Anna Givens
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Anna Givens

Sandusky, Ohio, United States | INDIE

Sandusky, Ohio, United States | INDIE
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"First review - 'Mixed Nuts'"

Anna Givens
Mixed Nuts
Record Label: Galena Street Records
Review by Sal Serio
July 2013

The latest release by exceptional jazz vocalist Anna Givens is collection of duets with pianist Johnny O’Neal, a former member of Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers. O’Neal also portrayed Art Tatum in the 2004 movie “Ray”. The CD title ‘Mixed Nuts’ comes from the duo’s approach to recording in an intimate yet relaxed style, Givens simply naming tunes off the top of her head, and the pair nailing the performances in one or two takes, giving the document a very “live” feel, a lot like being in a nightclub except without any ambient distractions.

Givens’ smooth and smoky singing voice is perfectly suited to the material and the stripped down arrangements. Popular jazz standards of yesteryear are rejuvenated when Givens breathes new life in to them, and her delivery is straight to the mark every time.

One may look at the compositional credits – George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Fats Waller, Billie Holliday, and Duke Ellington – and think, “oh man! That’s my Mom’s kind of music!” Well, mother knows best, don’t you know? Just like fine wine, these songs have aged superbly, especially considering the care, consideration, and grace that Givens and O’Neal apply to their collaboration. These two truly epitomize the word “style”. - Maximum Ink


"Anna Givens-Just Last Year - Part One(Galena Street Music 2012)"

Thursday, July 19, 2012
Anna Givens-Just Last Year - Part One(Galena Street Music 2012)

Recorded live during the last few months of the legendary jazz club, Murphy's Place, in Toledo, Ohio, this album captures a taste of the magic created by Anna, Cliff Murphy, and Claude Black in their three years together playing the classics of jazz.
It’s been a while. There have been quite a few changes over the last couple of years. I have a new album, “Just Last Year – Part One”, recorded during the last few months of Murphy’s Place, the famous jazz club in Toledo, Ohio where I earned my stripes as a jazz singer with jazz master bassist Clifford Murphy and the legendary pianist Claude Black. I had returned to Murphy’s after a year on my own singing Big Band with Jeff McDonald’s Swingmania orchestra and piano bar at Fifi’s Reprise. I had a great time singing in front of that 17 piece (18 counting me) band. When Clifford’s partner, Joan Russell passed, I went down to Murphy’s for the wake and got up on stage with them for the first time in almost a year. We’d had a lot of great nights during the years I’d sung with them, but on that night, we were better than we had ever been. I wanted more and when you’re dealing with guys in their late 70’s, you better get it while you can. Clifford offered me Wednesday nights and I came back to Murphy's Place. I had another motive for coming back; I came back hoping we could make a high quality record of what we had created over our three years together. Cliff agreed and we started recording every Wednesday night come rain or come shine. Bass player friends came to help out when Clifford was briefly out of action. Friends came and sat in. The magic happened. The Universe was good to us and we recorded almost 200 tracks starting in February and working through the last week in May. The club closed on June 1, 2011. My producer, D. M. Harris spent the next 10 months working through the material, boiling it down to the best 30 cuts. He’s created two albums, ‘Just Last Year – Part One’ and ‘Just Last Year - Part Two’. The albums are mixed to put the listener right in front of the stage at Murphy’s, no overdubs, no edits – just the way it happened. So far the feedback from the people who’ve bought it couldn’t be better. I’ve sold out my first run of CDs and am now on my second printing. In my little corner of the music world, that’s a Platinum album – granted, it’s only about an ounce of platinum, but satisfying nonetheless. To know that people are digging my stuff makes all the work completely worthwhile.
cdbaby
- World Jazz News


"Anna Givens-Giving Great Music Back To The Jazz World"

Anna Givens is a truly gifted Jazz singer from Toledo, Ohio. Music has been in and out of her life while growing up. She quite enjoyed it, but found the music business something that was not of interest to her. However, through many mutual friends in the music business, music came back into her life before she could blink. During 2004, she toured around the US with legendary Denver guitar player Eddie Turner and after that the rest was history. In 2008 she officially got in the studio to record a couple of songs and now finds herself more involved in music than ever before. Her debut album "SkyLark" showcases the cutting edge of jazz vocals and her ability to be a compelling story teller.

Vocalist Anna Givens , stays true to the smooth yet complex Jazz style that have been around for years. The best part of hearing her songs is how Givens proves there is great depth that can be mined from bringing a new flavor to a genre that is the root of all music. "Honeysuckle Rose," for example, is so free flowing and open to possibilities while having that underlying jazz signature sound. The up-right bass leading the pack while the piano follows close behind leading up to blissful solo that will make those feet do things you never thought were possible. The snapping in the back ground will take you back to the juke box days where people just wanted to dance and have a grand ol time.

If you're located on the East Coast more specifically Ohio then you're in luck. Anna is playing a few shows there over the summer. Take a glance at her MySpace to stay up to date on her events and new releases http://www.myspace.com/annamgivens. - Indie Music Reviews


"Anna Givens-Giving Great Music Back To The Jazz World"

Anna Givens is a truly gifted Jazz singer from Toledo, Ohio. Music has been in and out of her life while growing up. She quite enjoyed it, but found the music business something that was not of interest to her. However, through many mutual friends in the music business, music came back into her life before she could blink. During 2004, she toured around the US with legendary Denver guitar player Eddie Turner and after that the rest was history. In 2008 she officially got in the studio to record a couple of songs and now finds herself more involved in music than ever before. Her debut album "SkyLark" showcases the cutting edge of jazz vocals and her ability to be a compelling story teller.

Vocalist Anna Givens , stays true to the smooth yet complex Jazz style that have been around for years. The best part of hearing her songs is how Givens proves there is great depth that can be mined from bringing a new flavor to a genre that is the root of all music. "Honeysuckle Rose," for example, is so free flowing and open to possibilities while having that underlying jazz signature sound. The up-right bass leading the pack while the piano follows close behind leading up to blissful solo that will make those feet do things you never thought were possible. The snapping in the back ground will take you back to the juke box days where people just wanted to dance and have a grand ol time.

If you're located on the East Coast more specifically Ohio then you're in luck. Anna is playing a few shows there over the summer. Take a glance at her MySpace to stay up to date on her events and new releases http://www.myspace.com/annamgivens. - Indie Music Reviews


"Eddie Turner's "Rise""

"The title song is, like the sleeve, moody and blue-grey. Turner's guitar sets up a haunting riff, and his vocals (whispery but potent) float over the rhythm; backing vocals from Anna Givens add to the sense of mystery. A powerful introduction."

-David Kidney
Green Man Review
February, 2005
- Green Man Review


"With Eddie Turner"

"Eddie Turner's debut for Northern Blues, Rise, captures one of America's most talented blues guitarists, who has found a home on this Toronto-based blues label. Listen to how the title cut wafts ethereal on Anna Givens' background vocals with a hypnotic bass groove..." - Cosmik Debris


"With Eddie Turner"

"Eddie Turner's debut for Northern Blues, Rise, captures one of America's most talented blues guitarists, who has found a home on this Toronto-based blues label. Listen to how the title cut wafts ethereal on Anna Givens' background vocals with a hypnotic bass groove..." - Cosmik Debris


"Anna Givens Just Last Year… Part One Record Label: Galena St. Music Review by Sal Serio"

Anna Givens
Just Last Year… Part One
Record Label: Galena St. Music
Review by Sal Serio
June 2012

The latest release by singer Anna Givens was recorded live Spring 2011 at Murphy’s Place in Toledo, Ohio. Claude Black (Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery) serves as primary pianist on these jazz vocal standards with minimal accompaniment, mostly just piano and bass. Givens illuminates the material with a touch of spunk and playfulness, evident on “Honeysuckle Rose”. Some material swings more emphatically, especially with drums (“Green Dolphin Street”) provided courtesy of Jay Bergs.

When the composition calls for a melancholy, reflective attitude, Anna rises to that occasion too, with a sweet seriousness that tugs at one’s heart strings, stopping just shy of total heartbreak (“Blame It On My Youth” & “Since I Fell For You”). The Bacharach/David classic “Alfie” showcases Givens’ impressive range, from a sultry baritone to pristine soprano altitudes, giving the popular Dionne Warwick version a serious run for it’s money.

My personal highlight is “One For My Baby”, the pinnacle of all barfly last call scenarios. Ms. Givens paints the mood perfectly to the point where I swear I felt my pupils contracting in reaction to low light, there was a whiff of glass sanitizer in the air, and I swear I saw Jack Kerouac slouched in the corner. - Maximum Ink magazine


"Review by Sal Serio"

Anna Givens
SkyLark
Record Label: Galena Street Music
Review by Sal Serio
September 2010

If you long for the sad, sultry torch songs that were the trademark of all the great women jazz singers of the classic era - Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan – than boy, have I got a CD for you. The only singer currently performing that comes anywhere close to capturing this sincere an essence of pure jazz is perhaps Norah Jones, but I’d still place all bets on Anna Givens.

SkyLark is Givens’ solo debut, highlighted by her silky and emotive crooning with only piano and occasional bass as accompaniment. Of significant note is the pianist, Claude Black, who shares history with some of the all-time jazz greats, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, and Wes Montgomery. The SkyLark sessions were recorded “in the moment” without any overdubs.

While Givens is perhaps best known in the Midwest as she is based out of Ohio and gigs often in Detroit, her name may also ring a bell in the Rocky Mountain region. Recently Anna had been a member of blues guitarist Eddie Turner’s band. Husband and producer David Givens, who guests on bass, was a member of the classic psychedelic era band Zephyr. Don’t expect to hear any rock or blues here though - this one is strictly for the jazz cats.
- Maximum Ink Music Magazine


"Eddie Turner's debut for Nothern Blues..."

"Eddie Turner's debut for Northern Blues, Rise, captures one of America's most talented blues guitarists, who has found a home on this Toronto-based blues label. Listen to how the title cut wafts ethereal on Anna Givens' background vocals with a hypnotic bass groove laid down by producer Kenny Passarelli.

Kenny Passarelli produces, and he's given a crisp contemporary sound to this collection of original blues, and some well-chosen covers. The title song is, like the sleeve, moody and blue-grey. Turner's guitar sets up a haunting riff, and his vocals (whispery but potent) float over the rhythm; backing vocals from Anna Givens add to the sense of mystery. A powerful introduction."

-David Kidney
Green Man Review
February, 2005
- Green Man Review


"Eddie Turner's debut for Nothern Blues..."

"Eddie Turner's debut for Northern Blues, Rise, captures one of America's most talented blues guitarists, who has found a home on this Toronto-based blues label. Listen to how the title cut wafts ethereal on Anna Givens' background vocals with a hypnotic bass groove laid down by producer Kenny Passarelli.

Kenny Passarelli produces, and he's given a crisp contemporary sound to this collection of original blues, and some well-chosen covers. The title song is, like the sleeve, moody and blue-grey. Turner's guitar sets up a haunting riff, and his vocals (whispery but potent) float over the rhythm; backing vocals from Anna Givens add to the sense of mystery. A powerful introduction."

-David Kidney
Green Man Review
February, 2005
- Green Man Review


Discography

Anna Givens album: 'SkyLark' - 2010 Galena Street Music
Anna Givens album: 'Just Last Year - Part One' - 2012 Galena Street Music
Anna Givens album: 'Mixed Nuts' Vocal & Piano duets with Johnny O'Neal Galena Street Music

With Eddie Turner:
'Rise' - 2005 Northern Blues
'The Turner Diaries' - 2006 Northern Blues

The song, 'Secret' from Turner's 'Rise' album, featuring Anna, has generated solid streaming and radio airplay in Europe and the U.S.

Photos

Bio

Anna sings jazz, standards, swing, blues, rock and country. She possesses a voice and a style unlike anything you’ve heard, but you recognize it instantly as genuine, sincere, and authentic. Her delivery is effortless, her artistry impeccable. Her good humor, beauty, and love for the music rock.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

"When the composition calls for a melancholy, reflective attitude, Anna rises to that occasion too, with a sweet seriousness that tugs at one’s heart strings, stopping just shy of total heartbreak (“Blame It On My Youth” & “Since I Fell For You”). The Bacharach/David classic “Alfie” showcases Givens’ impressive range, from a sultry baritone to pristine soprano altitudes, giving the popular Dionne Warwick version a serious run for it’s money.

My personal highlight is “One For My Baby”, the pinnacle of all barfly last call scenarios. Ms. Givens paints the mood perfectly to the point where I swear I felt my pupils contracting in reaction to low light, there was a whiff of glass sanitizer in the air, and I swear I saw Jack Kerouac slouched in the corner." Sal Serio, Maximum Ink Magazine

"If you long for the sad, sultry torch songs that were the trademark of all the great women jazz singers of the classic era - Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan – than boy, have I got a CD for you. The only singer currently performing that comes anywhere close to capturing this sincere an essence of pure jazz is perhaps Norah Jones, but I’d still place all bets on Anna Givens."
Sal Serio Maximum Ink Magazine

"The best part of hearing her songs is how Givens proves there is great depth that can be mined from bringing a new flavor to a genre that is the root of all music."

"With a nice and easy style that put me in mind of iconic jazz singer Billie Holiday, Anna Givens debut set of American standards is a recording I find myself listening to over and over again, and finding something new and rewarding each time." Shawn Armstrong, All Music Guide

"Beautiful song.. beautiful voice! NICE!" Joel Sebring, Independent Music Artists

BACKGROUND:

In 2005 and 2006, Anna sang part time with blues guitarist, Eddie Turner. She sang on his first two Northern Blues releases, ‘Rise’ (2005) and ‘The Turner Diaries’ (2006) and performed with him on shows all around the U.S. and Canada. The band was nominated for ‘Best New Artist’ at the Blues Music Awards in 2005 and played at the event held in Memphis, TN.

She began to pursue a career in jazz, her first love, in 2007. She spent nearly two years as vocalist with Claude Black and Clifford Murphy at Murphy’s Place in Toledo and played with Claude on gigs at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit and other venues. She’s performed at The Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill New York, Martha's Vineyard, The Blues Awards Memphis, the Sonoma County Fair, the Bamboo Room Lake Worth FL, Hines Farm Blues Club, the Stranahan Ballroom, Centennial Terrace, the Maumee Theatre, The Toledo Club, The Catawba Island Club, The Toledo Country Club, The Toledo Zoo, The Toledo Museum of Art, Degagé, and many other smaller venues. She was featured at the 2009 and 2010 Sunset Jazz Festivals held in Grand Rapids, Ohio and will be there again in 2012.

MEDIA

Her albums 'Skylark' and 'Just Last Year - Part One' have been featured on Suzanne Carroll's 'Jazz Brunch' radio show and continue to be included in regular rotation.

The song 'Secret' from Eddie Turner's 'Rise' album featured Anna on lead vocal and has been popular on European radio, particularly German radio.

VIDEO

http://youtu.be/7-vMsh-jbEk

AUDIO TRACK

http://soundcloud.com/zephyrcolorado/one-for-my-baby

CONTACT
(419) 626-4796
anna.givens@gmail.com