Anna Cheek

Singer-songwriter Anna Cheek wrapped up her latest album more than a year ago, but she’s been battling a lengthy illness in the meantime, so “Water Over the Bridge” is just now finally getting its long overdue release.

It’s well worth the wait.

Woodstock area resident Cheek possesses a captivating voice that’s been compared to everyone from Grace Slick to Eartha Kitt, from Joni Mitchell to Imogen Heap, from Rickie Lee Jones to Marianne Faithfull. Which is, of course, a testament to the truly unique quality of her voice. She doesn’t really sound like any of those artists… or anyone else. And try though music writers might, the comparisons ultimately don’t get to the heart of the matter. Or the music.
And her voice isn’t her only strong suit, either. She’s a classically trained pianist, who brings a command of dynamics and an uncommon sense of intimacy to her playing. And she’s a magnificent songwriter, too, and with this collection of 10 original songs, she’s created moody, atmospheric music that is bolstered by memorable pop hooks.

And she’s surrounded herself with a team of ace musicians. Produced by Robert Frazza, the album features contributions by guitarists Mike DeMicco and Jim Weider, cellist Jane Scarpantoni, drummer Jerry Marotta and pedal steel guitarist Kevin Maul, who sparkles on the haunting ballad, “Faith.”

This is a gem of an album.

Anna Cheek and her band – which includes the members of the Todd Nelson Trio and percussionist Bob Resnick, as well as backing vocalists Julia Nichols, Joanna Palladino and Bill Ross – celebrate the release of “Water Over the Bridge” with a performance at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock at 7:30pm on Sunday. The Todd Nelson Trio opens the show with selections from their debut album, “Here.” Admission is $10.


- Greg Haymes at www.nippertown.com

CD REVIEW

ANNA CHEEK—WATER OVER THE BRIDGE (Chestnut Records)

Describing the sound of Anna Cheek’s voice is nearly impossible, so perhaps it makes more sense to talk about how it feels to listen to it. It’s unsettling, but so are a lot of things you actually love. It’s unique, not necessarily in what it sounds like, but what it does. She’s an artist in every sense of the concept, especially with her voice.

Witness “Fountainhead,” on which Cheek directs the musical core with a vocal at once unwieldy and terrific. This is followed by the absolutely stellar “Midnight Blue Sky,” with a chorus that amps up the notion of arms aloft singalongs in splendid fashion.
“Pretender” opens with the shimmering sound of something in reverse before one of the most intriguing drum tracks in recent memory joins Cheek’s piano and forlorn vocal. It’s perhaps the album’s standout track, though it’s difficult to pick just one with such a wealth of wonder at one’s disposal.
Who this album is for is a mystery, because it’s really for anyone who longs for sophisticated music that resonates in the heart, which takes on contemporary notions like the backing vocals-as-strings on “In Another Minute” that recalls last year’s celebrated Dirty Projectors album, Bitte Orca. But there are also classic sounds here alongside the entirely original, which is perhaps the best way to describe Water Over the Bridge: A singular work of an original artist in a unique yet diverse musical world. —Crispin Kott
- ROLL Magazine - December 2010

ROLL MAGAZINE - Highlights

Su 12/19- ANNA CHEEK CD Release for Water Over the Bridge, at Bearsville Theater, Woodstock—It’s been a trying year for pianist/songwriter/chanteuse Anna Cheek, who has spent the better part of it on an unintended hiatus, battling illness that sapped her of energy, making performance all but impossible. But fine music won’t be denied, and though it was recorded last year, her Water Over the Bridge has patiently awaited its proper debut, and it’s well worth the wait (please see this month’s roll CD reviews). Originally from New Orleans, by way of Canada, Maine, and Puerto Rico, the classically-trained Cheek weaves threads from multiple musical sources into a highly individualistic sound that one reviewer has compared to “Eartha Kitt meets Rickie Lee Jones” (though I would add a dash of the Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan). With a strong backing unit including longtime collaborators Kyle Esposito (bass) and Manuel Quintana (drums,), plus guitar whiz Todd Nelson, percussionist Bob Resnick, and backing vocalists, this show should serve as a potent reintroduction for an important regional artist we at roll hope to see more of in the coming year. Welcome back, Anna! Bearsville Theater, 291 Tinker St. (Rte. 212), Woodstock/Bearsville, www.bearsvilletheater.com, 845.679.4406. 8 PM
- ROLL Magazine - December 2010

Hinda Mindell - Arts and Features Editor, The Bennington Banner, VT - July, 2005
"... In an age where the air-waves are overstocked with the contrived melodies and technologically enhanced voices of packaged stars, Cheek and her band fulfill an entirely different niche - good, honest musicmaking."

Don Wilcock - Music Reviewer, The Troy Record, NY - March, 2005
"... music that sounds like Grace Slick wrestling with Eartha Kitt on original lyrics set to piano music influenced by Bach cantatas with the wrenching emotional intensity of Marianne Faithful... You gotta hear this lady... "

Bob Margolis, Reviewer, Woodstock Times, NY - Preview for Woodstock Jazz & Folk Festival - July 2004
"...Among those on the bill are pianist and songwriter Anna Cheek, who must be getting tired of endless comparisons to everyone from Ricki Lee Jones to Lucinda Williams, since her work is silky, mysterious and, as evidenced on her Closer to Now, absolutely her own..."

DJ Wavy Davy, Chronogram, NY - June 2004
"This refreshing singer-songwriter stands on her own for many reasons, notably as a classically-trained pianist with a unique, earthy vocal-ese. Not one to be compared to today's pre-fab "pop tarts", Ms. Cheek's songs are introspective and honest. With an excellent touring band... her appearances are captivating and never boring"

John Barry- Music Writer, Poughkeepsie Journal, NY - March 2004
"... a classically-trained pianist who has carved a unique sound out of the piano in the same way that Bruce Hornsby and Joni Mitchell make their performing instantly recognizable. Her vocals are reminiscent of Victoria Williams... "

DJ Wavy Davy, Chronogram, NY - July 2003
"This talented pianist-singer-songwriter draws comparison to everyone from Marianne Faithfull to Imogen Heap. But the nearly 20 tracks on her new CD Closer to Now, (Chestnut Records) confirm her inviting voice and personal, original style.... " - Various publishers, compiled by Anna Cheek

Published: Friday, July 02, 2010
By DAVID MALACHOWSKI
Reviewer

ARTIST: Anna Cheek

ALBUM: “Water Over the Bridge”

Local treasure Anna Cheek has been battling illness for sometime, and we’re lucky she’s on the mend just as this sparkling new CD, “Water Over The Bridge” is released.

Produced by Robert Frazza in Woodstock, Cheek has written all the songs here, with an ethereal bent and an eye for detail.

A long list of local luminaries join her, along with producer Frazza, renowned guitarists Mike DeMicco and Jim Weider, drum master Jerry Marotta, keyboard wizard Ross Rice, pedal steel giant Kevin Maul and sublime cellist Jane Scarpantoni all join the fray.

Born in New Orleans, Cheek has lived in Niagara Falls, Montreal, and now makes her home in nearby Palenville.

After a delicate intro in “Ever So Gently,” a full band crashes in full force. Here Cheek’s voice is innocent and sweet, bolstered by a fast vibrato, and isn’t swallowed by the wall of sound, but instead, stands proudly on top of the lush, layered pop fare waving a flag.

In the haunting “Fountainhead,” she sings about being insecure, but doesn’t sound it. “Midnight Blue Sky” is dramatic and majestic, though still finds a funky groove, and the exquisite “Pretender” surely channels Tori Amos, while Cheek closes with the stately strings of “In Another Minute.”

Well thought out, “Water Over The Bridge” is a quiet masterpiece from an artist who obviously lives to play.

Visit www.annacheek.com; www.myspace.com/annacheekband; www.facebook.com/annacheekmusic
- DAILY FREEMAN Serving the Hudson Valley since 1871

Kennebunkport - The dulcet tones of The Anna Cheek Band, recent performers a Mast Cove Galleries, are magnetizing, catching your ear and holding it.

This is the second time The Anna Cheek Band, named for pianist and singer Anna Cheek, has performed Kennebunkport, and audience members at the show on Feb. 12 will be glad to hear that she will be coming back this summer.

The band both captivated and relaxed, sometimes inducing their audience to sway in time and other times lulling them into sitting back and absorbing the music.

Cheek's classical training came through as she tickled the ivories with skill and feeling. Her smoky voice is not conventional, but very appealing, making the sad songs raw and the upbeat tunes spicy. The soulful combination of classical piano and her sultry voice is very compelling.

Although her classical roots are apparent in songs, Cheek's music is only partly classical and takes cues from folk, jazz, blues and several other genres. With such eclectic influences, Cheek creates something new and distinctly her own, making it not hard to say that many people will likely find the music of The Anna Cheek Band easy on the ears.

Her affecionately nicknamed "band boys", such as drummer Manuel Quintana, who was captivating to watch and listen to, are all wonderful musicians in their own rights, but were excellent complements to Cheek's vocals and piano.

Cheek and the band even played a couple of covers, putting a new twist on the song, "I Love You Always Forever" by fellow Woodstock, NY singer, Donna Lewis. In the hands of Cheek and her band, the song rolled along in a rhythm that was hard to not bob your head to. Quintana on drums set a bubbling and almost tribal pace to the pops song, while Cheek's own voice lightened to float along this upbeat tune.

Special guest guitarist, Jim Weider, who was a member of The Band, was so good when playing the song, "Slidding Home", from his CD, "Big Foot", it made this reviewer want to throw her head back and howl. The seductive sounds of his guitar seemed to demand involvement, whether it was tapping a toe in time to the music or hooting out appreciation.

Mast Cove Galleries was the perfect venue for such a concert, which was held in a large parlor illuminated with flickering candles and a few low lights. In the dimly lit room, the paintings that bedeck the walls were just barely visible, but were still an inspiring backdrop. The music filled the room in a way that makes the member of the audience feel as though they're the only one there.


- Jennifer Hargan, Reviewer, York County Coast Star - February 2004

"My God, this is impressive...Anna´s voice scares me!!! Intrigued by a voice that reminded me of the most genius voices of pop I can think of : Nico and the godlike Marianne Faithfull. And we only have spoken about the voice, not even the music! Anna got intrigued by music at a very young age and influenced by tons of genres, she started doing her own thing Anna´s best friend must be the piano as that´s the sort of red line throughout the whole cd (even if there is a big list of guest muicians who have accompanied Anna on this cd) and it´s weird pop really... Try to imagine how Mercury Rev would sound like if Joni Mitchell was the singer and you have the music from Anna. I have no away how I would describe this music but tracks like "Away from you" only brings me to something like pop noir as the voice is going into some crescendo while the music has such a dark undertone. Nowords for this one except that I´m speechless and an other real proof that the press is sleeping as this woman deserves what the big names have, adoration. "

- Didier Becu - February 2002

(Review of CD "Closer to Now" and it's release)

There's something about a bridge.

The most immediate image to spring to a majority of minds would be the architect's artificial structure linking two points across a natural barrier. If you're a dentist, you might have another first thought and a crafter of stringed instruments would likely envision the supporting brace under the strings. But to musicians themselves, a bridge is a transitional passage and, as such, wed to the architect's design as a powerful metaphor. That's why the appearance of a footbridge on the cover of Anna Cheek's engrossing debut album, Closer to Now, seems particularly apt.

Bridges connect. So, too, does the essence of this album. But, more than that, it is itself a bridge of sorts. It connects back to a flavor of music which flowed from the foothills of the Catskills around the world and it does so with a personal musical integrity which provides continuity not only for those traditions of sound but for the individual journey of its primary creator. This is a new bridge to a bright future.

In the Digital Image Collection at NASA, there's a mind-jolting photograph from space of an old, old eighteen and a half mile long bridge connecting Sri Lanka and India across the Palk Straits. Forgotten for uncounted ages, it is quite vividly obvious to the NASA lenses miles above, presenting a taunting logic of man-made curvature in its shaped shoals and a composition age-dated back some 1,750,000 years. Except that's impossible, isn't it?

When Anna Cheek looks at her personal bridges, at what she thought was possible and what was not, she laughs; "Over time, I evolved to be exactly where I'd been all along. I just didn't know it."

There's a treasure of folklore and superstition about bridges, like the old, almost forgotten, American belief that a wish made while crossing over a bridge that you've never before traversed will be fulfilled. There was also a primitive regard in different parts of the world that a river is a living thing possessed of a spirit which might be offended by being straddled with a bridge. Hence, sacrifices were a necessary tradition which survived into ancient Rome where each May 15th the Vestal Virgins cast straw puppets made to look like old men into the waters of the Tiber River from the city's oldest bridge.

There is a related idea which is helpful in finding the key to Anna Cheek's music but, before that, we require a few words about the music itself...

When you put Cheek's cd in motion, you're bound for an almost seamless ride through a blended mixture of musical terrains which center on Anna's voice and piano. The canny production techniques of Michael Bitterman and Robert Frazza, both of whom contribute instrumentally, forge a sense of progression and unity uncommon to such a diversity of textures, even infusing an authenticity of the sway and bite of those unique qualities which have become recognized as Catskill rock. No small measure of that latter attainment can be traced to the presence, on a number of these tracks, of the guitar stylings of Jim Weider, saturated as they are with that bounding woodstove sound through his years as a member of The Band.

The distinct, smokey and finely-grained voice which carries the lead in this succession of melodies weaves in the flow with character, depth and implication, crying for an individuality it fully achieves in varying moods and textures. Grading in a lighter timbre through a grooving phraseology reminiscent of Karen Dalton's rhythmically haunting intonations, Cheek adds something of the elfishly feminine undertones of an Eartha Kitt and melds it into a clearly recognizable vocal identity of her own. The effect of her delivery creates a voice with deeper and more interesting elements of beauty than most of the pretty vocals we are used to in contemporary popular music.

When the spin of the disk has ceased, we can recognize that, within its motions, it has transmitted notice of the arrival on the scene of an extraordinary talent.

Born in New Orleans and raised through her early years in Canada, Cheek spent some further formative years on the coast of Maine before moving to Puerto Rico for a decade.

"I was kind of born into (music) in a way, in terms of my sensibilities," Cheek recalls. "I'm a classically trained pianist who started study at 5 or 6 through the Royal Conservatory music system (in Canada). I've always thought of music as being sort of my `safe haven'- a place where I would find solace."

Cheek is quick to point out that it was not the kind of desperate refuge from a horrible life which a troubled child might seek but rather a special "place to be totally at peace and comfortable." For a very long time, her place of peace and songwriting was a place Anna kept defensively private, even as she continued her musical study.

"I didn't want to major in (music) in college because I was worried that if I made it my `job' - Gary Alexander, Reviewer, Woodstock Times, NY - March 2002

Kennebunkport - The dulcet tones of The Anna Cheek Band, recent performers a Mast Cove Galleries, are magnetizing, catching your ear and holding it.

This is the second time The Anna Cheek Band, named for pianist and singer Anna Cheek, has performed Kennebunkport, and audience members at the show on Feb. 12 will be glad to hear that she will be coming back this summer.

The band both captivated and relaxed, sometimes inducing their audience to sway in time and other times lulling them into sitting back and absorbing the music.

Cheek's classical training came through as she tickled the ivories with skill and feeling. Her smoky voice is not conventional, but very appealing, making the sad songs raw and the upbeat tunes spicy. The soulful combination of classical piano and her sultry voice is very compelling.

Although her classical roots are apparent in songs, Cheek's music is only partly classical and takes cues from folk, jazz, blues and several other genres. With such eclectic influences, Cheek creates something new and distinctly her own, making it not hard to say that many people will likely find the music of The Anna Cheek Band easy on the ears.

Her affecionately nicknamed "band boys", such as drummer Manuel Quintana, who was captivating to watch and listen to, are all wonderful musicians in their own rights, but were excellent complements to Cheek's vocals and piano.

Cheek and the band even played a couple of covers, putting a new twist on the song, "I Love You Always Forever" by fellow Woodstock, NY singer, Donna Lewis. In the hands of Cheek and her band, the song rolled along in a rhythm that was hard to not bob your head to. Quintana on drums set a bubbling and almost tribal pace to the pops song, while Cheek's own voice lightened to float along this upbeat tune.

Special guest guitarist, Jim Weider, who was a member of The Band, was so good when playing the song, "Slidding Home", from his CD, "Big Foot", it made this reviewer want to throw her head back and howl. The seductive sounds of his guitar seemed to demand involvement, whether it was tapping a toe in time to the music or hooting out appreciation.

Mast Cove Galleries was the perfect venue for such a concert, which was held in a large parlor illuminated with flickering candles and a few low lights. In the dimly lit room, the paintings that bedeck the walls were just barely visible, but were still an inspiring backdrop. The music filled the room in a way that makes the member of the audience feel as though they're the only one there.


- Jennifer Hargan, Reviewer, York County Coast Star - February 2004

By Don Wilcock, 3/24/05

Anna Cheek's family thinks she's eccentric. "That's a nice way to put it," says the singer/songwriter making her area debut with a CD-release party tonight at Artie's River Street Stage in Troy. She then paraphrases what she imagines they're saying about her. "Falling off the truck and hitting her head - what's wrong with Anna?"

One can understand why they might feel that way. Here's a young woman properly educated at the The Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada who gives up a fine-paying job in Puerto Rico in computer science to move to Woodstock. There she devotes full time to music that sounds like Grace Slick wrestling with Eartha Kitt on original lyrics set to piano music influenced by Bach cantatas with the wrenching emotional intensity of Marianne Faithful after her fall from grace with Mick Jagger.

"When I was younger I ,did let (others' views) influence me, and now I'm like, 'OK, that's fine, but this is who I am. This is my life, and this is what I love to do. This is what I'm doing, and whether I'm mildly or moderately successful, my success is about creating and developing and presenting my art in the best way that I can.'"

If you're still trying to imagine her music from my description above, give it a rest. You gotta hear this lady. She's Beat Street Jimmy Barrett's latest discovery. Since Love FM 104.9 dumped Barrett's top rated "Kaleidoscope," along with their smooth jazz format in favor of country music (No, I'm not gonna go there right now!), Jimmy's had some time on his hands - always dangerous - and has come up with B.S. Promotions. (He assures me the B.S. stands for Beat Street, the name of his wonderful record store on River St.) B.S. Promotions' first show is tonight, headlining Anna Cheek and opening with one of Troy's former residents and an area favorite, acoustic singer/songwriter Kim Buckley.

The show's at Artie's River Street Stage ,across the street from Barrett's store. It's a CD-release party honoring "Live at Mast Cove" recorded in concert at Mast Cove Galleries in Kennebunkport, Maine, last November.

Remember the first time you heard Rikki Lee Jones' voice and wondered if she'd discovered a new, stronger brand of steroids? Or, better yet, had her voice been picked up by one of those massive dishes that's supposed to intercept extraterrestrial communications?

Anna's vocals will hit you the same way. She has a high-angst-ridden vocal delivery with concise intonation. But it's the intensity and obvious sincerity that sucks you in, and by the second song, you're there for her.

And so is Jim Weider. You think you know what his roots-rock guitar sounds like from his work with The Band and his fabulous workshop at Fleet Blues Fest? You haven't heard him with Anna.

On "Black Dress," his guitar tickles and teases the melody without succumbing to it. His high strung (literally) accompaniment for "On My Mind" beautifully enhances Anna's quiet weep of desperation. Weider will accompany Anna tonight, as will fellow Woodstock heavyweights bassist Kyle Esposito and drummer Manuel Quintana. The Capital Region's own Jim Resnick is on percussion.

In addition to the above-mentioned female vocalists, Anna has been compared to Tori Amos, Nora Jones, Victoria Williams and Joni Mitchell. Such journalistic liberties almost always telegraph the coming of a truly unique stylist.

Ask almost any artist his or her reaction to such comparisons, and most will beg off the question. Anna, however, does not blink.

"I think I have a very unusual voice, and I definitely can hear Eartha Kitt. She is a wonder of a musician. If I have a career that's anywhere close to what hers is with the kind of energy and charisma that she has, I would be thrilled.

"So, I would say, vocally, a cross between Eartha Kitt and probably Nora Jones on the softer side. Maybe I can hear Rikki Lee Jones in terms of style. I know I don't have a beautiful voice like any of these people as a whole, especially somebody like Joni Mitchell. She's just so smooth. What was one of the other ones? Maryanne Faithful - I could hear that a little bit."

Next to the voice, its Anna's piano playing that truly distinguishes her. She's heavily influenced by Bach. "I've always been influenced by many genres of music: folk, blues, jazz, rock, but I think the classics are a very familiar place for me, and definitely Bach.

"The contrapuntal elements and the polyphonic kinds of influences of that genre of music play into a certain hollowness, but at the same time, there's a lot of depth, and there's a lot of heart and soul if you listen closely. You just have to listen with that ear."

And how does she think Bach might have reacted to her music? "If I were in his time, I think nobody would have got it, but I think now if he were here, I hope that he would have recognized and appreciated what a profound influence he's had on me in my music and how encouraged I am having studied his musi - The Troy Record

February 2005

As any touring performer can tell you, there is nothing that is as thrilling as returning to a venue that feels like home. That is exactly how it is for pianist Anna Cheek as she makes her fourth appearance at Mast Cove Galleries in Kennebunkport on Thursday, Feb. 10. Sometimes there is a connection, an electricity that occurs between the artist and a place, and that appears to have happened here.

Cheek, a Canadian who now resides in Woodstock, NY is a classically trained pianist. She applies her impressive technical skills to her music with a broad stylistic brush, blending in influences from pop, rock and jazz as well as her classical training to produce a fully composed and orchestrated sound to her work. Her voice is soulful and edgy and gives her sound a very contemporary feel, even as she mixes in more weathered musical influences.

Years ago, Cheek’s family lived in Kennebunkport when her dad was employed in Sanford. She met another young singer who turned out to be Mast Cove owner Jean Brigg’s daughter Lise. They sang together at local venues and were good friends. Briggs remembers, “Annie spent a lot of time singing in this house when she and Lise were performing together. I have such wonderful memories of that time, and the closeness we shared. She was like another daughter. Not, to see how far her music has come and to be a part of the growth of her career, well that’s just so marvelous!”

Other than the personal connection, what makes Mast Cove a place that Cheek and her band want to come back to? Says Cheek, “The room, the art, the piano, and of course, Jean-- it’s a beautiful room, great for listening and it’s totally inspiring to be performing amidst all that creativity. The piano itself is a joy to play, it’s a sweet Yamaha baby grand with great tone and action, so that’s a treat. And Jean herself is such a gracious and wonderful person… a true supporter of the arts. I think she and her music series provide for such a lovely experience for both the musicians and the audience. We really enjoy performing there-- it’s a special place.”

Briggs notes that Cheek “plays a different style of music than what people usually listen to here. The audience really connects with Annie and her band because they are so personable-- all of them reach out with warmth to the audience, so people get to know her, love her music, and oh that voice! And they want to come back and see here again and again. That is just fine with us.”

For longtime jazz and blues aficionados or for listeners new to those genres, Mast Cove Galleries’ ongoing series of concerts are a comfortable way to hear many talented musicians who are carefully hand-picked by Jean Briggs. Her welcoming music parlor has it all, great acoustics, an inviting ambience, good community, tasty refreshments and ample opportunity for person-to-person encounters with the artists. There is hardly a better music venue for jazz in the area. A percentage of all art sales on music nights goes to benefit York Hospice. The music schedule, along with directions and other gallery info, is posted at www.mastcove.com. FMI: 967-3453
- Dale Robin Lockman, Music Columnist, York County Coast Star, ME

Seems like I’ve been running from myself for way too long
Seems like I’ve been heading for a fall
Seems like I’ve been searching for a way I can forget about you,
Seems like I need to find, I need to find my way back home

Excerpt from “Home” by Anna Cheek

Anna Cheek came home last week to play for her extended Maine family at Mast Cove Gallery. Cheek, originally from Canada, spent time in Kennebunkport during college and connected with Jean’s daughter Lesa. The two sang together at the former Port Gardens and have remained friends for years. This is Cheek’s fourth appearance at Mast Cove and a special one marked by the recording of a live album due out at the end of the year called, “Live at Mast Cove.”

Cheek is a classically trained pianist having studied at the Royal Canadian Conservatory in Toronto. Music has long been her best friend but not always her career. She worked as an applications developer for Timberland down in the Carribean and played music on the side. As time went on, the lure of music was too great and Cheek left the corporate path to pursue for her own.

When she moved to the rich artist enclave of Woodstock, NY, Cheek met a lot of people in the neighborhood who were involved with music. It didn’t take long before they were encouraging her to take the next step.

“I met a guy at this studio, Midnight Modulation, and he asked if I’d thought about doing an album and that’s how I met Robert Frazza; now we’re rockin’ and rollin!’”

Frazza arrived in Kennebunkport with his dual processor Mac in tow only days removed from a two-week stint in Japan where he was recording an album with Todd Rundgren.
His initial session with Cheek yielded one contact after another including Tony Levin, bass player for Peter Gabriel, Robbie Dupree, Donna Lewis and Jim Weider. That was three years ago and Frazza’s been with Cheek ever since.

Anna’s piano play provided the backdrop for her haunting voice that is reminiscent of Tori Amos and Nora Jones. Her music reveals her passion and compassion for life, each song capturing a moment of emotion. The songs take flight when supported by the incredibly talented band behind her.

“If you think about it, it’s each of our jobs to make it easier for the person beside them,” offered Cheek. “When you come to the party, you’ve got to be focused, prepared to play. It’s a team.”

Weider, former member of The Band, gets a phenomenal range of sound out of his ’52 Telecaster, a guitar he’s been lugging around since he picked it up at a music shop in California over 30 years ago. Throughout the show, Weider slapped the wooden body, bent the strings and worked the knobs until it soared with vibrato.

Bass player and Berklee grad Kyle Esposito anchored the band with drummer Manuel Quintana. Quintana was spot on adding tight, trance like beats -- a wonderful balance between Weider’s screaming licks and Cheek’s chord progressions.

This performance and others are a labor of love for Mast Cove Gallery owner Jean Briggs. For the past twenty-five years, Briggs has grown Mast Cove into the largest privately owned gallery in the state of Maine.

Along with this passion for the visual arts, Briggs developed an intense love for music bolstered by her marriage to a concert pianist. And while the marriage did not last, her love of music only grew.

“When he left, I missed the music probably more than him. I started going down to Portsmouth and listening to jazz. Someone said, ‘the best revenge is living well’ so I thought, ‘I’m going to bring some really good musicians back here. Everyone was in favor and I did it.”

Indeed she has. Today, Jean attracts remarkable talent like legendary blues harp man James Montgomery, most notable for his work with Duane Allman and Johnny Winters.

The frequency of the performances is driven by interest; Briggs would welcome more concerts but there just isn’t enough local support. She certainly doesn’t do it for the money.

“I lose money every time I do this,” she says through laughter. The artists certainly don’t come for the money either but to bathe in the light of lively paintings and perform in this beautiful home. “I just try to make it a nice happening for the musicians,” said Briggs.

“I love it here,” added Jim Weider, former guitarist in The Band. “You roll out of bed and start playing.”

For more information on Concerts at Mast Cove, contact Jean at 967-3453 or, via the web at www.mastcove.com. Anna Cheek’s single, “Black Dress,” can be heard on a few regional radio stations. She can be found online at www.annacheek.com along with Jim Weider (www.jimweider.com), Kyle Espositio (www.jonesite.com) and Robert Frazza (www.robertfrazza.com).


- Portland Press Herald - December 2004

February 2005

Because Anna Cheek listens for what her songs want, there's a much better chance you will want to listen to Anna Cheek's songs.

"I try to be in touch with my emotions. With music, it's about getting the right feeling," Cheek said during a recent interview. In discussing the making of her last studio album, "Closer to Now," she noted, "We took the approach of trying to hear what the songs were trying to say. We tried different things on songs and paid really close attention to what worked best."

So even though much of "Closer to Now" lingers in a romantic sadness, Cheek's sound is expansive. She can be smoky and jazzy one moment, folksy the next, and then wind up on an artsy, cabaret bent.

Cheek also explained that it's not good to get totally comfortable with the recorded versions of her songs, as her interpretations can likely change on stage. That assertion can be put to the test Saturday when Cheek plays at Cafe Fantastique inside Rotmans furniture store, 725 Southbridge St., Worcester. Set times are 6 and 8 p.m. and admission is free.

Guitarist Jim Weider, known for his work with the most recent incarnation of The Band, will be joining Cheek's combo of bass player Kyle Esposito and drummer Manuel Quintana.

Weider and Quintana are veterans of Cheek's "Closer to Now" recordings sessions, which also brought in Peter Gabriel's bass master Tony Levin, harmonica player and singer Robbie Dupree, singer Donna Lewis, cello player Abby Newton, and several others from the fertile music scene of Woodstock, N.Y.

Woodstock is Cheek's latest outpost. The pianist and singer was born in New Orleans, then moved to Toronto where she studied piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Her peripatetic lifestyle then took her to Maine and then to Puerto Rico. In the Caribbean, Cheek put more time into developing her music and eventually teamed with drummer Quintana.

"There have been lots of comings and goings. You have to say lots of goodbyes when you move around. There's a certain hollowness and sadness to that," Cheek said. "On the plus side, I write when I'm feeling emotional or sad. Sadness influences me."

Cheek spent 10 years in Puerto Rico before moving to Woodstock. There in upstate New York she met Robert Frazza, a multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer who helped get the ball rolling for the making of "Closer to Now."

"He works with heavyweights. He's out now with Todd Rundgren and Joe Jackson. He had the connections to all the players in the area. I am shy, so he had a hand in knocking on the door of people like Tony Levin and Jim Weider," Cheek said.

Weider became a regular in Cheek's band and will be heard on her forthcoming concert album, "Live at Mast Cove," which captures a performance at Mast Cove Galleries in Kennebunkport, one of Cheek's favorite places to play in Maine.

Listening to Cheek's songs makes it easy to understand why top-caliber musicians would be drawn to an artist still making her way through the maze of being an independent operator.

Cheek's songs boast strong melodies and well-crafted lyrics, and she keeps the quality high regardless of genre bends. The bluesy "All Too Well" and sleek, contemporary "Black Dress" boast the same careful preparation as the classically shaped "Home" or singer-songwriter knockout punch of "River."

Cheek's pliable voice is another element giving her music a distinct stamp. Cheek offers a suitable alternative to those who like piano-driven music with heart and brains yet can't find a pulse in Norah Jones' music. Cheek also comes recommended to those who miss Rikki Lee Jones.

Asked about handling the diversity of her sound, Cheek said, "It works for me. I'm not the type who can play the same sound over and over. Marketing my music and finding the right audience has been hard. To build an audience you need to get into the good listening rooms. To get into the good listening rooms, you need to prove to them that you can bring an audience. But in the bigger picture, I'm glad to be influenced by so many sounds."

- Scott McLennan - Worcester Telegram & Gazette, MA

Preview of 2/19 Cafe Fantastique show - Worcester, MA

With deeply personal lyrics and a musical style that encompasses all of her life's experiences, listening to Anna Cheek perform is like having a face-to-face conversation with an old friend. And the crowd at Café Fantastique this Saturday, Feb. 19, has the opportunity to join Cheek as she performs a selection of songs from her album, Closer to Now. Joining this classically trained pianist is guitarist Jim Weider as well as Kyle Espisito and Manuel Quintana. Enjoy Cheek's blend of folk, rock, jazz, blues and pop at two free shows beginning at 6 and 8 p.m. - Worcester Magazine - February 2005

Preview of 2/19 Cafe Fantastique show - Worcester, MA

With deeply personal lyrics and a musical style that encompasses all of her life's experiences, listening to Anna Cheek perform is like having a face-to-face conversation with an old friend. And the crowd at Café Fantastique this Saturday, Feb. 19, has the opportunity to join Cheek as she performs a selection of songs from her album, Closer to Now. Joining this classically trained pianist is guitarist Jim Weider as well as Kyle Espisito and Manuel Quintana. Enjoy Cheek's blend of folk, rock, jazz, blues and pop at two free shows beginning at 6 and 8 p.m. - Worcester Magazine - February 2005

by Lydia Harris
The Daily News, US Virgin Islands
January, 2006


ST. THOMAS, US Virgin Islands - Earthy, soulful, unique. Singer-songwriter-pianist Anna Cheek's sultry voice has been described as "Eartha Kitt meets Rikki Lee Jones."

The Anna Cheek Bank kicked off its debut Virgin Islands' tour Wednesday at Paradise Point, then moved over to Jack's last night. The band will be at the Jolly Roger on Tortola tonight and Saturday. On Sunday, they head for Jost Van Dyke and a performance at Foxy's. The tour continues on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix through Jan. 30.

Jan. 28, the band will be featured at St. Croix's BBQ Boogie at Sydney Lee Theater.

This may be its first time on the islands, but already the Anna Cheek Band has new fans.

As a singer, Anna's voice is more interesting elements than most pretty vocalists in contemporary popular music. And her brand of music runs from blues to folk and pop to rock with a little Latin and classical thrown in for good measure.

Born in New Orleans and raised in Canada, mostly Niagara Falls and Montreal, Anna studied classical piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. After college, she spent 10 years in Puerto Rico where she was, of all things, an engineer for The Timberland Company.

Reconciling being a musician and an engineer is not hard for this exuberant performer. Anna sees direct connections between engineering and music in the "constructualization and spatial relationships in intervals. Both are very creative professions," she said. "I think most musicians have mathematical minds."

In math or art or design, "the whole dimension of math applies," she said, noting that intricate mathematical elements appear in all these forms, including the classical music she began studying at age 5.

Songs from the heart
As a songwriter, Anna's songs provide a unique listening experience. Her music and lyrics are honest, interesting, well-crafted and appeal on multiple levels, intellectual as well as emotional.

"In spirit I'm a singer-songwriter. As a singer-songwriter, it's like layers of your psyche. I write from the heart. I tend to feel like music is more of a muse for me," Anna said in recent interview from her home near Woodstock, N.Y.

She might have different ideas or phrases "hit" her from time to time, but until they relate to her personally, she doesn't use them. It's more about a natural expression of her inner self, Anna said.

"I love expressing myself vocally," she said.

Often described as a "musical poet," Anna talks about music the way a poet talks about words. For her, it's about "how everything comes together and makes meaning. Life is a fabric," she said. "It has texture and colors and weaves together."

Writing music is like being "part of a conversation I'm having with myself. … It's more a gift or companion. Someone with whom I have a moment in time."

Anna's classical training springs to life in her expressive keyboard progressions and her appreciation of different kinds of music comes through most soulfully in her voice.

Listening to Anna Cheek, it sounds as though her voice and the piano are one instrument, extensions of one another joined together.

"It's about hearing the voices in the orchestra and adding the singing as another voice," another instrument in the orchestra, she said.

In fact, she said she is having to learn how to separate vocal techniques from piano techniques.


The Anna Cheek Band
The Anna Cheek Band includes multi-talented musicians Manuel Quintana on drums and percussion; Michael Colletti on bass guitar; and Kyle Esposito, also a songwriter, on guitar.

Anna "depends on them a lot. They're fantastic musicians," she said.

Anna's music career didn't begin until she moved to Puerto Rico, where she started playing with "guy bands," she said. That's where she met Manuel. They've played together for about 10 years.

"His talent is organic. He is a naturally talented and experienced musician," she said of Manuel. "He's remarkably talented. He always adds something interesting."

Kyle studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. "He's a well-schooled musician. He's just exquisite," Anna said. "He pulls out tones and voices that just make the music sound better."

Also a well versed musician, Anna described Mike as "fun, talented, with great energy. He always makes you have a better time when he plays."

Like a family out having a good time, "we laugh and it's a hoot!" Anna said of the group. And that comes through when they are on stage.

With two albums to her credit, Anna is working on a third. Her musical goal is to "explore, live and learn."

This album, she noted, has "a more tribal element to it," but the "essence of Anna Cheek is still there." While the melody lines are simplified, Anna said the writing is more sophisticated than her previous work. Still, similar to her other albums, "there's a lot going on underne - The Daily News, U.S. Virgin Islands

by Lydia Harris
The Daily News, US Virgin Islands
January, 2006


ST. THOMAS, US Virgin Islands - Earthy, soulful, unique. Singer-songwriter-pianist Anna Cheek's sultry voice has been described as "Eartha Kitt meets Rikki Lee Jones."

The Anna Cheek Bank kicked off its debut Virgin Islands' tour Wednesday at Paradise Point, then moved over to Jack's last night. The band will be at the Jolly Roger on Tortola tonight and Saturday. On Sunday, they head for Jost Van Dyke and a performance at Foxy's. The tour continues on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix through Jan. 30.

Jan. 28, the band will be featured at St. Croix's BBQ Boogie at Sydney Lee Theater.

This may be its first time on the islands, but already the Anna Cheek Band has new fans.

As a singer, Anna's voice is more interesting elements than most pretty vocalists in contemporary popular music. And her brand of music runs from blues to folk and pop to rock with a little Latin and classical thrown in for good measure.

Born in New Orleans and raised in Canada, mostly Niagara Falls and Montreal, Anna studied classical piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. After college, she spent 10 years in Puerto Rico where she was, of all things, an engineer for The Timberland Company.

Reconciling being a musician and an engineer is not hard for this exuberant performer. Anna sees direct connections between engineering and music in the "constructualization and spatial relationships in intervals. Both are very creative professions," she said. "I think most musicians have mathematical minds."

In math or art or design, "the whole dimension of math applies," she said, noting that intricate mathematical elements appear in all these forms, including the classical music she began studying at age 5.

Songs from the heart
As a songwriter, Anna's songs provide a unique listening experience. Her music and lyrics are honest, interesting, well-crafted and appeal on multiple levels, intellectual as well as emotional.

"In spirit I'm a singer-songwriter. As a singer-songwriter, it's like layers of your psyche. I write from the heart. I tend to feel like music is more of a muse for me," Anna said in recent interview from her home near Woodstock, N.Y.

She might have different ideas or phrases "hit" her from time to time, but until they relate to her personally, she doesn't use them. It's more about a natural expression of her inner self, Anna said.

"I love expressing myself vocally," she said.

Often described as a "musical poet," Anna talks about music the way a poet talks about words. For her, it's about "how everything comes together and makes meaning. Life is a fabric," she said. "It has texture and colors and weaves together."

Writing music is like being "part of a conversation I'm having with myself. … It's more a gift or companion. Someone with whom I have a moment in time."

Anna's classical training springs to life in her expressive keyboard progressions and her appreciation of different kinds of music comes through most soulfully in her voice.

Listening to Anna Cheek, it sounds as though her voice and the piano are one instrument, extensions of one another joined together.

"It's about hearing the voices in the orchestra and adding the singing as another voice," another instrument in the orchestra, she said.

In fact, she said she is having to learn how to separate vocal techniques from piano techniques.


The Anna Cheek Band
The Anna Cheek Band includes multi-talented musicians Manuel Quintana on drums and percussion; Michael Colletti on bass guitar; and Kyle Esposito, also a songwriter, on guitar.

Anna "depends on them a lot. They're fantastic musicians," she said.

Anna's music career didn't begin until she moved to Puerto Rico, where she started playing with "guy bands," she said. That's where she met Manuel. They've played together for about 10 years.

"His talent is organic. He is a naturally talented and experienced musician," she said of Manuel. "He's remarkably talented. He always adds something interesting."

Kyle studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. "He's a well-schooled musician. He's just exquisite," Anna said. "He pulls out tones and voices that just make the music sound better."

Also a well versed musician, Anna described Mike as "fun, talented, with great energy. He always makes you have a better time when he plays."

Like a family out having a good time, "we laugh and it's a hoot!" Anna said of the group. And that comes through when they are on stage.

With two albums to her credit, Anna is working on a third. Her musical goal is to "explore, live and learn."

This album, she noted, has "a more tribal element to it," but the "essence of Anna Cheek is still there." While the melody lines are simplified, Anna said the writing is more sophisticated than her previous work. Still, similar to her other albums, "there's a lot going on underne - The Daily News, U.S. Virgin Islands