Anna Moderwell (Beljin)
Anna and Milovan are a father/daughter duo that have been playing together for six years in the Greater Cincinnati area. Their musical inspiration cannot be defined by one time period or genre, but draws from many influences. Anna is a recent graduate of Miami University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She recently married Luke Moderwell and not only did this provide her with a husband, but it provided Anna and Milovan with a bass player. Luke Moderwell is originally from Chicago. He earned his degree in Entrepreneurship at Miami University and has hopes of someday starting his own business. By day, Milovan runs his own business in the field of groundwater hydrology, but by night he dons his fingerpicks in the style of Doc Watson and Mississippi John Hurt. Whether it is the blues, new folk, pop, or originals, Anna and Milovan put their own spin on the music.
Anna and Milovan have performed at venues such as Leo Coffeehouse , College Hill Coffee, Harmony Hill Vineyards, Elk Creek Vineyards, The Blind Lemon, Arnold's, Chez Nora Rooftop Jazz Club, The Iron Horse Restaurant, Symmes Tavern, Grandview Tavern, Incahoots, etc. In addition, Anna and Milovan play at private events, corporate parties, weddings, music festivals...
Anna's CD "When It Rains" is available on Internet (cdbaby, iTunes, Amazon...)
"While her dynamic singing voice is certainly the show-stealer over the course of these 12 lilting, pop-focused songs, it's what Beljin chooses to do with that striking voice that makes this disc such a standout. Her song selection is decidedly ambitious, and though the names of the artists she chooses to cover reads like a high-wire act waiting to happen, her confidence in taking on songs by the likes of Tom Waits, Daniel Lanois, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Cockburn shines through and truly makes the songs work. By incorporating her own unique arrangements and vocal approaches, she takes songs often known for their abrasiveness (especially Waits' "Get Behind the Mule"), and tames them, holding onto their grit but channeling the output through a more delicate filter. She also tackles a few traditional songs ("Soul of a Man," "John the Revelator") and adds four original compositions that easily hold their own when interspersed with the covers. In fact, one of the best parts of this album is hearing Beljin sing her own songs, especially the catchy, falsetto-filled title track. This disc contains almost a full hour of music, and you'll want to hear it all."
***** (CD Baby Review)
