Biography
"... infectious, impeccable, engaging. ..." -David Tamulevich, The Roots Agency
With a rootsy vibe, a touch of twang, and a soulful groove, Annie and Rod Capps have a sound that reflects their deep and intuitive understanding of each other stemming from a love affair that began while making music in the early 80s. Their songs tell heart-felt human stories, poignantly ponder life’s bigger questions, poetically peer in close and make discoveries that ring satisfyingly true.
Annie’s disarming, earthy voice and solid command of her guitar are punctuated by Rod’s effortless, symbiotic accompaniment and solo work. Together they weave unforgettable melodies that are at once intricate and sparse - musically completing each others sentences.
The Capps' sixth CD, “My Blue Garden”, finds them at their absolute best. Just released in August 2009, the album made it to #2 on the Folk DJ-L charts, and the title track was the #1 song. Seeded with fresh, beautifully-crafted songwriting, its a collage of soulful sketches rooted in small town USA, where familiar and accessible characters might be your next door neighbor, a member of the family or a close friend. Co-produced by Glenn Brown (Jeff Daniels, Rachael Davis, Steppin in it) this album features an essential cast of some of Michigan’s finest musicians - most prominently, Jason Dennie, a regular addition to their live shows, on virtuoso mandolin and sweet harmony vocals. Drew Howard soars on pedal steel and dobro, and the angelic voices of Rachael Davis and Jan Krist are high points.
“With “My Blue Garden”, Annie and Rod Capps have proven themselves to be master gardeners in the area of contemporary folk. All of the songs on the album are stand-outs!” - Lilli Kuzma, Folk Festival on WDCB Public Radio, Glen Ellyn, IL
Over the years, they have done everything from rock to musical theater and while they continue to draw from a carpet bag of genres and influences, what comes out is a hybrid sound all their own. Genuine and playful; effortless and endearing; this duo has been enchanting audiences in quality music venues, house concerts, coffeehouses and festivals throughout their home state of Michigan, the Midwest and beyond.
"When I look around the room at an Annie and Rod Capps performance, I see a lot of smiling faces with eyes riveted to the stage...there is a magic that energizes an audience. I can't wait to bring them back to our concert series!" - Tim Piazza, Concerts at the Cabin, Evansville, Indiana.
2007’s “In This Town” was the Capps’ break-through fifth release, marking their transition from local artist to nationally known act. This fine collection of vignettes is set before backdrops ranging from a friendly town café to an empty house; a dark bar to a front porch; a jail cell to the wide open road.
"Capps has a way of starting a song with an image that's simple, yet arresting enough to propel you through the ensuing developments, which often covers quite a bit of territory." -Jim Manheim, Ann Arbor Observer
Annie and Rod have warmed up audiences for Lucy Kaplansky, Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart, Tracy Grammer & Jim Henry, The Kennedys, Kelly Joe Phelps, David Bromberg, Joe Jencks, Mustard’s Retreat and many others.
Annie is also a proud member of the Yellow Room Gang (www.yellowroomgang.com), a group of renowned singer/songwriters who meet monthly to share new works in progress, friendship and ice cream. The whole gang or smaller groups of the various members have performed together often at concert halls, libraries and festivals.
As a Board member of FARM, the Midwest Region of Folk Alliance and co-founder of Songwriter’s Anonymous, a networking collective of 40+ members of the local music community, Annie is always looking for ways to stay connected and get involved.
When they aren’t busy making their own music, Annie and Rod are often called upon to play supporting roles for other artists. Both are featured on recordings by Allison Downey, The Milroys, Whit Hill, John Latini and many others...
They've performed at The Ark (Ann Arbor, MI), Trinity House Theater (Livonia, MI), Godfrey Daniels (Bethlehem, PA), Bound for Glory (Ithaca, NY), Two Way Street Coffee House (Downer’s Grove, IL), Please Stand By on KPIG (Watsonville, CA), Maple Street Coffee House (Lombard, IL), The Garage (Winston-Salem, NC), Wild Hog in the Woods (Madison, WI), Concerts at the Cabin (Evansville, IN), Cousin Andy’s Coffee House (Carbondale, IL), NERFA Folk DJ Showcase (2008), Charlotte’s Web (Rockford, IL), Official showcase Midwest Region FA (2006), Ann Arbor Folk Festival (2006), Wheatland Music Festival (2005 & 2007), Noreast’r Music Festival (2004-2009), and many more...
Instrumentation
Annie Capps: Sings, plays guitar, ukulele and tenor banjo.
Rod Capps: Plays guitars, tenor banjo, and bass.
As an added bonus, when we can afford it...Jason Dennie plays mandolin and sings.
We have the resources to put together a pro-band as needed.
Discography
Annie and Rod Capps: My Blue Garden, August 2009
Annie and Rod Capps: In This Town, July 2007
Yellow Room Gang Vol 2 - Happy New Day - Dec 2008
Yellow Room Gang Compilation, Volume 1: January 2006
Annie and Rod Capps: One Big Show, August 2005
Annie Capps: Not So Sure, April 2003
Annie Capps: The Wrong Shoes, July 2001
Links
| http://annieandrodcapps.com |
| Annie and Rod on Facebook |
| Annie and Rod on Reverbnation |
| Annie and Rod on CDbaby |
| Annie and Rod on Myspace |