Ana Popović
was born May 13, 1976 in Belgrade, Serbia, although she’s now based in Memphis
TN. As far as I know, she’s a rarity as a Serbian blues guitarist. She was
introduced to the blues through her father’s extensive collection of blues
recordings.
Her early influences were Otis Spann and Buddy Guy, but
judging by all the people she’s played with, I’d say her style is a
conglomerate of many blues artists. Her fiery style has earned her the nickname
of “The Serbian Scorcher.”
Ana
grew up playing the blues in Belgrade during the turbulent time of the fall of
communism and the dissolution of Yugoslavia. In 1995, she formed the band Hush with Rade Popović (guitar,
vocals), Milan Sarić (bass guitar) and Bojan Ivković (drums). Within a year, with the collapse
of Communism in Eastern Europe, she was playing blues festivals in Greece and
Hungary and working as an opening act for American blues masters, including
someone near and dear to my Chicago heart, the great harpist Junior Wells.
In 1999, Ana
went solo and formed the Ana Popović Band based out of Amsterdam.
Her last two albums, “Still Makin History” and
“Unconditional” reached number one on Billboard’s blues chart. Her latest, “Can
You Stand The Heat,” released last April will undoubtedly join them at the top
of the charts. She’s been either nominated for or won too many awards to name.
she now calls Memphis home and continues to tour hitting blues festivals and
clubs across the U.S. and Europe. She truly is a scorcher when it comes to the
blues. Enjoy!
Can you stand the heat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bXaY5f8Ok0
Change my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b5zHzsEr48
Fool Proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3O7AczJnuE
Can’t you see what you’re doing to me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgyqpYMGwMs
House burning down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUi7Hru-Pvk
Work song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE03xUh5IAo
Wrong woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0FqgRAqCIk
Mo better love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCzhlUebHjg
Object of Obsession: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UAeoarIX0Q
U don’t move me/Voodoo woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO_SPPzTWkQ
Rain fall down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHJNPG4D0yE
Montreal Jazz Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwIRpjNuP9I
With Hot Tuna: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1LHIarYljo
Ana’s Shuffle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXenSEzGQUU
One room country shack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkYHOqTSDE4
Blues players like Ana don’t really call for fine wine. Good
whiskey is more the beverage of choice. But since this blog focuses on wine, I’d
pick something that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and that you gulp rather than
sip. So I suggest the 2011 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir ($7.50).
I’m always a little suspicious of wines that cost lest than $10.00, so I decant
them into a wide-bottomed flask and let them breath for about an hour. For some
reason, this always seems to remove the harshness that can plague wines in this
price category. After aeration, there are aromas of bright cherry, strawberry,
vanilla, and little bit of pepper. The taste follows the nose, ending with a
warm berry finish. Mind you, this is not a fine French Burgundy or even a
premium California or Oregon Pinot Noir. Rather, it’s something you can quaff
on a hot summer evening because at this price, you can afford two bottles; one
for you and one for your significant other. It’s just the ticket for the music
of the Serbian Scorcher.
Cheers!
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