Biography

ANNALIVIA is one of latest hip alt-traditional acoustic bands to emerge form the potent Boston fiddle music scene. Their music combines Anglo-Celtic ballad singing and fiddle dance music traditions with North American counterparts in the Southern Appalachians and Cape Breton Island. Their sound is a genuine fusion of closely related musics which also draws on contemporary songwriters, in addition to contributing original instrumentals to an evolving tradition. The band is comprised of seasoned touring musicians and champion fiddlers, all of whom have performed and recorded with many notable acts in a range of Celtic and American folk genres.


PRESS

Annalivia [self-released (2008)]
New England has long been a fertile environment for musicians inspired by sounds from the British Isles, and the group Annalivia is one of the latest examples. This bright and uplifting debut release by a quartet that has since added a fifth member features harmonious singing and graceful instrumentals on a selection of traditional and contemporary material, largely English in origin. Lead vocalist Liz Simmons has a sweet, clear voice that captures the underlying lonesomeness in ballads like "When I Was In My Prime" and sparkles in an uncommonly delicate arrangement of Richard Thompson's "Walking on a Wire," while singer/guitarist Flynn Cohen provides both rhythmic drive and succinct picking. Bassist Stuart Kenney doubles on clawhammer banjo, adding an Appalachian spin to several tracks, and Cape Breton-style fiddler Brendan Carey Block soars on tunes like "The Holly Bush Reels." These are good times for neo-traditional bands, and Annalivia introduces itself as another noteworthy one.
–Tom Nelligan
Dirty Linen #141
May/June 2009


"ANNALIVIA showcases the rapport between Cohen's and Simmons's blended vocals – that demands you sing along… Annalivia has a diversity of interests, all of which it handles with style and aplomb."
Sean Smith - Boston Irish Reporter

"The blend of Kenney's banjo, Cohen's guitar and vocals, Block's fiddle and Simmons clear sweet voice will fill your ears with joy."
Louise Dunphy - Celtic Beat Magazine

LIZ SIMMONS - VOCALS, GUITAR

Liz grew up in a musical family, and has studied classical and traditional singing. She has performed with North Cregg (from County Cork, Ireland), Irish accordionist John Whelan, The Sevens, and currently plays in the all-female traditional folk band Long Time Courting.
"When I first heard Liz sing I was deeply struck by the beauty of her voice. She is blessed with a tender way of singing that draws you closer to her and into the drama of the song."
(Karan Casey)

"A honey-voiced singer. . .Simmons sings with winsome ease and genuine feeling."
(Dirty Linen Magazine)

BRENDAN CAREY BLOCK - FIDDLE

Constantly in pursuit of the boundaries of the violin, and in turn pushing them as far as he can, Twenty-three year-old Brendan Carey Block (the 2000 - 2001 US National Junior Scottish Fiddle Champion) has been performing since the age of ten. His love for the traditional fiddle music of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia has had a huge part in crafting his current innovative and energetic sound which now incorporates Jazz and Rock elements as well as ideas from the many Celtic regions of the world. Brendan has toured and recorded with many great artists including the renowned Glengarry Bhoys.

"...A festival highlight was red hot fiddle player Brendan Carey Block..."
(Boston Globe)

EMERALD RAE - FIDDLE, VOCALS, DANCE

Emerald is a U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a graduate of Berklee College of Music. She also performs with her own band, The Emerald Rae Trio.

"Her fiddling is technically spot-on yet elegantly earthly, her bow merrily bouncing along the strings as though unable to resist joining the dance."
(Boston Globe)

FLYNN COHEN - GUITAR, VOCALS

Flynn has recorded and performed with many notable acts in traditional and contemporary acoustic music, including Halali, Cathie Ryan, Aoife Clancy, John Whelan, Skip Healy, John McGann, Mark Simos, Adrienne Young, and has recorded two solo albums.

"A versatile string virtuoso."
(Dirty Linen)

STUART KENNEY - BASS, 5-STRING BANJO

Stuart toured for more than a decade with the world's most popular contradance band Wild Asparagus. He is one of the most sought-after bass players in the scene, having worked with Dewey Balfa, Karen Tweed, and the Sevens.

For upcoming performances please visit www.annaliviamusic.com.