Annalivia
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Music
Press
"Liz Simmons is a honey-voiced singer from Boston who's reminiscent of Karan Casey, with whom she has studied. "The Whole World Round" is a sterling collection of British Isles and American songs, most set in straightforward acoustic arrangements based on guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. Whether interpreting a romping old Scottish tale like "Come All Ye Lonely Lovers", singing the Irish ballad "The Maid of Culmore" unaccompanied, or adding accordion to Tracy Chapman's "I Used To Be a Sailor" to give it a thoroughly traditional feel, Simmons sings with winsome ease and genuine feeling. Her harmonious duet with guitarist Flynn Cohen (who co-arranged the disc) on Richard Thompson's wistful "Farewell, Farewell" is a fine new version of a classic song."
- Dirty Linen Magazine
Discography
Annalivia (to be released Autumn 07)
Liz Simmons 'The Whole World Round'
Flynn Cohen 'Mellow Yell'
Flynn Cohen 'Dead String Rhythm'
Stuart Kenney 'Undertoe'
Photos
Bio
ANNALIVIA is one of the latest hip young alt-traditional bands to emerge to from the potent Boston fiddle music scene. The acoustic quartet features the beautiful voice of Liz Simmons, a New Hampshire native and protegé of famed Irish singer Karan Casey. Liz has performed with the group North Cregg from Co. Cork, as well as the U.S. based band The Sevens. Liz is joined by fiddle ace Brendan Carey Block (formerly of the Glengarry Bhoys), guitarist/vocalist Flynn Cohen (who has toured and recorded with John Whelan, Adrienne Young, Aoife Clancy, Halali, Cathie Ryan, and others), and bass player/banjo picker Stuart Kenney (Wild Asparagus, Airdance, Karen Tweed). Together, their music combines Anglo-Celtic ballad singing and fiddle music traditions with their North American counterparts—Appalachia and Cape Breton–all with a groove-centric contemporary flair.
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