Crossing The Border Crossing The Border 
Crossing the Border” was one of those pleasant surprises. I had never heard Anne before, but this is becoming one my favorite recordings of late. For those who have not yet heard Anne Weiss, imagine a vocal style smack in- between Dar Williams and Shawn Colvin. In fact, upon closer inspection, you will notice Dar's presence providing harmony to "House Where Everybody's Home." Her lyrics are deep, and sometimes dark. Sometimes she serves them up with great range, and power -- other times gently, with beauty.
Whichever way she chooses to take a song, her mastery is evident. She seems equally at home belting them out or gently pulling them along. One of the simpler songs on the recording is also the most personal. "Dad's Pocket," which is dedicated to her father, is a beautiful reminiscence -- "I crawled into the pocket of your flannel shirt still hanging on the wall. It's still got tractor grease on it -- I come here when I'm feeling small." The title cut,"Crossing The Border," is the other side of Anne. It begins with a thumping beat, reminiscent of Hendrix' "Foxy Lady," giving way to vocals which sound like Ani DiFranco in a tin can.With lots of slide guitar and driving bass,Weiss sings of the racism, however slight within our selves. "In America, riding on the bus, a girl from Nagasaki suddenly turns and smiles at us. If love sees no color, if justice is blind, if there's a fence in your conscience -- maybe you better jump your mind." All of Anne's lyrics hold this kind of power.
There are many incredible aural moments to enjoy as well, such as her
addition of a full gospel choir on "Mountain," as well as the bonus track "He
Will Answer Prayer," a live cut from Gospel Fest 94 recorded at the Flynn
Theatre in Burlington, Vermont. Anne Weiss also explores blues territory on
another live track called "Looks Like Satin, Acts Like Steel," incorporating
horns and her incredible range to the mix.She doesn't stop there, but delivers
a beautiful version of "Mi Luna," sung sweetly in Spanish. It keeps growing
on me. I wanted to write this three months ago, but new windows into it
continue to open for me. The CD is dedicated to Ngawang Choephel who is
serving 18 years as a political prisoner in Chinese occupied Tibet for making
a film of traditional musicand dance.
Don't pass this one up.
-Jonathan Colcord,WNEC FM, Henniker, New Hampshire
The Song Swap -and- Music For The Mountain
24 Bridge St, Henniker, New Hampshire 03242
Crossroads Magazine "Bluegrass Breakdown" -and- Editorial Team
| Cassette cat.# < awcs-101> $9.99 CD cat.# < awcd-101> $15.99 |
To Place an order, note Title and cat. # |
Return To Artist Page
copyright © 1994-98 Harmony Ridge Music, El Granada, CA, USA