ShAnnie: Press

Water Over Stones – ShAnnie

One of the best things to happen to the Hill Country music scene this year was the emergence of the duo known as ShAnnie. Comprised of local musicians Shan Kowert & Annie Acton, ShAnnie released their debut album Water Over Stones recently and it’s quickly gaining notice. Independently produced by John Greenberg and recorded at the Crooked Whistle Studio, Water Over Stones is a testament to those who put their heart and souls into the project, baring all to those willing to listen. And believe me, there are plenty of music lovers in the Hill Country willing to do just that.
Water Over Stones starts with the beautiful Cold Comfort which, with its repeated guitar riffs, haunting fiddle, and simple melody, sets the tone for the rest of the album. Fickle, one of my favorite tracks, opens with a nice Spanish guitar motif and Shan’s rich alto voice taking a lead. Shan and Annie use a call-and-answer vocal styling to deliver the story within the song – genius. Easy Chair is easily the strongest song on the album. The upbeat country rhythm of Kowert and Greenberg’s guitars and Chris Gage’s Mandolin prowess serve as a nice backdrop to Annie’s vocals as she reminisces and sings about life as seen from her easy chair.
There is excellent harmony throughout the album, none more evident than on the track Tu’ Solo Tu’ (Only Yours) with special guest, Tina Mitchell-Wilkins singing backup. Once again, Gage provides his multi-talents on the accordion and nylon string guitar in this ranchera written by Felipe Valdez Leal. ShAnnie’s vocals meld together well in the title track Water Over Stones as they sing to each other of wasted love and pleasures: “I know what was wasted was a good pure heart, I failed to see it from the start.”
ShAnnie’s performance on Water Over Stones recently received a nomination for Vocal Duo or Group of the Year by the Academy of Texas Music, Inc., and Greenberg’s production efforts received a nod for Producer of the Year. One listen to the twelve tracks on Water Over Stones and you’ll wonder why they weren’t also nominated for Album of the Year.
For lovers of well-written songs and great vocal performances, I recommend getting a copy of Water Over Stones. You can visit their Web site: www.shannieband.com to find out more information about Shan and Annie’s scheduled dates, to purchase the album, and a link to cast your vote for Vocal Duo or Group of the Year. Also, be sure to catch ShAnnie live at a venue near you. You will not be disappointed.

Produced by 2006 TMA Producer of the Year, John M. Greenberg, “WATER OVER STONES” is nothing short of a folk music masterpiece. Greenberg captures Annie Acton and Shan Kowert (ShAnnie) at their best. MTM member Greenberg also appears on the album with guitar and vocals. Acton’s voice is crisp and soothing, true and inviting while Kowert’s vocals are silky and warm throughout the album. Each cut is lyric driven and well-written. The opening cut sets the tone for the project and there are no disappointments. ShAnnie leans toward jazz and then back toward bluegrass leaving no room for doubt that deep folk roots can be diverse and entertaining. An exciting surprise on the disc is the lone Mexican ballad, “Tu Solo Tu” in which ShAnnie shows their true reaches and talent. Stellar harmonies are present throughout and the sharing of lead vocal work makes this a project that will produce favorites. “Harmonica Blues” is not all that traditional in the ‘blues’ sense, but it has a great story. In the line-up of talented male-female duets, you’ll find ShAnnie. Grab the debut album now!

Shan Kowert and Annie Acton, collectively known as ShAnnie, have finally released their first CD entitled Water Over Stones. The 12-song compilation of original tunes penned by ShAnnie is an outpouring of the passion, poignancy and playfulness this very talented and creative duo exudes in their live performances. In a crossover of contemporary country and classic easy listening, the CD showcases the very sexy, sultry vocals of Annie with the sensuous stylized tenor of balladeer Shan. From beginning to end, this CD is guaranteed to delight the many Hill Country ShAnnie fans who have eagerly awaited its arrival. It is, unquestionably, a treasure to be shared.

Water Over Stones is produced by John Greenberg, recorded at Bill Small’s Crooked Whistle Studio, and features the musical talents of some of the Hill Country’s finest performers, including, Greenberg, Small, Hal Brown, Ray Rodriquez, Chris Gage, Warren Hood, Luiz Coutinho, with special vocal contributions by Walt and Tina Mitchell-Wilkins. Greenberg masterfully orchestrated the instrumentation of each song to include an array of accompaniment encompassing a full range of guitars (including Shan’s 12-string acoustic), violin, harmonica, accordion, djembe and various other percussion instruments, making this CD a definite road trip staple.

To learn more about ShAnnie, find out where they’re performing, and sample some of their incredible sound, check out their MySpace, www.myspace.com/shannieband. Water Over Stones can be purchased at My Texas Music (http://www.mytexasmusic.com), CD Baby (www.cdbaby.com) and, of course, at all of ShAnnie’s upcoming concerts.