Americana Alt.Country CD Reviews

ShAnnie
'Blame It On The Moon'
(Self-Released, 2014)
www.shannieband.com

ShAnnie's BIO:

ShAnnie - Shan + Annie = ShAnnie

A duo comprised of Shan Kowert & Annie Acton. They formed in 2005 and in 2007 they released their debut CD 'Water Over Stones', produced by John M. Greenberg, which earned them a nomination for Vocal Duo at the 2008 Texas Music Awards. In 2011 they released their second CD 'The Station' produced by John Inmon, which won ShAnnie 'Vocal Duo of the Year' and John Inmon 'Producer of the Year'. ShAnnie said they were "humbled and honored in knowing that their 'passion' is getting such positive feedback".

"Eclectic Americana Pop Folk with Celtic and Spanish undertones..." that's what some are saying about the music of ShAnnie. Their voices are clean and soothing but with much fervor, and the music is beautifully accompanied by a 6 or 12 string acoustic guitar or piano. ShAnnie's music is soulful, lyrical and mesmerizing. Annie will captivate you with her dramatic visual performance. It's been said by many that when 'Annie sings, you believe'. Shan, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, crosspicks the guitar strings with ease or moves across the piano keys enthusiastically enhancing every song. Whether it is Annie or Shan taking the vocal lead, the other voice is floating around in harmony.

It is a fact... the chemistry of these two people will not only lure you in, but keep you wanting more.

Shan Kowert - Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist

Born in San Antonio, where his Dad was stationed in the Air Force, Shan is a fifth generation Texan with deep roots in the Texas Hill Country. He grew up in Fredericksburg and comes from a diverse group of ancestors, whom comprised cowboys, Indians and German immigrants. Musicians also bloomed on the Kowert family tree, with guitar, fiddle and piano players and even one great-grandfather that was a professor of music and played the pipe organ. At age sixteen, Shan got his first guitar; a Yamaha 12 string. He was influenced by music icons such as Jose Feliciano, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Dan Fogelberg and many others. Shan found his muse for songwriting late in life, but as they say: 'better late, than never'. He has a poetic side not only with words but with strings too. His style is unique and beautiful. He plays both 12 and 6 string guitars, but it's when he's cross picking the 12 that you'll swear he's playing two guitars at one time. Shan also plays piano, either composing his own scores or interpreting old favorites with true heart. As you listen to him perform, you'll find yourself not wanting the evening to end.

Annie Acton - Singer/Songwriter/Artist

Born in California, Annie was raised all over the world. Her Father, like Shan's, also served in the Air Force, which took them to Guam, the Philippines, Germany and all over the U.S. It was always hard to keep friends, but that just made the family closer. Music was a definite bond shared by the Acton family. Her Dad was into Rock & Roll while her Mom was swaying to Motown. It is no wonder her musical influences are very diverse. Annie has always loved photography and writing, reflected not only in their songs, but also in their ShAnnie Shindigs newsletters, which are filled with incredibly fascinating stories and artistic images. Her passion as an artist helps drive her as a singer / songwriter. Although, in the past Annie was always afraid to perform in front of a crowd. That is, until her encounter with Shan at Luckenbach. She claims that when you find someone that brings out the best in you, you are simply not afraid anymore.

ShAnnie, the romance - in short

Shan was designing and building swimming pools in the hill country and Annie was a photographer and retouch artist in Austin, until that one rainy night when they both stopped in at Luckenbach, Texas. It was the start of a passionate relationship and their journey through song...