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Annie McClendon

One of the most talented jazz vocalists in the South...

About Me

There isn't much musically that Annie McClendon can't do, and do well.

Discovered by legendary saxophonist Bruce Johnstone (Former Featured soloist with Maynard Ferguson & Woody Herman bands. Performed with Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster. Highly ranked by “Downbeat” Magazine), Hannah has gone on to perform with the Dave Stevens Big Band, the Doug Dressler Big Band, The New Century Big Band, EarthArt Ensemble, Bruce Johnstone and Friends, Night Flight Big Band, and her own combo, Annie Hannah and The Mood Swings.

Artist History:

McClendon's premier musical moments include headlining with the Dave Stevens Big Band at the Chautaqua Insitution last summer, opening for Huey Lewis and The News at the Tullio Arena last August with the DSBB, and her crowning achievement, being selected to be the featured vocalist with one of the top big bands in the country, the Airmen of Note.

Although McClendon opted not to enlist in the USAF to take this highly coveted position with the Airmen of Note, she continues to sing with the Dave Stevens Big Band and The Mood Swings throughout the NorthEast, and Night Flight Big Band in Birmingham, Alabama. She is determinated to take the world by storm.

Press Reviews: “ We rarely see a vocalist or even an instrumentalist this young who's this versatile and has this knowledge of different styles,” said Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Eckert, the musical director of the Airmen of Note. “For our particular purposes, we're looking for, first and foremost, a really fine jazz singer. The caveat is that they will occasionally play certain protocol functions and dances for the military brass around D.C., and even at the White House. For those audiences, our repertoire has to be a little more versatile and geared towards a younger audience.” Equally important, he said, is the vocalist's on-stage command in front of a 17 piece band. With her bright blond hair and elegant look, Hannah radiates charisma. “She has a very engaging presence,” Eckert said. “When you're auditioning a vocalist, not only do they have to sound good, but you want someone out in front of the band who's going to make you want to look at them and focus in on the singer in a good way. And she did exactly that.” - Dave Richards Erie Times News 5/26/02

CD Review:

Annie and the Mood Swings CD release - “In and Out of Love”

Floating from emotion to emotion, Annie and the boys swing through one dozen songs that capture and captivate any jazz aficionado. From her sultry delivery of “Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You,” to her toe-tappin' rendition of “Deed I Do,” Annie Hannah seems to be taking the jazz community of Erie by storm. First Erie, Pennsylvania...next stop...the world!

Annie shows her vast array of versatility on In and Out of Love with her ease in the bossa nova style of “Our Love is Here to Stay,” her ravishing balladry on “Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You” and “Summertime,” as well as her insatiable interpretation skills on “Happy Trails.” To simply say that Annie merely has a “knack” for jazz is a severe understatement! She's got the type of voice that can be classified as a warm, dark glass of merlot that has that beautiful bittersweet quality that makes you want one glass after another...after another...after another.

Throughout In and Out of Love, Annie Hannah will intoxicate any listener who gives this disc a chance. So, check out Annie Hannah and the Mood Swings and find out what it really means to be In and Out of Love.

-review by Nathan Holaway, Jazzreview.com



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