Australian performer Anni Piper’s sultry vocals
have attracted significant overseas interest and saw her sign with USA
label Blues Leaf Records in 2008. The ‘Blues Leaf’ catalogue includes
releases by many successful American performers including the
award-winning Janiva Magness. Anni’s USA debut, titled ‘Two’s Company’ was
released in January 2009 and hit #1 on the Australian Roots music charts
and # 21 on the USA ‘Living Blues’ chart.
Anni’s latest CD ‘Chasin’ Tail’ was launched in
February 2010 at the Australian Blues Music Festival, NSW. ‘Chasin’ Tail’
has recently been released by Blues Leaf Records throughout the rest of
the world to rave reviews. For this album, Anni has a new line-up and a
tougher sound, influenced by the blues / rock idols she enjoyed in her
youth.
Anni Piper began playing electric guitar at 12 years old, but became a
devoted musician when she was given her first bass at age 14. She quickly
discovered an affinity with the instrument, preferring to lay down a
groove rather than scream out a solo. Anni’s musical ability and strong
focus led her to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Contemporary Music) at
Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW, at only 19 years of age.
Anni remembers with clarity the
first time she heard the blues back in her school days. “It was Paul Butterfield Blues Band
playing ‘Born in Chicago’ - I knew straight away this was the direction I
was heading.” she says.
In early 2004 Anni made the decision to record
‘Jailbait’ (BMM287.2), her debut CD. The album was an immediate success,
winning the category of ‘Best New Talent’ at the 2005 Australian Blues
Music Awards, plus a nomination for ‘Best Female Vocal’. Anni also
achieved first place in the 2004 ABC Radio ‘Fresh Air’ competition.
These weren’t the only accolades for ‘Jailbait’ and
Anni went on to become a top 5 finalist in the blues category of the 2004
MusicOz competition, and achieved 2nd place in the blues category of the
2005 Australian National Songwriting Contest.
Anni’s second
album ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ (BMM324.2) was recorded in early 2007. It was a
much ‘rawer’ recording, and represented Anni’s live sound at the time more
effectively than her first album. Already acknowledged as being an
accomplished bass player and singer, this album showed that Anni had
blossomed into a songwriter of distinction; her songs having a blues
sensibility whilst still addressing the issues of today.
Recent achievements include
nominations as a top five finalist in the 2010 Musicoz Awards in the Blues
/ Roots category, and a finalist in the 2009 APRA Professional Development
Awards.
Anni was a finalist
for ‘Best Female Vocal’ at the 2008 Australian Blues Music (Chain) Awards
and received a nomination for the ‘Rudy Brandsma’ award at the 2007
Australian National Songwriting Contest.
To
promote her music Anni tours Australia extensively, visiting NSW, VIC, SA,
WA, TAS and QLD. Festival appearances include the
Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Optus National Music Muster (Gympie, QLD),
Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival, Bruthen Blues and Arts Festival (VIC), Queenscliff Music Festival (VIC),
and the Australian Blues Music Festival (Goulburn, NSW).
Anni's music video for "Dreamcatcher" has appeared on popular Australian television
programs “Rage” (ABC TV) & “Landed Music” (SC10) and she has performed on “The Susie Show” (WIN
TV) to promote her music. Her recordings have received extensive
airplay in Australia, Europe, the USA and the rest of the world.
REVIEWS FOR "JAILBAIT"
“Piper has the kind of voice that lulls men
to their doom. It’s soft and sweet when it wants to be, scared and
vulnerable a moment later, then ripping through you like a razor…..Piper
commands songs utterly”
Jeremy Loome, The Edmondton Sun, Canada
“This girl’s got it…welcome a new blues sister to the fold”
Canadian Cath Ford,
4CRM Radio, President of the Sugar City Blues Club
“Anni Piper has arrived, and you would do well to
invite her in.”
“Sticks” Randall Ierna, Ranluron Music, BMI
(USA)
“.... (Anni has) finally brought
something new and refreshing to the "OZ" Blues Industry.”
Terry
Iredale, HOTFM Victoria
“Anni has a terrific voice for the blues…this is a great
debut CD”
Gary deWall, The Blues Times
REVIEWS FOR "TEXAS
HOLD ‘EM"
“She’s done it again. This lady was born to
sing the blues! Another great CD.”
Canadian Cath Ford,
4CRM Radio, President of the Sugar City Blues Club
“Anni Piper gives the listener a royal flush in spades with this CD. All I
can say is ‘deal me in’. The playing is superb... Texas Hold ‘Em is a
thoroughly enjoyable listen”
“Sticks” Randall Ierna, Ranluron Music, BMI
(USA)
“..the
first time I ever saw her live she was playing on the Blues Train...and
she was very, very cool indeed. Definitely go check her out if you get the
chance!”
Sarah Howell, Triple J "Roots n' All"
REVIEWS FOR ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM’
“She’s done it again. This lady was born to sing
the blues! Another great CD.”
‘Canadian’ Cath
Ford, 4CRM Radio, President of the Sugar City Blues Club
“Anni Piper gives the listener
a royal flush in spades with this CD. All I can say is
‘deal me in’.
The playing is superb... Texas Hold ‘Em is a
thoroughly enjoyable listen.”
“Sticks” Randall Ierna, Ranluron Music, BMI (USA)
REVIEWS FOR ‘TWO’S COMPANY’
“With her voice somewhat akin to Janiva Magness,
this is solid blues.”
Jim Hynes, ‘Elmore’ magazine, USA
“Australia
has
produced
several
noteworthy
blues
and
roots
acts
in
recent
years,
including
some remarkable female vocalists. Anni
Piper’s two previous releases...established her as a card-carrying
member
of
that
club......Two’s
Company
offers
12
tracks
driven
by
Piper’s distinctive, smoky
alto, but it also highlights her considerable talent on bass....”
Jonathan Black, ‘Blues Revue’ magazine, USA
REVIEWS
FOR “CHASIN’ TAIL”
“She has the kind of voice and delivery that
goes straight to your heart. The music is passionate
in-your-face blues and blues rock, played well and best
heard LOUD....
Anni Piper will, as my friend Don says, melt
your face right off.”
Sunday Night Blues Project, USA
“Anni uses this album and takes on a fantastic
journey.... I simply cannot decide which is better or more effective: her
vocals, her bass playing or her undeniably strong composition potential.”
Mladen Loncar, www.soundguardian.com
“Any list of awesome Aussies should include Anni
Piper. She's an authentic roots blues rocker...”
Ill Folks BlogSpot
Anni
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