Anna Troy- vocals, guitar
Megan Carchman- drums
Joe Poma- electric bass
Michael Reed- keyboards
Bart Mendoza- guitar
Robin Henkel- upright bass
Daniel Hartzheim- keyboards
Influences
Robin Henkel, Ani Difranco, Gregory Page, Billy Watson, Muddy Waters, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Shambles, Memphis Minnie, Blind Boy Fuller, Precious Bryant, Chuck Berry, Billie Holiday, Little Richard, Marvin Gaye, Cream, The Yardbirds, Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, Nathan James and Ben Hernandez, Miles Davis, Fleetwood Mac, T-Bone Walker
Though only twenty two, guitarist Anna Troy already has a lifetime of experience when it comes to music. A respected guitar instructor, multiple San Diego Music Award Nominee and former Elektra Records recording artist, Troy has seen the ups and downs the music business can offer- perhaps the perfect introduction to the blues. Following her four year stint alongside her sister in pop duo, The Troy’s, and with the support and influence of several established San Diego blues artists, she began writing and performing her own songs in the genre a year and a half ago.
Her passion has been evident from the start; little more than twelve months after beginning to craft those tunes, Troy was selected as one of the top three finalists in the International Blues Challenge at the San Diego House of Blues in November 2005.
Even with a whirlwind schedule that regularly sees her playing up to three times a day, she still managed enough time in the first half of 2006 to record her just-released debut, Aint No Man.
The album is full of self-penned gems. While this is definitely a blues album (it’s lone cover is an acoustic- slide-guitar driven version of evergreen “In My Time of Dyin’”) there is also a touch of pop, and a sense of melody that gives the songs here an edge. “Fool for Tryin” brims with rock-a-billy bluster, while the title track packs a pretty good groove in its few minutes.
Everything is topped by Troy’s scorching vocals, but she has also begun to make her name as a guitar ace, and that’s on display here as well. It’s particularly evident in the acoustic numbers, especially “Ain’t Too Young,” which shows off her deft finger picking. But there’s a lot to take in here. Jumping between solo acoustic tracks and full band workouts, her range is impressive. Joined on bass by San Diego blues legend Robin Henkel and with drums by Brian “Nucci” Cantrell, these recordings deliver on all counts.
While the best way to experience Troy’s music is in concert, from performance to songwriting prowess, one listen to Ain’t No Man and I think you’ll agree this album is a contender capturing Anna Troy’s sound perfectly. This is an album you are going to want to play loud and often.
I lost all of the mumbojumbo, luvy dovy, tree hugin smiling bullsh!t the day you mad me cut my hair and shave my beard ....so thanx to you i get to live the rest of my miserable life depress and unhappy...thanx you sneaky little b!tch :(
Thanks for adding me! I still can't believe a musician so young can perform the blues the way you do! You amaze me every time! See you Tuesday nights :)
