Ana Popovic - Unconditional

ANA POPOVIC “UNCONDITIONAL”
Featuring Sonny Landreth, Jason Ricci, and more!

“Her Strat-driven blues variations range from high octane SRV-style throwdowns to electric slide-and-wah excursions to Ronnie Earl-inspired jazziness and acoustic Delta stomps.” – Guitar Player Magazine

“…her playing is a melting pot in the best sense, combining jazzy inflections, rockier stylings, fluent runs and muscular string bends to impressive effect.” – Guitarist Magazine

“Ana Popovic is a fine example of a blues artist who takes new directions while remaining true to the essence of the genre” – Blues Revue Magazine


Ana Popovic is widely regarded as one of world’s very best female guitar-players. Her new album, “Unconditional,” was recorded at the famous Piety Street recording studios in New Orleans and is Ana’s sixth studio release. It was produced by Ana Popovic and Grammy Award winning producer John Porter. “I recorded in eclectic cities like Memphis and Los Angeles, but always wanted to go to New Orleans to capture something of their rich musical history,” says Popovic who was born in Belgrade, Serbia. “I loved being in New Orleans for a period of three months. I love everything about that city – its vibe, spirit and optimism, and not to forget, hospitality and kindness of the people. I think it influenced the album in more ways than just musically.”

Popovic was recently honored to appear as a special guest at B.B. King’s German shows. Her previous studio release, “Still Making History” made its way to #3 on the U.S. Billboard blues chart for a total of 19 weeks. On 2011’s “Unconditional,” Ana truly is a guitar goddess – illustrating a daring slide on a powerful guitar record that presents a soulful fusion of contemporary and classic blues. The album features a representation of New Orleans’ finest musicians such as renowned slide guitarist Sonny Landreth, the amazing Jon Cleary and David Torkanowski on Hammond B3 and piano, Calvin Turner on bass and Doug Belote on drums. “I was fortunate to have the fabulous Sonny Landreth – my slide idol since my Belgrade years – to play on the album, a dream come true,” says Popovic. Also the incredible harp player Jason Ricci makes a guest appearance.

Of the album’s twelve songs, eight are originals by Popovic, from which two are co-written by writing partner Mark van Meurs. Also on the album are songs gleaned from the rich blues history done by some of Ana’s favorites, including Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Otis Spann, Nina Simone and Sugar Pie DeSanto. “The title ‘Unconditional’,” Ana explains, “describes what I feel on stage. That place is simply unconditional. It is magical. It’s just me and my guitar, notes, sounds and drum grooves. I let the band lift me up, and I feed off of their energy. I hate to think when playing. I only feel. Unconditional is how I stand towards my music – it’s mine, it’s sacred, and it’s with no boundaries – absolute, definite. I tend to put everything I have into it and don’t let anything or anyone get in between, except the people that truly inspire me.”

Ana Popovic - Unconditional

ANA POPOVIC “UNCONDITIONAL”
Delta Groove Music / August 2011

Tracks:
● FEARLESS BLUES (3:16)
● COUNT ME IN (4:54)
● UNCONDITIONAL (3:52)
● RESET REWIND (3:38)
● SLIDESHOW (5:22)
● BUSINESS AS USUAL (3:22)
● YOUR LOVE AIN’T REAL (4:15)
● WORK SONG (4:01)
● SUMMER RAIN (4:36)
● VOODOO WOMAN (4:11)
● ONE ROOM COUNTRY SHACK (6:33)
● SOULFUL DRESS (2:53)

Produced by Ana Popovic & John Porter

MUSICIANS
Ana Popovic: Vocals & electric, acoustic and slide guitars
Sonny Landreth: 2nd slide guitar (Track 5)
Jason Ricci: Harmonica (Track 2)
Jon Cleary: Keys (Except Tracks 8 and 10)
David Torkanowski: Keys (Tracks 8 and 10)
Calvin Turner: Bass
Doug Belote: Drums
Leon Kid ‘Chocolate’ Brown: Trumpet
Tom Fitzpatrick: Sax

ANA POPOVIC TOUR DATES 2011

month/day/year : City – Venue
08/19/11: Wausau, WI – Big Bull Falls Blues Festival
08/20/11: Norwich, NY – Chenango Blues Festival
08/21/11: Buffalo, NY – Sportemens Tavern
08/24/11: Annapolis, MD – Ram’s Head w/ Walter Trout
08/25/11: New York City, NY – Hill Country BBQ
08/26/11: Teaneck, NJ – Mexicali Live
08/27/11: Rockland, ME – MV Monhegan Cruise
08/28/11: Marshfield, MA – North River Blues Festival
09/03/11: Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Blues Festival
09/05/11: Roanoke, VA – Blue 5
09/07/11: Omaha, NE – TBA
09/08/11: Lincoln, NE – Zoo Bar
09/09/11: Columbia, MO – Roots ‘N’ Blues BBQ Festival
09/10/11: Kansas City, MO – Knucklehead’s w/ Walter Trout
09/11/11: Wichita, KS – Brickyard W/ Walter Trout
09/13/11: San Angelo, TX – Sealy Flats
09/14/11: Austin, TX – Antone’s
09/15/11: San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint
09/16/11: Houston, TX – Dan Electro’s
09/17/11: Grapevine, TX – Grapefest
09/23/11: San Francisco, CA – Biscuits & Blues
09/24/11: San Luis Obispo, CA – SLO Vets Hall
09/25/11: Guerneville, CA – Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival
09/29/11: Kaiserslautern, Germany – Kammgarn Int. Blues Festival
09/30/11: Bocholt, Germany – Alte Molkerei
10/01/11: Bielefeld, Germany – Jazz Club Beilefeld
10/06/11: Prague, Czech Republic – Lucerna Music Bar
10/07/11: Uhersky Brod., Czech Republic – Dum Kultur
10/08/11: Nuess, Germany – Hamtorkrug
10/09/11: Hoogland, The Netherlands – De Noot
10/12/11: Redange, Luxembourg – L’inoui Theater
10/13/11: Redange, Luxembourg – L’inoui Theater
10/20/11: Oslo, Norway – Oslo Bluesclubb
10/21/11: Finnsnes, Norway – Rocktober Festival
11/04/11: Unna, Germany – Lindenbrauerei
11/05/11: Freudenburg, Germany – Ducsaal
11/11/11: Bremen, Germany – Meisenfrei
11/12/11: Lubeck, Germany – Riders Café
11/18/11: Vlissingen, The Netherlands – Het Arsenaaltheater
11/19/11: Rheinberg, Germany – Schwarzer Adler
11/21/11: Ruiselede, Belgium – Banana Peel
11/24/11: Esslingen, Germany – Dieselstrasse
11/25/11: Burgbernheim, Germany – Rossmuhle
11/26/11: Tongeren, Belgium – Rockstage
12/01/11: Aschaffenburg, Germany – Colos-saal
12/06/11: Bremen, Germany – Meisenfrei
12/07/11: Lubeck, Germany – Riders Café
12/08/11: Flensburg, Germany – Roxy Music Hall
12/15/11: Dortmund, Germany – Musiktheater Piano

Website Ana Popovic : www.anapopovic.com


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