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is a singer-songwriter in the Suzanne Vega vein. She played a great set at The Luminaire in London last night, accompanied by Nelson Bragg (vocalist and percussionist with the Brian Wilson band). Here's a link to her myspace page (check-out "The Night She Learned to Drive"):

http://www.myspace.com/annycelsi

I never heard of her before. The song you mentioned sounds quite nice but I only had a listen to the start so far. The title suggests that words are going to be interesting. I didn't care for the track at the top of the list on the myspace page but that might be a bit harsh cos I didn't give that much of a proper listen yet either. Did you get the email today from meanfiddler (or it might have been tickettoutster) about Brandi Carlile dates - http://www.brandicarlile.com/. I have not had much of a listen to that yet either but from the few bars I listened to you might like her as well.

Hi Mr Man,

Brandi Carlile sounds okay, but I think the appeal of most new acoustic new singer-songwriters comes across most strongly at their live gigs. Actually, I'm not one to normally go for singers who could be classed as folk/country, but I heard good reports of Anny , and I also know Nelson (from Brian Wilson's band) who's a great guy. Actually, I quite like the song of Anny's at the top of her myspace page, which has more of a Mamas and Papas/Monkees feel. Anny & Nelson also sing an excellent version of Lee Hazelwood's "Some Velvet Morning", which is not featured online. As it happens, I went to two great gigs on consecutive nights, as I saw Buffy Sainte Marie play live at the QEH, yesterday. I've put a report in the Buffy thread which is currently near the top of "Other Music".

All good things, John E

Having now listened twice to Anny Celsi's "Tangle-Free World" CD, I'm completely blown away it. The CD is a collaboration between Anny Celsi, and Nelson Bragg of the Brian Wilson band (who has also produced and arranged the album). It is, in fact, the first album for at least two years that I had to replay instantly! "Tangle-Free World" is gorgeous, melodic, musically interesting and totally enjoyable. There is absolutely not one dud track on the album, and I would go as far as saying that virtually every song could be a single. The first track "Tangle Free World" is delightful - kind of like Mamas and Papas meet "Marakesh Express" on "Pleasant Valley Sunday"! There are some lovely touches of sitar and a trumpet arrangement that would be at home on "The Notorious Byrd Brothers".

All that said, Anny Celsi is an excellent songwriter with a unique and affecting voice. Everything sounds so good here, that I hesitate to pick favourite tracks, but Thanksgiving in Hollywood", "First Love Freezes", "The Night She Learned to Drive" and "Own Sweet Time" are the songs that particularly stood out on my first listens. "Now You Can Hurt Me" has the soulful sound that you might hear on Van Morrison's "Beautiful Vision". As well as featuring Nelson on drums and percussion, it also features other members of the multi-talented Brian Wilson band (as do some of the other tracks here). "Own Sweet Time" features a string arrangement by Paul von Mertens, and the guitar playing at the end sounds uncannily like George Harrison's on "Cloud Nine".

Leonine creativity shines throughout the album, giving several songs a jingly-jangley Bydsy sound that could also be likened to Suzanne Vega's "Luka" or the best of the Pretenders' music. Anny and Nelson's cover of Lee Hazelwood's "Some Velvet Morning" is a wonderful surprise, and one of the rare occasions where a cover version does full justice to the original. "Sally Go Round the Roses" (which I seem to recall Joan Baez singing in "Don't Look Back") is here developed into something much more interesting. It has lovely harmonies and organ playing not unlike that of Ray Manzarek. After a (Sixties style) brief reprise of "Tangle-Free World" the album closes with the beautiful and poignant "Paper Umbrella".

Despite all the instruments featured (including violas, violins, cellos, horns and piano) Anny’s voice remains at the heart of the music. In conclusion, “Tangle-Free World” is a triumph for all concerned . More info on::

http://www.taxim.com/start.htm

P.S. If anyone's had a problem ordering this, there should be no problem as of August 13th.