Annie Keating
Album: Make Believing
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.anniekeating.com

It seems a long time since Brooklyn based singer songwriter Annie Keating released a new CD, but the wait will soon be over with the imminent arrival of her sixth album, entitled Make Believing.

I love the names of many of Keating's songs over the years. There are eleven tracks on this release, one of them, a rather compelling song named Coney Island. Other standouts include Foxes, Sink or Swim (who won't relate?) and the haunting I Want to Believe

From the opening to concluding tracks, her band is subtle yet powerful, beautifully augmenting her exquisite vocals and haunting lyrics, as she narrates our journey through her thoughts and feelings.

These elite musicians include several, on a wide range of instruments; Jason Mercer (bass, double bass, banjo, shaker, acoustic guitar, mellotron, harmony vocals. He a.so produced some of her last CD, For Keeps.) Chris Benelli (drums, percussion) Trina Hamlin (harmonica, tambourine, harmony vocals) Chris Tarrow (acoustic and electric guitars, baritone guitar, pedal steel, harmony vocals) Matt Kearing (organ, piano) John Abrams (acoustic guitars, mandolin) and James Abrams (mandolin, violin, fiddle, banjo). Of course, Annie herself adds acoustic guitars as well as lead vocals.

Whilst I have enjoyed all of Annie Keating's CDs, it seems the sixth time U.S. The charm. This is unquestionably her best yet. I am certainly not make believing when I tell you that this is definitely one which belongs in all music lovers' collections, whether you are familiar with, or new to, the sound of Annie Keating

Helen Mitchell