Anne Weiss is a singer-songwriter whose vocal, guitar and piano styles incorporate new folk, blues and gospel. Her first CD, Tomorrow's Gate, was praised as "one of the finest new albums" (Jeff Emery, KZSC Radio. Her new release, Crossing the Border, has been called "brilliant." (Mike Myer, KRVM Radio). Anne has shared the stage with Dar Williams, Ani DiFranco, Dan Fogelberg, Richie Havens, Greg Brown, Catie Curtis, Patti Larkin, Cheryl Wheeler, Aztec Two-Step, Guy Davis, Ellis Paul, Jonatha Brooke, Sonia of Disappear Fear, Pierce Pettis, and Guardabarranco. She appears on recordings with Shawn Colvin, Geoff Bartley, Jim Infantino, Patti Larkin and others. Anne also arranges music for and directs a capella choirs nationally, using multicultural music. On tour, she has developed the art of "spontaneous choir", sometimes offering a two hour pre-concert workshop which often culminates in a "spontaneous performance".

Music Style Political Poetic Funky Folk

Musical Influences Joni Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, Bonnie Raitt, Aretha Franklin, Angelique Kidjo, Marvin Gaye and B.B. King

Artist History As a young girl, Anne was fortunate to hear many touring blues masters, and her desire to play guitar and sing began in those early days. In recent years, she has toured extensively, and this wide experience has polished her performances delightfully. Anne made the full-time plunge into her career in music in 1994 after most of the folk enthusiasts of Vermont and national musicians such as Dar Williams, Keith Greeninger, and Jim Infantino kept encouraging her to make an album. The result was Tomorrow's Gate, a remarkable live production recorded in three days straight with a host of inventive and talented musicians. Of that album, Anne says: "If I had known that a project like that just couldn't be done, I wouldn't have done it. Luckily I was naive about the impossible, so I gathered all my favorite musicians in a room, kept a constant supply of coffee and pizza on hand, and cut an album that has a wonderful acoustic alchemy." In 1998 Anne released her second album, Crossing the Border, whose guests include Dar Williams, Keith Greeninger, Tim ellis, Linda Tomassi, Jofus, and many others. This album embraces a musical diversity which includes a live blues jam, a song with the Burlington Ecumenical Gospel Choir, horn sections, wurlitzer, clarinet, slide, e-bow, and a Spanish love song. The new album has been praised as "brilliant ... incisive ... rich ... wonderful."

Instruments Guitar, Piano

Albums Tomorrow's Gate (1994); Crossing the Border (1998)

Press Reviews "Quite the wordsmith." -Quincey Johnson, National Public Radio "A stunning voice." -Paul Kaza, Burlington Free Press "Anne Weiss is a human dynamo. There is nobody I would rather hear, whether live or on CD. She is a tiny bundle of energy, incredible vocal ability and great songwriting. From authentic gospel to the most plaintive acoustic music to the most timely topical songs, she truly rocks." -Micah Solomon, President, Oasis Duplication "Anne's distinctive voice, guitar playing, songwriting, humor and overall stage presence far surpasses much of the 'major label' talent of the 90's. Her new album, Crossing the Border, is a brilliant CD. I love the variety, arrangement, writing, singing, backup and production. It just couldn't be better! -Mike Myer, KRVM Radio, Concert Producer, Eugene, OR "Her voice is rich and powerful, and yet it can be quiet, soft and clear, too. A lot of passion and soul... her songwriting is what excites me the most, though. The way she can say so much with such beautiful simplicity is what makes these songs really stand out." -Jeff Emery, KZSC Radio, Santa Cruz, CA "One of the freshest, most versatile voices I've heard...she ranges from folk to pop to swing to blues, all with a self-assured ease." -Steve Bornstein, Mixx Magazine (Top 10 Picks, 1997) "Anne's been an inspiration to me ever since we met. She's funny, she's insightful, and the power of her performances bring people together in the best way." -Dar Williams, singer/songwriter

Location Portland, OR - USA

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