ANA POPOVIC "STILL MAKING HISTORY" Source: Vintage Guitar Date: 09/2009 Writer: Dan Forte

Blues-rocker Popovic’s story is now well known. The Serbian-born 33-year-old took up guitar in her teens, studied jazz in the Netherlands, released her Ruf Records solo debut, Hush, in 2002, earning her a Best New Artist nomination at 2003’s Blues Music Awards. But perhaps the most telling (and complimentary) detail of her resume is that when she signed with Delta Groove, the blues label launched its Eclecto Groove imprint, to reflect her more progressive, eclectic bent.

Whereas Ronnie Earl, Robben Ford, and Stevie Ray Vaughan influences were well in evidence on earlier efforts, they are now the foundation rather than the façade of a style that is all her own. And singing and songwriting are now weighted equally with guitaristics (actually a bit more), with Popovic writing or co-writing all but one of the album’s dozen tunes.

The title track is a soft R&B ballad with a Latin tinge; “More Real,” punctuated with acoustic slide, is dark and sexy, whispered as much as sung; “Putting Out An APB” sports a hand-clapping, gospel swagger and fat electric slide.

Having previously worked with producers Jim Gaines and John Porter (both boasting impressive blues credentials), Popovic co-produced her latest with Mike Dearnley, whose credits include Tom Petty, Paul McCartney, and AC/DC. He splits engineering chores with another producer from Ana’s bluesier past, David Z.

Blues purists may need some persuading to embrace the result, but rather than sounding like a blueser trying to cross over, it would appear that Popovic has found her own voice—categories be damned. Good is good. And that goes for her guitar playing, singing, songs—and this CD.

Ó 2009 Dan Forte; all rights reserved. Originally appeared in Vintage Guitar magazine’s October 2009 issue.