Ana Popovic

www.anapopovic.com

May 13th 1976, Ana Popovic was born in the war torn town of Belgrade, formerly Yugoslavia, the first daughter of Milutin and Vesna Popovic. Ana grew up in a warm and loving family where music was very important. Her father Milutin is a highly recognized guitar / bass player, who throughout her youth, always invited friends over for nightly jam sessions where Ana listened and analyzed the deep artistic roots of her music. In this atmosphere, she quickly picked up her father’s impressive blues and soul record collection, grabbed his guitar and went to work at a young age of 15. Since then, Ana Popovic has developed into an incredible guitarist/vocalist who now currently resides in The Netherlands. The most impressive aspect of Ana's music is her diversity of techniques and styles. Her blend of smoking electric funk slide guitar, jazzy instrumentals, tight blues groove, soulful feminine vocals and Ana’s incredible stage presence makes her an irresistible force in the music world.

Ana Popovic’s first CD, titled 'HUSH' was released in 2000. In February 2003, she released her second album 'Comfort To The Soul', followed by the live CD/DVD titled 'ANA! Live in Amsterdam'.

In her brief career, she’s already enjoyed a number major honors. Among the highlights:
She and her band won the prestigious jazz award ‘Jazz a Juan-Revelation 2004’ in Juan Le Pins, France. The award shows recognition of Ana’s abilities in the jazz genre - a strong influence on her music.

During the ‘Rhythm & Blues Fest’ in Peer, Belgium, Ana is invited on stage by ‘The King of Soul’, Solomon Burke, who immediately invites her to join him as a special guest for the rest of his tour.

Ana was chosen to be part of the European ‘Jimi Hendrix Tribute tour’ in 2002. Ana also joins various artists Eric Burdon, Taj Mahal and Buddy Miles on a Jimi Hendrix tribute CD: ‘Blue Haze’.

Upon forming her first band, Hush, she immediately began making waves in her home country, and was performing a hundred shows annually and making regular appearances on Yugoslavian television.

Initially embraced by the blues music community, Ana is the first European ever nominated for ‘Best New Blues Artist’ at the W.C. Handy Award Show in Memphis, Tennessee (2003). She was also nominated for 'Best Blues Album' at the Jammie Awards in New York City, a three way nominee for 'Best Vocalist', 'Best Guitarist' and 'Best Album' at the French Blues Awards (2002).

In 2007, Ana Popovic set her sights on the U.S. and signed her first American record deal with the Los Angeles based Delta Groove Music. The subsidiary label Eclecto Groove Records was then formed and created to support Ana’s diverse and eclectic approach to music. Produced by Grammy Award winning producer John Porter and David Z., “Still Making History" signified Ana’s first official entry into the U.S. market and it was a smashing success. The album spent a total of 19 weeks on the Billboard blues chart and hit its peak position at #3!

Now after tirelessly touring the U.S. and Europe for the past two years Ana returns with her follow up effort "Blind For Love," produced by Mark Dearnley (AC/DC, Tom Petty, Paul McCartney). Joined by members of her regular touring band - Ronald Jonker (bass) and Andrew "Blaze" Thomas (drums), plus special guests Tony Braunagel (drums) and Mike Finnigan (Hammond B-3) from the Phantom Blues Band, Ana offers up a little something here for everyone including blues, rock, jazz, funk and gospel.

Ana demonstrates once again that she possesses the vision to forge ahead with her own uniquely distinctive style and continues to evolve as a deeply personal and gifted songwriter, carrying on the tradition of her father, her roots, and her true love of the music she was destined to play.

“From straight-ahead blues-rock to sultry jazz and reggae, Popovic continues the blues tradition with a unique voice and a distinctive guitar sound.” – Vintage Guitar

“Ana Popovic is a fine example of a blues artist who takes new directions while remaining true to the essence of the genre… Though capable of thunderous, Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired guitar solos, Popovic is equally adept at a quieter, more contemplative style.” – Blues Revue

"Yugoslavian-born Ana Popovic is not only a superb singer and songwriter, but also a very capable guitarist who can flatpick fluid jazz lines, craft deep-pocket slide grooves, and bend strings with SRV-style emotion.” - Guitar Player