Album Notes

BLUES GUITARIST AND SONGWRITER ANNA TROY RELEASES SOLO DEBUT: AIN’T NO MAN

Former Elektra Records recording artist breaks into the blues scene with new album.


SAN DIEGO, Calif. – 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. - Alan Fleagle / Melbourne