Anna Goldsmith
Douglas, Isle of Man, Isle of Man
Music
Press
"..easy style and confidence..her voice could be filed under Sarah McLachlan.." - Hot Press magazine. - Hot Press Magazine (Ireland)
LET It Rain proves that Anna Goldsmith is not only a fine songwriter but she also has a great ability to perform the songs of others too and make them her own.
>>Hear Anna Goldsmith talk to John Gregory about her new album
A case in point is the stunning You Slayed All My Monsters, originally recorded by The Ken Experiment and written by that group's Nigel Brown.
The original is a simply wonderful track, well worth anyone listening to (you can hear the Ken Experiment's version at iomtoday.co.im). Anna gives it her own treatment but makes it just as moving, so much so that for me it has been one of the highlights of her live gigs.
It sits so well with her own self-penned tracks and those of Rob Cross on the album.
Let It Rain simply pours with a range of styles but the finished result is very much Anna's own. The opener, Older Than My Years, surprised me on a first listen with a superb trip-hop feel to it.
It gave the song a new dimension and a 'modern' sound and is as strong an opener as you are likely to hear.
Not only is Anna an accomplished musician and singer – she was classically trained from an early age – but she has her ears firmly open to different styles of music. She's just as inspired by classical influences such as Sumi Jo while also admiring the work of Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell and Portishead.
A particular favourite of mine is the album closer Don't Wait Up, written solely by Anna. She visited IoM Newspapers on Monday and told me it was written at the end of a relationship. Like the very best songs from singer songwriters, it really stirs the emotions. To hear the interview in full visit www.iomtoday.co.im/audio
Rob Cross, the guitarist in Anna's band, collaborates with her on a couple of tracks while also providing his own songs too.
The album launch is on Saturday, May 17 at the Peel Centenary Centre and Anna and her band will perform live. Also on the bill will be fellow Stereoscout artists Christine Collister and Truman Falls.
The night will see the introduction of a new admission system – the StereoPass audio ticket, for just £12.
Instead of a paper ticket, gig goers will get a limited edition numbered sampler CD featuring music from each of the artists performing at the launch.
Music fans will have to bring the disc to gain access to the gig and it can be shown at the merchandise table to receive discounts for albums purchased on the night.
It's a novel idea for what will be a fantastic night of music by three exceptionally talented artists.
>>Anna will be appearing on the Dan Davies Show on Manx Radio this Saturday and her album will be record of the week on the same station next week.
For more information and to buy the album see www.stereoscout.com and www.annagoldsmith.com
Some of Anna's music can be heard at www.myspace.com/annagoldsmith
Let It Rain tracklisting: Older Than My Years, Metaphor, Horoscope, Madeline, Tenfold, Poison, Unwanted, Fall From Grace, You Slayed All My Monsters, Let It Rain, Don't Wait Up.
John Gregory IOM Newspapers
The full article contains 590 words and appears in n/a newspaper. - IOM Independent
Just thought i'd take this opportunity to compliment Anna on a wonderfully produced CD...Full of beautiful melodies and lyrics....
11 songs which grow on you the more you listen....some lovely session work from names we have all become familiar on the local scene , Christy De Haven , Shane Kerwin , Mike Reaney , Johnny G , Nigel Brown and of course Rob Cross's gentle guitar work....
The CD packaging is of the highest quality as well as the artwork upon it...
All I can say is I hope this proves to be the key that unlocks that big door for Anna as I know how hard she works and how dedicated she is to her musical career and her future....
The production work is a compliment to Dave Armstrong and his team and is a masterful piece of engineering... - www.manxbands.co.uk
I've had a sneaky preview of a few of the tracks, the thing that stood out for me is the clarity and power of Anna's voice. Flawless. The production is superb. And the songs are lovely too. Mesmerising. Can't wait! - www.manxbands.co.uk
Oh indeed.."Monsters" I think has to rank amongst one of the best written songs I've ever heard & most probably one of the best written songs ever. Anna's performance of it gives the song in my opinion its true home conveying every atom of its emotion & poignancy. - www.manxbands.co.uk
I have waited too long for the release of this CD. I am not going to wax lyrically about how good it is, because it is all subjective. However having spent more years than I care to remember reviewing songs, listening to established artists, crass newcomers and the stunningly undiscovered, I am far from dissapointed. You make your own judgement, but as you listen,listen,don't do anything else, if you do you will miss the point. This lady can write beyond her years, sing big small soft or hard and coupled with interestingly crafted production in the real world this should launch her upon you lot - Amazon
"....nothing short of stunning...."
"Don't Wait Up is the best song I've heard in ages..."
"...all in all this is a great pop album,with more than a little bit of class,and unlike virtually every other female singer/songwriter at the moment, is not jumping on the 60's/Dusty bandwagon..."
"...Recommended...." - itunes
Discography
The Horoscope EP
Debut Album - Let it Rain (released 04/06/08)
One in Three - Various Artists
Photos
Bio
Classically trained from a very early age, Anna made her first stage performance when she was just 5 years old. She has the superb control and vocal quality that you would expect after years of continuous vocal coaching and has enjoyed success in many classical competitions.
But in recent years, everything has changed for Anna: she has shifted from a background of entertaining Royalty with opera style precision, to using all of that talent - and more - to bring her own, very contemporary songs to an eager audience.
Since she started gigging her own material, she's been reaching out to a rapidly growing fanbase with a live performance that comes straight from the heart.
Touching on influences ranging from classical artists like Sumi Jo, to contemporary musicians Sarah McLachlan, Massive Attack and Zero 7, she puts her hard earned keyboard skills to use and blends a stunning vocal range with a sensitivity and warmth that grabs the coldest heart.
Her talent was rewarded with the prestigious Air Malta Award at the 2006 Malta International Song Festival and by her gaining the support slot for Triskel Promotions' sold out Katie Melua gig
She worked with Dave Armstrong (producer credits include "Roll Away" Back Door Slam) and Rob Cross (co-writer), on a debut album that is something very different from the latest batch of Girls With Guitars - it's a record packed with immediate but lingering songs, brought to life by a skill for creative lyricism and subtle references to her stunning operatic abilities.
Anna is now also gigging the new material with a full band, which adds a depth and variety to her sound and gives her the opportunity to really soar in live performance.
At the end of 2008 she opened for Bee Gee Robin Gibb in concert as well as getting the opportunity to record a cover of ""Night Fever" for a special BeeGees Anniversary DVD.
Anna continues to gig regularly and has recently completed recording the theme song "Here Tomorrow" for upcoming film "Love Like Hers" by UK Indie film maker Danny Lacey
www.youtube.com/annagoldsmith
www.runningmedia.com
Links
