Anni Piper Band (NSW)

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Anni began playing electric guitar at 12 years old, but switched to bass at age 14. She quickly discovered an affinity with the instrument, preferring to lay down a groove rather than scream out a solo. She remembers with amazing clarity the first time she heard the blues (It was Paul Butterfield Blues Band playing Born in Chicago - I knew straight away this was the direction I was heading, she says).

Anni quotes Stevie Ray Vaughan as her biggest early influence. The late, great Texans grooves have had an undeniable impact on this Aussie girls original material. The music of Eric Clapton and Robert Cray have also been invaluable in shaping her understanding of the blues.

Anni met guitarist and co-writer Allan Vander Linden in 2003. The pair formed a prolific songwriting duo, composing numerous blues numbers.

Her talents were never destined to stay hidden for long, and Anni recorded her debut album Jailbait in April 2004. The all original, 10 track CD was immediately snapped up for distribution by the prestigious Black Market Music label. Jailbait is available for purchase throughout Australia and can also be ordered overseas through CD Baby.

Feature tracks include Real Blues Mama which describes the ample proportions of the great female blues singers. Come In My Kitchen whips up a tasty blues meal, while acoustic Man's Woman celebrates the down to earth kind of woman bluesmen dream of.

Her passion for the blues has taken her a long way since the release of her debut album Jailbait in August 2004. Anni won Best New Talent at the 2005 Australian Blues Music Awards in February 2005 with Jailbait track Come In My Kitchen. She was also a finalist for the Female Vocalist of the Year award.

Winning the award was a big surpise. The competition was tough and when I saw the list of nominations I was humbled just to have my name on the same page of those acts, Anni said after hearing the news.

In 2004 Come In My Kitchen won the ABC Wollongong Fresh Air Competition. It received national airplay on ABC radio and has reached international audiences via ABC Dig Digital Radio. The song was also a finalist in the Music Oz blues competition, which recognises outstanding independent artists.

At 26 she is one of the young, exciting new blues talents emerging in Australia.

the rhythm section cooks, the leads are clean and Anni's slightly gravely alto voice stands out with it's clarity and pitch. Anni's bass playing is solid and in the groove. Anni Piper has arrived, and you would do well to invite her in. Sticks Randall Ierna, Ranluron Music, BMI (USA)

".... (Anni has) finally brought something new and refreshing to the "OZ" Blues Industry. We've got some Female "Gems" in "OZ", but it is time for someone to step up, show their wares & be proud of what they've put together." Terry Iredale, HOTFM Victoria

CDs include:
Texas Hold 'em (2007)
Jailbait (2004)

Click Here to view blues CDs & DVDs currently available from the Australian Blues Music Festival from this website or in-store at the Festival Office located in the Goulburn Visitor Information Centre.

The Anni Piper Band featured at the Australian Blues Music Festival in 2006 & 2005.

Visit Anni's website at: www.annipiper.com