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

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