Label: Manalive Records
Review by Luisa Mercier
The Annie Moses Band hails from Tennessee and it is the brainchild of Annie, one of the Wolaver brothers and sisters that named the group after their grandmother that, even though poor, prioritized her children musical education, giving then birth to this next generation of musicians. The band has Christian roots, but their musical influences are very diverse and take from jazz, classical, folk, blues and bluegrass tradition as you can already hear in the opener “Poor Wayfaring Pilgrim” with an amazing string section. The band is extremely talented and musically educated and you can also hear that there is a lot of passion. They reminded me of Delta Rae, but more trained and with a more pop and less wild attitude.
Some songs are classical baroque pop tracks like the single “Blush”, but others are rock tinged like “Where Do We Go From Here”, a true gem. There is also space for sweet moments like in “Catcher in the Rye”, a beautiful, atmospheric ballad. The Celtic influence is quite apparent in “Blarney Pilgrim” while the following “Progress” has a great debt towards American folk and bluegrass. Following “My Room” would be perfect for a musical, it is soundtrackish and grand in sound. As far as vocals are concerned, Annie shares her duties with her brother Alex and both are so good in what they do, I wish there were more singers like these out there. Well, you might have understood that this record has influences for all the tastes, so please take a listen if you have the chance. You will not be disappointed!
Rating – 80/100
Tracklist
- Poor Wayfaring Pilgrim
- Blush
- The Road Well Traveled
- Where Do We Go from Here
- Read Between The Lies
- Catcher in The Rye
- Love Song
- I Got A Name
- Blarney Pilgrim
- Progress
- Girl of Constant Sorrow
- My Room
- Love’s Legacy
Line Up
- Annie Wolaver – Vocals & violin
- Alex Wolaver – Vocals & viola
- Berklee Wolaver – Vocals
- Benjamin Wolaver – Cello
- Camille Wolaver – Harp, keyboards & vocals
- Gretchen Wolaver – Mandolin, violin & vocals
- Jeremiah Wolaver – Acoustic and electric guitar
- Bill Wolaver – Keyboards & arrangements
- Robin Wolaver – Songwriting & vocals