Ana Popovic isn't a name American listeners have heard much of, not on the level of names such as Britney or J'Lo. This is because Ana is a woman whose voice isn't singing pop tunes, but is geared to the American born music of the Blues.

Ana Popovic isn't a name American listeners have heard much of, not on the level of names such as Britney or J'Lo. This is because Ana is a woman whose voice isn't singing pop tunes, but is geared to the American born music of the Blues. Born in Yugoslavia, Ana has been living in Holland now, and recently recorded what is her second CD in Memphis, Tennessee. Popovic's album Hush is a sophomore album that should not be missed by Blues fans in any country.

Hush is a CD filled with 12 songs – five tracks co-written by Miss Popovic. First thing listeners are treated to is that this is a woman who can play, and has a voice that can convey power and passion. Current touring for this record is scheduled to occur in Europe the first half of 2002.

Cover songs included on the CD include Buddy Guy's Girl of Many Words which Ana covers with both respect and power, bringing a heavy groove to the track. For fans of the late Luther Allison, his son Bernard joins Ana on Bring Your Fine Self Home. A fun and strong rendition with these two artists, keeping the track lively and packed with stellar guitar play – demonstrating the searing guitar playing identified with Chicago Style Blues; a classy rendition of How the Might Have Fallen ends the disc.

Ana's song writing skills round out this collection proving the woman's versatility as a bandleader, songwriter, and a slide guitar player. Mended is a song about the healed victim of a break up - demonstrates the style of Ana's song writing and the energy she carries in her performance off the stage, declaring her freedom in a style reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt, an acknowledged master of the slide guitar. Mended also marks the power track, bringing the highest energy to its styling.

Following Mended is another Popovic original Hometown which begins with a pulsing rhythm section, setting up a deep primitive mood. Ana's soulful gentle vocals hide amongst the pounding rhythm and excellent guitar picks. The listener fills with a worn energy of the road warrior who has seen so much and is eager for home. The track peaks with the heart-piercing wail of Ana's guitar playing, as she reiterates the need to come home. Americans may find the lyrical equivalent in the Kid Rock track Only God Knows Why, which also expresses the weariness of life on the road.

The third and last track of songs co-written by Ana that shall be reviewed, I Won't Let You Join has an excellent mix of soft jazz rhythm and Ana's guitar. The words express the devotion of the lover to the mate despite the difficulties of reaching his or her heart. Ana's voice softly croons to her untouchable lover. Her guitar playing is subdued and well meshed with the horn and piano that accompany the track.

Ana Popovic's Hush features a young artist surrounded by an outstanding supporting cast of musicians. The CD is an excellent demonstration of the new blues artists that are emerging in the European market and deserve to become household names in the American Blues scene. Ana's outstanding guitar playing and vocals show the potential of this performer to continue to grow and provide the Blues listeners with an amazing product. For blues fans, looking for someone new and are willing to search beyond their American borders, I highly recommend the Ana Popovic Album

Hush one of the most complete and spin worthy discs for the new year.

For more information on Ana Popovic's Band go to:

Ana's homepage.

To purchase Ana's CD, I recommend CD NOW.

Ana's Record Company, Ruf Records.

Brad DeMaagd was born in Sacramento, California in 1976. Mr. DeMaagd currently lives in Michigan, but is planning a move to Oregon in the late spring. Mr. DeMaagd attended Michigan State University where he majored in English, with minor studies in Economics and History. Mr. DeMaagd continues to pursue his goal of becoming an Acquisitions Editor at a publishing house. His past times include watching David Lynch films, NFL football, working on his stories, and reading an ever growing stack of books.

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