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| Ana Popovic To Release Effortless New Back To The Roots Album 'Unconditional' On August 16, EclectoGroove Records will release blues guitar goddess Ana Popovic's new album 'Unconditional, ' a fluent collection of contemporary and classic blues cuts that epitomize Popovic's grace, talent, beauty and devotion to her instrument and the blues tradition. The ease and confidence on the album's cover carries the theme of 'Unconditional, ' which is how Popovic sees and experiences the blues: "The power of less; beauty of the basics and an instrument. Popovic and her four-piece band are set to embark an extensive tour of United States and Europe this spring and summer with 34 summer festivals scheduled in 20 different states and countries. Born in Belgrade, Popovic was exposed to blues music at a young age through a tight knit group of musicians and fans that bartered records by Howlin' Wolf, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy and the Delta Blues masters. Popovic was strongly inspired by the sultry and powerful voices of Nina Simone and Koko Taylor and influenced by the striking stage presence of style icon Tina Turner. "I always loved her ease, relaxed image and confidence. I remember seeing her live when I was 13 - she was well in her 40s - and thinking, "Wow, don't we all want to be Tina?" 'Unconditional' was recorded at the legendary Piety Street Studios in New Orleans with Grammy Award-winning producer John Porter. Guests include Sonny Landreth and Jason Ricci. The album features New Orleans' top musicians like Jon Cleary and David Torkanowski on Hammond B3 and piano, Calvin Turner on bass and Doug Belote on drums. Recording in the Big Easy was a dream for Popovic. "I've recorded in eclectic cities like Memphis and Los Angeles but always wanted to go to New Orleans to capture the city's rich musical history. I love everything about the city, its vibe, spirit and optimism and the hospitality and kindness of the people. I think it influenced the album in more ways than just musically." Popovic wrote eight of the twelve songs on 'Unconditional' (co-wrote two with Mark Van Meurs and one with Sonny Landreth.) Covers include songs by Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Otis Span, Nina Simone and Sugar Pie DeSanto. Stream 'Unconditional' in its entirety: http://bit.ly/r1vqkN Unconditional is also the best way to describe Popovic's live shows, full of excitement and passion. "After visiting Popovic' show you just might put her on the short list of best blues-rock guitarists working today, " wrote Vintage Guitar. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Jazz News :: home page |