ANNIE and THE HEDONISTS,
Good Old Wagon, (Windy Acres). Although this Albany –area quartet describes its music as “eclectic mix”, from the first swinging strains of Joe McCoy's “Why Don't You Do Right” it's plain that Annie & the Hedonists are a modern incarnation of the joyful, bohemian, and nostalgic spirit that Jim Kweskin, the Lovin' Spoonful and Maria Muldaur re-energized decades ago. Annie Rosen's sweetly gutsy voice ranges nimbly from belting out the blues to crooning vintage swing and Tin Pan Alley, ably supported by her husband, guitarist Jonny Rosen, multi-instrumentalist Steve Fry, and Steve's wife Betsy on bass. (Rumor has it that Steve Fry, in honor of his favorite stringed instrument, named his daughter Amanda Lynn …just a hint of the whimsical spirit of this group). The result is a truly enjoyable album full of great old tunes from Bessie Smith, Fats Waller, Ma Rainey and the like. Very Worthwhile. --- SS
ANNIE and THE HEDONISTS,
Good Old Wagon, (Windy Acres). Although this Albany –area quartet describes its music as “eclectic mix”, from the first swinging strains of Joe McCoy's “Why Don't You Do Right” it's plain that Annie & the Hedonists are a modern incarnation of the joyful, bohemian, and nostalgic spirit that Jim Kweskin, the Lovin' Spoonful and Maria Muldaur re-energized decades ago. Annie Rosen's sweetly gutsy voice ranges nimbly from belting out the blues to crooning vintage swing and Tin Pan Alley, ably supported by her husband, guitarist Jonny Rosen, multi-instrumentalist Steve Fry, and Steve's wife Betsy on bass. (Rumor has it that Steve Fry, in honor of his favorite stringed instrument, named his daughter Amanda Lynn …just a hint of the whimsical spirit of this group). The result is a truly enjoyable album full of great old tunes from Bessie Smith, Fats Waller, Ma Rainey and the like. Very Worthwhile. --- SS