Album Notes

Revving engines and shooting sparks cause the sort of major ignition that drives the music of Ashland, Oregon, rockers AnnieMac. With a vibe of old-school R&B riffs, deep soul grooves, and rock and roll edge, these passionate, accomplished, musicians deliver a collection of music that’ll move your body and speak to your soul. AnnieMac has an organic rock \'n\' roll sound that we\'re calling \"roots rock and soul.\" Think The Band with Joss Stone at the mic, or maybe Little Feat with Chrissie Hynde in front. AnnieMac delivers guitar rock that speaks to the heart.

Born in San Francisco’s Bay Area, AnnieMac’s first lineup played regular dates in, Marin and San Francisco venues and opened for such artists as Chuck Day and Tommy Castro. Since reforming in Oregon’s ruggedly beautiful Rogue River Valley in 2006, AnnieMac has built a loyal fan base by headlining music festivals and dance clubs.

The band’s latest incarnation was the product of serendipity. Singer Annie McIntyre and guitarist Joe Diehl were both from Mill Valley, California, and—unbeknownst to them—currently living in Ashland. They had played together a few times in the Bay Area in the 1990s, but they hadn’t seen in each other in years. One evening, while walking down Ashland’s hip Main Street, Joe did a double take.

“I looked and looked at this woman on the other side of the road, and just kept thinking, ‘That looks like Annie’,” says the classically handsome, green-eyed guitarist. “Finally I called out to her and that’s when we started talking about this.”

McIntyre, a dark-haired, artfully attired and incessantly curious woman, was craving to have a project again. Diehl wanted to start something with high energy and contrast … a band with a sultry, rich female voice to complement his masculine style. Each disappointed at the lack of roots rock & soul music in the otherwise culturally happening Southern Oregon region, they decided to remedy the situation. Diehl called on his favorite local musicians and within a month AnnieMac was rehearsing and refining their sound.

Since then, these accomplished musicians have made a splash, securing regular gigs at regional festivals, private parties, and local pubs and dance halls. They spent much of 2007 in Northern California’s RadioStar Studios, with Jeff Pevar and Sylvia Massy Shivy co-producing. recording 13 of their tastiest original songs. They continue to gig and will be touring in support of the CD Ignition upon its release in the summer of 2008.

Members of AnnieMac:
Annie McIntyre — Lead Vocals
Joe Diehl — Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Allen Crutcher — Keyboard
Jim Sitter — Drums
John Lingafelter — Bass