Annelise LeCheminant
Los Angeles, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
This cool little album is right up my alley. Annelise LeCheminant is an excellent alternative rock/acoustic rock/folk rock performer who offers up super-cool arrangements of seven holiday classics on Christmas. Before you even hear the CD, you sense something special about the release. The lovely artist's smiling face absolutely radiates personality, almost leaping off the shimmering album cover, and you know you want to hear what this talented woman can do. Fortunately, she can do plenty--LeCheminant's soulful alto has warm charm and texture that welcomes and uplifts the listener. The arrangements transform these well-known chestnuts in subtle ways that speak directly to me; the simple settings made me feel like part of the show. Very, very nice.
All seven tracks have real merit, although the album is way, way too short (27 minutes). I particularly liked The First Noel with its fine violin (Jenne Fleenor) and sharp harmony vocals (Scat Springs). The album closes deliciously with a high-energy, hand-clappin', knee-slappin' version of Go Tell It on the Mountain, including some sly sermonizing by Scat Springs.
If you enjoy acoustic rock/folk, you will definitely want to spend at least 27 minutes this Christmas with the talented Annelise LeCheminant. As my fabulous father-in-law likes to say, this album's a keeper!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007) - christmasreviews.com
By Scott Iwasaki
Deseret News
Published: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 8:20 p.m. MST
ANNELISE LeCHEMINANT; "Driven," (MoxyShop Records) ★★★
"Driven" is the third CD from singer/songwriter Annelise LeCheminant. And to celebrate, the Bountiful-raised artist will perform a CD-release concert at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center Saturday.
And a celebration it will be — if the songs on the CD are any indication.
LeCheminant has continued to grow with her songwriting and arranging. And "Driven," which was recorded in Nashville, is proof.
From the urgent opening track "She Can't Sleep," LeCheminant's songcraft grabs hold of listeners and leads them through an array of emotions, including caution-mixed with yearning ("Fall"), empowering skepticism ("Both Sides of the Fence") and determination ("Driven").
Musical textures range from blues to rock to folk in one quick swoop that keeps this CD interesting.
One of the standout tracks is the tongue-in-cheek but musically serious "Chocoholic," where the listener gets a sweet earful of LeCheminant speaking in French.
Still, the inclusion of the track "Tulalula," which as the liner notes say "is a recording of an unknown band rehearsing on Le Seine River in Paris, France," serves as a fitting intro to the acoustic swing of "Crow Dance."
Ending the CD with a lo-fi, off-beat rendition of Duran Duran's "Hold Back the Rain" is a nice twist in LeCheminant's musical soundscapes.
- Deseret News
Annelise LeCheminant
Jan Hopkins, Staff Writer 19.OCT.04
BOUNTIFUL — Annelise LeCheminant grew up in Bountiful, graduated from Viewmont High School in 1991, then moved to Nashville. The move was a good one.
She has played in venues around the country, including international audiences at the 2002 Olympic Win-ter Games in Utah. She released her debut CD, “You Never Know,” Aug. 28, at The Blues-boro in Nashville.
She recently had her official Utah CD release concert at the Comedy Club in Midvale, Saturday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.
LeCheminant doesn’t just “run scales,” she jumps up and down the scale with emotional, blues-style vocals. Her superb control makes it an alluring roller coaster ride of sound.
She wrote the lyrics and music for each of the 16 songs on “You Never Know.” Each song is as unique as its title. Each set of lyrics tells its own story; their unique personalities defying listeners to peg LeCheminant with a specific perspective. She is a kaleidoscope of reflection.
Just as LeCheminant’s instrumentalizations are tough to tie down, so is her musical genre. She’s a little funk, soul, blues, jazz and rock, all mixed with an energy that makes you sit up and take notice. She’s definitely not the quiet, easy listening style of most local artists. In-stead, she is a delightful, fresh experience.
She performed live last month on KRCL (90.9 FM) and is enjoying a lot of air time on that station.
“You Never Know,” is available at www.annelise.us.
jhopkins@davisclipper.com - Davis County Clipper -UT
Annelise LeCheminant brings an eclectic musical landscape to the table. She definitely doesn't fall into her own ruts like many musicians- she is constantly experimenting with new sounds and new ideas. Her music is mature and universal, and the listener is benefited through her self-discovery. There truly is "a song for everyone" in her catalog. - http://linescratchers.blogspot.com/2009/01/annelise-lecheminant.html
Discography
Album- "Driven" released Jan 10, 2009
Album- "You Never Know" released Aug 2004
Album- "Christmas" released Dec 2006
Photos
Bio
"Annelise is, in my opinion, one of the most refreshing and enchanting singer/songwriters I've ever heard. I highly recommend Annelise LeCheminant to sing and play for any occasion. -Sue L. Padgette, Exectutive Director United Way of Wilkes Co., Inc.
"Certainly Annelise's participation at the Boy Scouts of America Extravaganza was a huge contribution to the '06 event. We've traditionally had the National Anthem but she took that portion of our program to another level. I know our participants enjoyed her singing and playing in the pre-function area prior to the "official start" as well. -Don McKinney, Boy Scouts of America Middle Tennessee Council Development Director.
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Since beginning her music career, Annelise Since beginning her music career, Annelise LeCheminant has been described as "enchanting", "refreshing" & "engaging" as she captivates audiences with her soulful, venturesome sound. This singer/songwriter/guitarist is a musician audiences simply cant ignore. She skillfully applies creativity and artistry to her music, developing a sound that is reminiscent of a well stamped passport, having visited many genres and bringing them home. Its a cohesive blend of alternative groove-rock, gypsy jazz & soul with a little flavor from the salt shaker of a European cafe.
Arriving somewhat late to the music industry, LeCheminant wasted no time in acquiring the skills necessary to make her mark in the world. In 1999 she began teaching herself to play the guitar. One year later, she took a 1,600 mile leap of faith to Nashville to refine her vocal talents with coach Brett Manning and within a few months she was playing open mics & writers rounds. For the next few years Annelise played two or three nights a week in Nashville to fine-tune her performing skills while penning new songs. In the fall of 2003 she began recording her debut album "You Never Know" with producer Matt Wilder, on a self owned label, MoxyShop Records. While in the studio she played acoustic guitar on most of her songs, an accomplishment all on its own. LeCheminant released the 16 track record in August of 2004, with several "A list" Nashville players adding their talents to the project. She then began sharing the stage with them, holding her own as a guitarist and singer.
LeCheminant has performed in countless venues and events throughout the country, including opening for a Lee Greenwood 4th of July Celebration at the four diamond Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in 2006. She performed for an international crowd at the 2002 Winter Olympics Downtown Festival in Salt Lake City and was the feature artist at the Wilkes Co. United Way Benefit Concert in North Carolina in 2005. Along with producer Matt Wilder, LeCheminant created, hosted and performed in a monthly showcase called "The Wilder Side of Nashville", dedicated to helping non-country independent artists and bands in Nashville. When she is not touring professionally Annelise is involved in various musical projects for her church and community.
In 2004 she was voted "'Best of Davis County' Gifts for Music Connoisseurs" in her home town after the release of "You Never Know". In Sept of 2006 LeCheminant's song "Disconnected" was made a part of a permanent installation at the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum in Salt Lake City Utah, where children can interact with the song by mixing and recording. She also released her premier Christmas Album in Dec. 2006 while recording her second full length album of original songs.
Along with writing and recording original material, LeCheminant has sung lead and background vocals for various bands & artists and is an accomplished studio vocalist. Critics praise her vocals on Colette Calls award winning release "Power In His Touch" (www.colettecall.com). She was also invited to sing background vocals on Rebekah Laws debut album Home at Last (www.rebekahlaw.com).
LeCheminant has shown that there is still new music to be made. Listeners rave at the depth and creativity of her lyrics which is topped only by the incredible talent in her voice. Artists and musicians who have worked with LeCheminant describe her vocal and writing abilities with the highest of praise. "People stop their conversations to listen to her," says vocal coach and songwriter Brett Manning. He adds, "She captures the attention of her audience with her voice, style & stage presence. Her lyrics and melodies are creative and artistic." Nationally recognized professional studio drummer, Steve Brewster, says "Annelise, you need to keep doing what youre doing, because this is what music needs". Fans describe her voice as soothing and easy to listen to as she takes a sincere approach to her performances, kicking off her shoes and connecting with her audiences.
When LeCheminant is not playing music she enjoys spending time with her most prized possession; her family, renovating & remodeling homes, water skiing, traveling, photography, pain
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