Search - Annie Moses Band (Author) :: Eden; Annie Moses Band

Refreshing and awe-inspiring

Ginger Hurst | 01/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Annie Moses Band offers a unique style of pop, jazz, and classical music. The family of eight tours America frequently, each of the six children playing a musical instrument. "Eden" offers a mix of delightful songs from heavy pop to beautiful hymns. The lead singer's voice, clear and beautiful, is a mixture of Dolly Parton and Celtic Woman. This album deserves five + stars for its uniqueness and beauty."

Fresh, Unique Chamber Pop Sound from an Extraordinary Family

Victoria Austin | Texas | 01/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Annie Moses Band is a refreshing, inspirational family band led by Bill and Robin Wolaver and eldest of their six siblings, Annie, who takes the lead on vocals and violin. The name of the band originates from their late great-grandmother, Annie Moses. There's no denying that this family contains more talent than is humanly possible in one family, but is divinely the norm in this unique clan. Mom and Dad, Bill and Robin Wolaver, met at famed Oklahoma City University (my daughter's alma mater as well). After moving the family to Nashville, they worked as award winning pianist/composer and lyricist/writer, respectively. Their first three children, Annie, Alex and Benjamin began intensive music studies as homeschool students, advancing quickly to Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music. From there, they advanced to Julliard's Pre-College program on scholarship at ages 16, 14 and 12, necessitating a move of the family to Connecticut. During their time at Julliard, the children studied under world-renowned classical teachers and continued to excel. The family began to feel the urge to perform together and began composing music for the band to perform.



Returning to the Nashville area, they performed for producers and promoters who were most impressed, but not sure how to classify or market their unique sound. When music industry heads wanted to change their sound to be more marketable to the masses, the Annie Moses Band did what was right. They listened to their hearts and began recording and touring the country via word of mouth.



The music of The Annie Moses Band is hard to box into a category or genre, and it is one reason they are so refreshing. With their classical background and a salting of country and bluegrass, there's an intriguing meshing of the two with a bit of ethereal Celtic air at times, depending on the tune. But the most important component of The Annie Moses Band is the message of hope and all-encompassing love through the love of Christ.



The band consists of Annie on vocals and violin, Alex on viola, Benjamin on cello, who is also a budding writer. Camille, 15, plays piano, synthesizer and harp, and is an excellent writer and poet (check out family writings on their website). Gretchen sings and plays violin and mandolin, while eight-year-old Jeremiah, masters the guitar, banjo and sings as well. Rounding out the band are Bill on piano and keyboards, Robin on vocals, with Mario and Javier on bass and drums.



Annie Moses Band's very successful Eden project released in 2005 showcases their prolific talent and versatility. Benjamin's bittersweet cello opens the first cut, Lover of My Soul. And with a range and pitch as perfect as her violin, Annie's vocals are pure and angelic as a morning songbird on the triumphant melody with all the siblings joining in gloriously on their instruments.



The title cut, Eden, is tender and searching with its chorus:



"Eden

We were made for you

Eden

My heart aches for you

Walking with God

In Eden

How beautiful"



Tough as Nails drives home a message with its jazzy beat, repetitive lyric and string interlude.



One of my personal favorites on Eden, We Are All the Same, shares the message that no matter what our culture, race or socio-economic situation, we all share a "common malady:"



"We are all the same, really

I am all alone now

Just plain ol' human me

Like plain ol' human you

No one to impress

Do I dare to rest"



Bridge:

"And if I hate you could it be

That we have the same weakness

And if I love you could it be

That we share the same need"



The pulsating instrumental, Absolute, breaks into a wonderful combination of swinging strings backed by the rhythm of the band. Great combination.



Smoky Mountain Blue evokes misty mornings in a distant forest where a dearly departed loved one brought her special abilities to backwoods children (the liner notes are as inspiring as the lyrics and music).



Dogwoods A Bloomin' is a poignant bluegrass-y gem of a tune with a special message.



When Daddy Says I'm Beautiful is a sweet remembrance of a little girl's special relationship with her father, and the mark that relationship makes on her in future years.



Soli Deo Gloria gracefully echoes in an aerie chant.



Quiet and meaningful, In Repentance and Rest serves as the perfect doxology.



Composed by Annie while at Julliard, Fuque in E Minor won the Fuque Competition there, and is a beautiful ending to a heavenly endeavor you want to experience over and over again.



- Victoria Austin











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