“From straight-ahead blues-rock to sultry jazz and reggae, Popovic continues the blues tradition with a unique voice and a distinctive guitar sound.” - Vintage Guitar
“Ana Popovic is a fine example of a blues artist who takes new directions while remaining true to the essence of the genre… Though capable of thunderous, Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired guitar solos, Popovic is equally adept at a quieter, more contemplative style.” - Blues Revue
"Yugoslavian-born Ana Popovic is not only a superb singer and songwriter, but also a very capable guitarist who can flatpick fluid jazz lines, craft deep-pocket slide grooves, and bend strings with SRV-style emotion.” - Guitar Player
DESCRIPTION:
Recognized as one of Europe ’s hottest guitarists, Serbian born Ana Popovic is not only making history, but well on the road to international stardom. Hailing from the war-torn town of Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia, Ana found her calling at an early age when she became enchanted by the sounds of American blues and soul music through her father’s record collection. Years later she relocated to the Netherlands to study music at the Utrecht Academy and soon began building her solid reputation as a dynamic performer with steady touring throughout Europe and by releasing several critically acclaimed CD’s. In 2003, Ana was the first continental European artist recognized by The Blues Foundation in the U.S., honoring her with a Blues Music Award nomination for Best New Artist Debut.
In 2007, Ana Popovic set her sights on the U.S. and signed her first American record deal with the Los Angeles based Delta Groove Music. The subsidiary label Eclecto Groove Records was then formed and created to support Ana’s diverse and eclectic approach to music. Produced by Grammy Award winning producer John Porter and David Z, “Still Making History" signified Ana’s first official entry into the U.S. market and it was a smashing success. The album spent a total of 19 weeks on the Billboard blues chart and hit its peak position at #3!
After tirelessly touring the U.S. and Europe for the past two years Ana now returns with her follow up effort "Blind For Love," produced by Mark Dearnley (AC/DC, Tom Petty, Paul McCartney) and Ana Popovic. Here Ana offers up a little something for everyone including blues, rock, jazz, funk and gospel, and is joined by members of her regular touring band - Ronald Jonker (bass) and Andrew "Blaze" Thomas (drums), plus special guests Tony Braunagel (drums) and Mike Finnigan (Hammond B-3) from the Phantom Blues Band. On “Blind For Love” Ana demonstrates once again that she possesses the vision to forge ahead with her own uniquely distinctive style and continues to evolve as a deeply personal and gifted songwriter.
MUSICIANS:
Ana Popovic: vocals & guitars
Ronald Jonker: bass
Andrew Thomas: drums
Mike Finnigan: keys
Tony Braunagel: drums, percussion, background vocals
Lenny Castro: percussion
Darrell Leonard: trumpet
Joe Sublett: sax
Julie Delgado, Kenna Ramsey, Billy Valentine: background vocals
ALBUM CREDITS:
All music by Ana Popovic except Track 11 by Dion Murdock
All songs written by ANA POPOVIC except Tracks 01, 06, 10 by Ana Popovic and Mark van Meurs, Track 09 by Ana Popovic and C. Brant, Track 05 Written by Mark van Meurs
All songs arranged by Ana Popovic except: Track 4 arranged by Ana Popovic & Mike Finnigan, Tracks 1, 2, 7 arranged by Ana Popovic & ronald Jonker
Produced by Mark Dearnley & Ana Popovic • Co-Produced by Tony Braunagel • Executive Producers: Randy Chortkoff & Robert Fitzpatrick Recorded & Engineered by Mark Dearnley (tracks 2, 3, 5, 6, 9,12) & David z (tracks 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11) at Castle Oaks Studio (Calabasas, CA) • Recorded March/April 2009 • Assistant Engineer: Josh Blanchard • Mixed by Mark Dearnley • Mastered by Robert Hadley (The Mastering Lab – Ojai, CA) • Artwork & Design by Joshua Temkin • Original concept design by John van der Maat • Photography by Rusty russell, Martine Felice Berendsen, & Hanneke Acker • Radio Promotion by Jody Best • Retail by Jeff Fleenor • Business Affairs by Malcolm Wiseman |
