Rave Review in XRoads Magazine, France

I had a really wonderful review in France’s XRoads Magazine and thanks to my older sister, we have a lovely translation of it (below)! Here are a few clips from the review.

“…one of the most pure talents from the real New York scene”.

“Ten catchy and melodic songs, whose text speak of life, that deal with places or persons, a voice original and melodious, there is nothing to fault with one of the most engaging records of the moment”.

Anne Crane

Through the Farmlands & The Cities

New urban folk has arrived

This New York native has always carried within her stories of immigrant grandparents, of cold and ice in February, flowers that grow on the summits of northern hills, loves and losses, from Toronto to Brooklyn. Add to this the influence of traditional Ireland ballads, of records by Paul Simon or contemporary pop music and you will get one of the most pure talents from the real New York scene. From 13 years of age, she was passionate for classic folk of the 1960s and, after classical vocal training, this is close to the genre that she comes back to, without forgetting to modernise when she begins to compose. Given this, it is not surprising that we dream of Judy Collins (for the voice) or Joni Mitchell (for the quality of compositions) when we listen to Annie sing. Named after the self-produced album, Through the Farmlands and the Cities is the first “long-playing” (?) of this young lady who will come to perform in France (Dijon and Paris) in April. Ten catchy and melodic songs, whose text speak of life, that deal with places or persons, a voice original and melodious, there is nothing to fault with one of the most engaging records of the moment. It is an enchanting walk in various places: “Seneca Falls”, “Pennsylvania”, “Southern Town”; it is also a meeting with people we get the impression we know: “Our Families”, “Song for Dolly”, “Martha & Richard”. The accompaniment is minimal, resting essentially with an acoustic guitar or a piano, with sometimes a violin (like in the two last titles cited) which just underline the richness of the compositions. The record concludes with the traditional “Foggy Dew”, sung a cappella, which leaves you wanting more. - written by Sam Pierre

(originally posted on old website on May 5, 2010)