ANNE DAVIS: letters, prayers, and journal entries

anne davis

letters, prayers, and journal entries

© 2003 sometimes i write songs (BMI) (634479125423)

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(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

folk-alternative singer/songwriter with textured vocals and soul-baring lyrics--vocally, a cross between sheryl crow, amy grant, mary chapin carpenter and the indigo girls--a true "organic" listen from beginning to end.

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notes

HEY EVERYONE!

thanks for stopping by--

i'm really pleased to FINALLY get to share my songs with you that have been recorded professionally out of studios in nashville, tn (which is homebase for me).

after a long slow burn....THEY ARE ACTUALLY NOW AVAILABLE.

thanks for all the encouragement and amazing support along the way.....and now, thanks for wanting to listen! i am truly grateful and so appreciate your continuing to cheer me onward in my artistic attempts.

please feel free to sign up at my website, if you'd like to be placed on my e-mail newsletter list that will be sent out occasionally to touch base with everyone and share a little about my latest "comings and goings"....

AND--if you just want to shoot off an e-mail to say hi, i always enjoy connecting with my listeners. (vannedavis@yahoo.com)

again, thanks so much for your interest and for wanting to join me in my creative journey as a singer/songwriter!

-anne

http://www.annedavismusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/annedavis

****NOTE--I NOW HAVE RINGTONES!!! you can get them off my website at www.annedavismusic.com or at www.myspace.com/annedavis....

****NOTE--(part two)--by the way, i've STILL got a few t-shirts left for $10.00. check out the front and back design at my website under "photos"--just e-mail me if you'd like one and i'll check and see what sizes i have left!


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REVIEW by Pascal Niemeier (known as syngularity)
with RCATCOMMUNICATIONS.com

Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:22 am

Post subject: Anne Davis - Temple Of Contradictions

This female singer with strict focus on Acoustic folk & Alternative pop is surely not really unknown... nonetheless I would like to introduce her to you! Anne Davis offers the incomparable qualities of a professional modern artist, with totally own expression, depth and passion of her messages.

Anne tells us about "Temple Of Contradictions", that it's basically a prayer, and although she describes her view about temptations and just as dangerous as also exciting emotions - the "human weakness" - she follows consistently her own way, supported by fine musicians... and presents an excellent production! This is a guitar oriented power song, for all friends of unusual female pop, who would also hurry to buy the new album of Sheryl Crow.

Although Nashville is Anne Davis' homebase, she loves to travel and to play gigs... especially in Eastern Europe! You can get Anne's album "Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries" at CDBaby, with 15 energyful and emotional tracks, including "Temple Of Contradictions".

http://www.annedavismusic.com

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ANNE DAVIS: BIO

Jackson, Miss. native, Anne Davis' new self-produced album, Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries, a compilation of thought-provoking upbeat tempos and ballads from the "folk-alternative" artist, has been turning ears as it has traveled throughout the U.S. and beyond by receiving quite favorable college radio airplay. Davis wrote all fifteen tracks, and the "organic feel" of the melodies is attributed to the defining instruments you'll find on the album.

"What I really wanted to go for was to put together a project using only real instruments....and that meant no compromise with using any type of fabricated sounds, including drum machines." And, that's exactly what you're going to hear--such instruments as the cello, violin, upright acoustic bass, mandolin, accordion, penny whistle and the uilleann pipe on the CD. "I wanted everything to be real....for me, as an artist, it only made sense for the production of the project to be as soul-baring as the lyrics."

Sharing a bit of background, Davis matter-of-factly will tell you, "I perform, sing, and write simply because that's what I do. I've been writing and singing since I was a little girl, giving concerts for my Siamese cat, Feather, and our Greyhound, Zip, in the backyard with my tennis racket guitar. It just seemed the thing to do. Years later, I'm still finding myself writing and scribbling down song lyrics on napkins or backs of envelopes--and this time, playing to larger audiences beyond an attentive cat and dog. Apparently, it's just a part of who I am and why I'm here."

Although Davis' singing began at an early age around the house and in church, she really began pursuing music seriously while attending college. During a weekend retreat her sophomore year at Mississippi State University, Anne bit the bullet and performed a song she had written. "Nervously, with hands shaking, heart pounding, I got up and shared for the first time one of my own songs and the response was completely mind-blowing. I remember sensing that evening that something truly significant had taken place that would alter my life forever. I was left reeling for days....I guess it all started unfolding that night. Somehow, I've had gigs ever since."

Anne's passion for music bleeds over into camaraderie with fellow musicians, which has taken her overseas to perform in music festivals in Hungary. She says she would love to play in Eastern Europe again in the future, and spread over into Western Europe as well. After college, Anne moved to Nashville to discover why her heart pulled so insistently for her to pack her bags and head her loaded-down car in that direction. Thus, the impetus for Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries was born.

In the past, Davis had dabbled in the studio many times, walking out only with demos, but she knew when it was time to move forward with her first full-length project. "People continually began asking me for product after gigs, so it became apparent what I felt I needed to do--I hated sending them away empty handed." After spending several years in the studio persevering through many obstacles, including a debilitating illness known as CFIDS, she has finally emerged with the finished product of her debut CD release. "There were so many days I wondered if it would ever happen....so the day the CDs showed up at my doorstep, it felt incredibly surreal. I remember opening up a box, pulling out a CD and just looking at it almost in disbelief."

Her songs explore a sense of questioning that easily resonates with cross-generational segments of listeners. One of the most popular songs on the album, "Temple of Contradictions," meshes upbeat melody with poignant lyrics that contemplate such strong emotions as guilt, shame, and wrestling with temptation. Other songs such as "Where the Roads Cross" and "No, I'm Not Going Anywhere," though both favored ballads, offer different streams of thought. "Where the Roads Cross" reveals fragile, uneasy questioning, while the song "No, I'm Not Going Anywhere" strongly declares steadfast commitment in relationships. "Days Like These" and "Journal Entries" stir up nostalgic emotions of days gone by as well as reminders of reasons to hope. Also, included in the list of 15 cuts are "Until That Day" and "May Your Cokefloats Be Overflowing," which were both wedding songs written specifically for good friends.

It's these human lyrics that are so relatable
and reflect Anne's penchant for translating complex emotions and thoughts to the everyday listener. It's her sense of melody and raw, textured vocals along with her quirky, down-to-earth persona that make Anne so believable and endearing to an audience.

This singer/songwriter, also pegged as a "poet,"
describes her live performances as "wearing her
heart on her sleeve" experiences that she shares with her audiences, even to the point of her reading from her journals as well as singing songs that literally have come straight out of her own journal entries. Anne says sometimes she goes barefoot when she plays out because it seems symbolically fitting for her to. "At times, it can feel almost too vulnerable, but then again, I'm reminded--isn't that what we're all in desperate search of--something that's universally revealing, honest and even a bit messy. Being tranparent and real has a way of ushering in
contemplation about life that we can all identify with and say 'me, too!....I, too have felt this way before, and what a relief to know I'm not the only one who has.' I believe we are all waiting on someone to play our song....wherever we may find ourselves in life at the time."

Though all musicians who played a part on this project are professional studio musicians, and most certainly noteworthy in their own right, some might find it surprising that Ron de la Vega, who plays regularly with Nanci Griffith, contributes his talents on several songs on this freshman CD release. "For me, it was a true honor to have Ron participate on this project--it was like he knew what each song wanted added to it, and he never just pushed through any of the songs....it's not his style....he's such a sincere, true musician.....each song was treated with great respect, sensitivity, and excellence....needless to say, it was one of those highlighted studio moments you tuck away in your memory."

The late great Hunter Lee, also a Jackson, Miss.
native, who was the one and only uilleann pipe player in Nashville, contributed to "The Crucible Song." Davis remembers, "The day he came into the studio to lay down his tracks was one of the sweetest studio experiences I've had to date--I wept most of the entire time he played--there was just a connect there. Even he commented on how natural it felt for him as he 'went with it' and let the song lead....our time in the studio had this cool dynamic going on that felt like some sort of a Divine appointment--I just wish he could have heard the final mix of the song before his premature death."

Anne currently performs in coffeehouses, college bars, pubs, festivals, and benefit concerts. Eventually, she intends to take it to the road more often, as her health improves and her body becomes more "roadworthy." Currently, Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries is now available online at www.cdbaby.com/annedavis and can be downloaded at most any digital distributor. For more information, visit Anne's website at www.annedavismusic.com and for correspondence, e-mails may be sent to vannedavis@yahoo.com.

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[written in 2003]

Sharper Communications
Sharper.comm@earthlink.net

DEBUT RELEASE TAKES RISKS, SHARES VULNERABILITY AND HOPE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Vulnerable ... seeking ... hopeful ... quirky. Acoustic folk/alternative singer-songwriter Anne Davis does justice to these adjectives and more, having toiled seven years at "turtle speed" for this 15-song blend of faith and insightful reflections drawn from actual Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries.

Appropriately titled, the debut independent release reveals the Jackson, Miss., native's thoughts on faith, friendship and courage. Her quirky behavior weaves humor into a song written for a wedding, "May Your Cokefloats Be Overflowing." Davis says it playfully uses imagery as it testifies about our "skipping like children into the arms of the Creator and how that compels us to want to walk out lives of worship."

As befitting a Nashville studio project, the music is REAL. "Organic" is the word. No drum machine here, only bonafide drums, piano, mandolin, accordion, a gamut of guitars, an acoustic upright bass, layers of cello and violin, a penny whistle and what? Uilleann pipes! The tracks are rich with texture and "raw" vocals, intimately vulnerable in sharing the writer's observations.

Davis is a self-described "ragamuffin in desperate need of Jesus everyday." Her songs speak of a soul pressing in to hear God guide and affirm in the midst of trials. Her words are hopeful, honest, searching and transparent ... thoughts that many have but are afraid to voice ... challenging questions which lead to hope ... songs truly representing Davis' wondering of hardship and struggle - and how that relates to her faith.

They communicate the heart of a woman learning what it means to grow as a committed believer with questions. A baffling, long-term illness continues to plague the 32-year-old Davis--possibly a virus picked up during a missions journey to Hungary to staff as well as play at a music festival a few years back. As she recovers, she acknowledges, "I'm just grateful to be able to return to playing out and finding myself behind a mic--one of the places where I feel the most at home."

Her personal battles have deepened her compassion for others struggling and suffering daily - be it an illness or acts by their own hand. Moved by a documentary on runaways and heroin addicts in Portland, Ore., Davis re-wrote "Never Too Far," a song she penned in college. Although she had a friend in mind then, Davis says she felt she was writing to a runaway. The Oregon teens' pain "broke my heart" and Davis said it fueled the fire in her even more to reach
out to the orphaned generation - ones that seem so lost and hope-deferred.

Other songs of note are the energetic "Temple of Contradictions," about desiring integrity but falling short of the goal. Following is an intensely honest ballad, "Where the Roads Cross," a plea for reassurance and deliverance. The richly layered "There's A Light" showcases the project's acoustic arrangements wrapped around a tune of encouragement. Packed with 15 songs, Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries tempts with a smorgasbord that connects with a variety of tastes.

Davis will return to Nashville venues this fall to promote the new release. She currently performs in coffeehouses, college scenes, pubs and festivals, as well as youth groups and benefit concerts. Eventually she intends to take it to the road as her body becomes more "roadworthy." Jackson stores are embracing the debut CD with its placement in Bebop Music and Family Christian Stores. Also, the project is already receiving airplay on college radio. More information on concerts and where to purchase the CD may be obtained by writing: vannedavis@yahoo.com.

Davis wraps it up well when she says, "I perform, sing, and write simply because that's what I do. I've been writing and singing since I was a little girl, giving concerts for my Siamese cat, Feather, and our Greyhound, Zip, in the backyard with my tennis racket guitar. It just seemed the thing to do."

"Years later I'm still finding myself writing and scribbling down song lyrics on napkins or backs of envelopes - and this time playing to larger audiences beyond an attentive cat and dog. Apparentally it's just a part of who I am and why I'm here."

--Sharon Harper is a free-lance journalist in Nashville, Tenn. who has written for CCM, the Nashville Banner, and various industry magazines.

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FEEDBACK I HAVE PERSONALLY RECEIVED....[these are from 2003]

"Anne Davis isn't afraid to read her diary outloud. In fact, she sings it...Davis croon(s) nostalgic lyrics taken directly from her own journal. The songs tell stories about Davis' personal and observed experience with relationships and faith." --THE RANKIN COUNTY NEWS, Brandon, MS

"Thanks so much for the copy of your CD-I really like it-thanks for sharing your very personal journey through your music! I especially like: AWAKENING, TEMPLE OF CONTRADICTIONS, JOURNAL ENTRIES, DAYS LIKE THESE, DEAR NANNY, and found UNTIL THAT DAY very moving, extra special." --Tim from Manlius, NY

"Can we talk about how wonderful your CD is and how i find myself singing your songs in the shower and at the grocery store? IT'S AWESOME!!!!!!!" --Necole from Birmingham, AL

"i love GET LOST...it is the main song that continues to play over and over in my head even as i'm laying in bed at night trying to get to sleep....also, DAYS LIKE THESE, MAY YOUR COKEFLOATS BE OVERFLOWING, UNTIL THAT DAY...i really would love to come hear you play live sometime....you're on a roll...." --Jan from Jackson, MS

"I have your CD and I have absolutely worn it out! I love it. Particularly ELEVATOR MUSIC, COME A LITTLE CLOSER, and DAYS LIKE THESE. Oh, and I love the cokefloats song. I think that is one of my favorite. keep being great....your new biggest fan." --Tracy, a college student, from or near IN

"...I received your CD this morning!!!! what can I say? you sing like an angel!!!! I love the two tracks NO, I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE and WHERE THE ROADS CROSS...they reached a part of me and the tears just started flowing...there are such beautiful lyrics in all the songs(have been playing it over and over)...You are my music of hope..." --Anne from the UK

"Your CD is amazing. I'm so impressed by how profesional and well done it is. Your songwriting just blows me away. I can't tell you how proud and happy I am for you." --Rebecca from Portland, OR

"Thank you greatly for your beautiful, talented, amazing, well-worth-the-wait CD!!!!....rock on....you did it...and you did it with flying colors! I am so incredibly proud of you...I have tears in my eyes at the moment. LETTERS, PRAYERS, AND JOURNAL ENTRIES is playing on a regular basis at my work and at home....And i can say i knew you when...." --Karen from L.A., CA

"Thanks for the CD-I received it in the mail today and I am listening to it now-what a GREAT finished product...." --Melissa from Mobile, AL

"Wow, what a nice project. Seeing your picture, hearing your voice brought back many memories of days gone by. You have truly been blessed, it shows it in every song on this project. Tears flowed as I listened to your LETTERS, PRAYERS, AND JOURNAL ENTRIES and once again as I read the credits....I am extremely proud of you." --Tom from Nashville, TN

"WOW!! Thank you so very much for your CD-I loved it-You are GREAT!! Found it to be so soothing!!....will enjoy listening to your CD over and over." --Mellon from Estell Manor, NJ

"...just wanted to say that i REALLY, REALLY, REALLY liked your stuff...you really have an awesome talent." --Dee from Dallas, TX

"we went with 2 and 3 (sorry, the names elude me right now)
good choruses and insightful lyrics...." --WUSM2, radio station located in Hattiesburg, MS

reviews

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  • real music
    author: marc menabo

    lyrics and music are very strong.Nice blends of instruments

  • author: Collected Sounds

    Anne Davis has a really comforting voice. It's got touch of smoke to it. The genre could be described as alt.folk or maybe even alt.country. But there's also a heavy dose of Christian religion here. These are songs of love (aren't all songs on some level?) and faith. But I will say that the musical sound is not that of your regular Christian artists. It's not syrupy sweet or cheesy at all. Thank goodness for that!

  • An inspiration
    author: Diane

    My grandmother recently passed away after turning 100. Your music has given me some things to think about as well as peace. Thank you.

  • I love this album - have played it many times over
    author: paula burns

    I really love this CD - it is truly inspirational - particularly as the artist has Cfids - must have taken a lot to produce this.

  • Mighty Fine!
    author: Tom Carter

    I don't think I've ever heard anything like this - it's a real ear-opener to what truly creative music can be. Paul Camarta played Until That Day on his show, and the rest is history.

  • Excellent
    author: Rick Larkin

    Fantastic, Anne's music is on a par with anything out there in the folk world. So much so we're using one of her tracks in our latest film 'Triple Bill'.

  • Get lost in the moment listening to this.
    author: Lydia

    Suprisingly different every time you listen to it, very strong lyrics and music. Just my kind of CD.

  • Excellent Genuine Singer-Songwriter music at its' best
    author: Jay Fillion

    The whole album is a gem. The first five songs in particular start off the CD as well as any first 5 songs I have encountered. They really hit you. This is genuine music from a genuine artist.

  • an inspiration!
    author: Amanda

    The whole album is just so geniune and so personal, it really makes it sound like she's speaking just to you. The talent and love on this CD really are evident and amazing!

  • Exceptional song writing, great performance
    author: Garry Hill

    There is so much to this CD that it is difficult to know where to start. The first thing to hit me was the catchy melodies, sung with such feeling and supported by powerful instrumental backing - just the thing for playing in the car - you'll be humming these to yourself for days after. However the more you listen, something else emerges, and that is the lyrics. I don't often listen to the words of a song but these grabbed me. They are sung with such sincerity - some thoughtful, some uplifting. For anyone who takes their music seriously, this CD has a great many things to offer.

  • There's Nothing Better Out There
    author: David Elias

    There is no better collection of songs from a writer and singer in today's universe of songwriters. Heavy with hammers and light as a rail. Anne Davis does it all - check it out.

  • Super CD!
    author: Taylor, Starkville, MS

    I gave this CD the highest rating I could give it because it is amazing. The songs are a true work of art. My favorite is "Until That Day." You gotta buy this!

  • I LOVE IT!
    author: Sophie Mims

    I don't get out very much because I'm at home with three kids, and so I enjoy great music to listen to and that my kids can listen to. So much trashy music out there today. This CD is a God-send. Such inspiration, such depth. Thanks, Anne.

  • Best CD I've heard in years! Where are all the real artists anymore?
    author: Gracie, from China

    Seriously, where are the real and true artists? Anne is not commercial--she writes and sings from the heart. You can tell from the songs that, without a doubt, she is feeling every word. Such a refreshing change from so much of the commercial music out there now--so nice to hear someone who writes their own music and songs and expresses the feelings through a beautful voice and a whole bunch of great background instruments. A must-have! Buy one NOW!

  • Really cool CD--Great for any generation or musical taste!
    author: Jon, Edgefield, South Carolina

    My favorites? "Temple of Contradictions", "Where the Roads Cross", "No, I'm Not Going Anywhere." There is not a single song that leaves you wanting. True and genuine vocals and instruments--a talent just waiting to take off and be discovered. This girl must be selling millions already--how could anyone resist such a great blend of emotions and truths? She really makes you think and asks the questions that are on everyone's minds.

  • Truly an amazing project--touches the soul with a plethora of talent!
    author: Michelle, Jackson, MS

    The CD is unbelievable. I have seen you play live, and even without the array of instruments in a live performance, the songs are incredibly moving and real. My personal all-time favorite is "Cokefloats"--what a great song for a wedding. It touched my heart. Additionally, I am crazy about "There's a Light", "Get Lost" and "Days Like These." They are all so inspiring, it's hard to pick just one or two as favorites. With a debut CD like this, you only have success ahead of you. It's truly amazing! Well, worth the money and soothing to the ear and heart.

  • A definite recipe for success!!!
    author: Chris (A_Saved_Guy)

    I really enjoy the blend of instruments, behind your soft voice. I feel the need to say that i think that on a couple of songs that the lyrics were a bit much to put music too, but well done!! I would be very pleased to have an accomplishment like this in my career...

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