Music
Press
The voice is as pure and limpid as the songs are lyrical and poetic, the melodies as gently caressing as the soul delivering them. Ridgway has a softly subdued, yet quietly celebratory view of the world around her, knowing there is pain and hurt but ever searching out the subtle beauty the rest of us might miss, be it the memory evoked by an empty shell or the simple innocence of a child so easily broken yet so often the thing we all crave to rediscover.
Such sensitivity could easily be overwhelmed by its context. I can imagine it must be hard to deliver songs like this to an inattentive audience, but on record, Ridgway has surrounded herself with musicians as obviously equally sensitive, matching the slivers of glistening acoustic guitar with a swell of violin here, an underpinning double bass note there, all captured with an unerring clarity full of air and light by engineer Robin Janus.
It's not the easiest field in which to shine these days; the ever-expanding world of the acoustic singer/songwriter, but Ridgway has enough of the quality of the masters of the genre (artists like Joan Baez, something of whose vocal tone she shares, Sandy Denny and Joni Mitchell), to command something of the attention that is her due. The warmth and gracious maturity in this collection is becoming an alltoo rare commodity and deserves gentle nurturing. - Drum Media Magazine
As Blue "Mountain Musician of the Year", 2005 was a very successful year for Anne Ridgway. Her second album, "Turn Your World Around" gives a pretty good idea as to why. arthy and Acoustic, but very, very gentle; Anne's skills as a singer, songwriter and guitarist are very much in evidence and all are excellent................This is an outstanding Blue Mountains release. Some lovely cover photography and design are also worthy of a mention and they complete what is overall, a worthy addition to any serious acoustic music buffs collection. - Pat Drummond
"Absolutely gorgeous; ten out of ten!!" (In response to the playing of "Planet Blue" from "Turn Your World Around" - live last November. - Phillip Adams "Late Night Live" ABC
Anne Ridgway has performed at two Blue Mountains Music Festivals (2004 and 2006). She is one of the most promising folk talents to emerge from this area for many years. Her vocal quality, her excellent song-writing skills and musical ability are all outstanding!! She has my utmost recommendation. - Bob Charter - Co-director - Blue Mountains Music Festival
Anne Ridgway is one of those few folk artists who has the gift to be firmly rooted in the true folk tradition, whilst remaining thoroughly modern. Think back to the days of Mimi Farina, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and Jomi Mitchell with the innocence of those special Laurel Canyon days, when songs were sung with true emotion. Anne's voice has that crystal clear resonance, which enables stories to be told within the context of her self-penned songs. Take careful notice of "Five Little Birds" and dare not to be moved by it and if you want to set yourself free, "Shine" will surely do that for you" 'don't be a victim of your past', shine!' For a trult traditional interpretation of a song, listen to "She Moved Through the Fair" and imagine Anne resplendent on stage, soulfully sharing this number with you, Folk at it's best, need one say more? - Tony Bates - 100.7 Highland FM Victoria
Discography
" Angophora" 13 track album - released 2002
"Turn your Wold Around" 12 track album - released 2005
"Paint a Thought" 11 track album release 2010
Both albums are played on community radio all around Australia as well as on ABC Radio National
Tracks most played:
"China Seas'
"Planet Blue"
"Five Little Birds"
"Angophora"
Photos
Bio
Song writing began for me when my sister gave me an old beaten up Spanish guitar. I would spend hours in my room learning how to pick and teaching myself basic chords; later on they were to become more complex on different guitar tunings.
I loved composing music to other people’s songs and then I penned my own songs when I landed a regular gig at a coffee shop in Nth Sydney. I mostly played covers but gradually peppered my own songs into the sets as I became more confident of my style. I write from the heart and I love the exhilarating feeling of having inspiration enough to have a song in the space of 30 mins!!! It happens like that sometimes; often driving in the car!
I started to write more prolifically when I moved to a seaside location in Sydney. Being close to nature has always been a great inspiration. I write about almost anything from personal experiences, people I meet to the environment, social injustices and heartfelt issues.
I also have a passion for the “Lord of the Rings” and have written a handful of songs about characters and places from the book.
Eight years ago I moved to the Blue Mountains in NSW where I have since written enough songs for two albums “Angophora” and “Turn Your World Around” which are now recorded and receiving airplay on many community radio stations throughout Australia.
I was introduced to the folk festival circuit where I met two fine musicians from contemporary Celtic/ Folk Sydney band, “Mothers of Intention”; Rosie McDonald and Tony Pyrzakowski.
Rosie’s voice has been described as "deep and rich, resonating against the pure, clear height in Anne's voice” This is most evident when we sing “She Moved Through the Fair” unaccompanied.
Tony is a master on the violin; turning his hand to practically any style and improvising on the spot. It is always a thrilling and surprising experience to play with him. He is also a member of the high profile band “Wheeze and Suck”.
We have not looked back playing to audiences at many festivals and other acoustic venues.
Occasionally we are also graced with the deep sasse Double Bass sounds of Liz Frencham from renowned Pop/Folk Sydney band "Jigzag"
The unique thing about this music and collaboration of artists is the luscious blend of vocal harmonies and sensitive instrumentation.
We work together and are close knit friends. This is very evident to our audiences with whom we want to share our life- affirming and uplifting music.
“Anne has the true artist’s quality of expressing her soul through her art, and doing so with a uniquely personal voice. This is what makes her such a compelling live performer.” Blue Mountains Gazette.
I was very honoured and humbled to receive the award for Blue Mountains Artist of the Year 2005 as well as Best in Folk.
I released my 3rd album "Paint a Thought" this year 2010. The CD features the effortless slide guitars of Canadian born musician, Bruce Reid. My recent compositions have developed a distinct jazz style but are still rooted in the acoustic folk tradition of the 60's and 70's with a contemporary edge.
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