Product Description For those familiar with Anna Dagmar Johnson's debut release, "One More Time in the Air," this latest album, "Solo Songs" captures the same creative lyricism and lush harmonic sensibility. The simplicity of hearing only piano and voice, however, gives this record a uniquely intimate and live quality. The songwriting is outstanding, and the pure and natural vocals are backed by intricately flowing piano accompaniments. Dagmar's songwriting has been compared to Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Sarah MacLaughlin, among others. Her piano style is influenced by many great jazz artists including Keith Jarrett, Lyle Mays, Bill Evans, and Paul Bley. Review I can't even come up with a strong comparison to Dagmar. She's an original. --Amy Lotsberg, Collected Sounds, December 2004...solid jazz-pop songwriting, bright piano playing, and earnest, honest vocals....Dagmar lays out her soul on every song. --Zac Johnson, All Music Guide, April 2004beautiful voice...solid songwriting and supported by an elegant and distinctive piano soundtrack --Matt Mrowicki, Chorus and Verse, March 2004 About the Artist Anna Dagmar was born in England, grew up in Massachusetts, and began taking piano lessons and writing music at the age of seven. Interested in a wide range of genres, she pursued studies in classical, jazz, and composition. Her love of songwriting developed while singing harmonies for Boston-area performer Meghan Toohey. Following high school, Anna earned a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music, where she completed a degree in jazz performance and music education, and then moved to her current New York City residence. One More Time in the Air, Anna's debut CD, combines jazz, folk, and pop styles, and reflects the influences of artists such as Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Keith Jarrett, and Jonatha Brooke. Ranging from energetic to introspective, the music features crisp harmonies, rich lyrics, and sweeping improvisations. Unique instrumental arrangements color each song. Anna's second album, Solo Songs, was released in March 2004, and was featured the following month in Chorus and Verse Magazine. Anna was a finalist in the 2004 Unisong International Song Contest with one of the album's ballads, "We're Alright Now." This song will also be published and licensed for film placement with Gold Guitars Music Publishing. Both albums have received national airplay. Anna has performed with many artists including Kenny Wheeler, Toots Theilemann, Peter Erskine, and Bobby McFerrin and has studied improvisation with Harold Danko, Michael Cain, Wayne Reiss, and Bevan Manson. She currently studies voice with Theo Bleckmann . She collaborates with many other musicians, including cellist Martha Colby , vocalist Rebecca Comerford, sitarist Ikhlaq Hussaine, saxophist/composer Travis Sullivan , and songwriter Nadine Goellner . Anna has received three Downbeat Awards, including Best Pop Arrangement in 1998. In addition to regional performances in cities such as Washington D.C. and Boston, Anna plays regularly in NYC venues including the Knitting Factory, Cornelia Street Café, the Bitter End, and the Sidewalk Café. Her music has been showcased at the NYC Songwriter's Circle, Coffee with a Conscience, the Songwriter's Beat, Gnu Vox Vocal Series, Chick Singer Night, and Victory Hall in Jersey City. Anna made her London debut at the Borderline, UK in August 2004. She will be performing in LA in August 2005 with Kaveh Rastegar and Nate Wood, and making several European appearances in the fall with the Rajaf Quartet. See more