Annagail

Performing since ‘94, ALL Entertainment recording artist Annagail is more than just a group with six recordings and a strong fan base. They are the epitome of a band which continues to evolve instead of stagnate. A consistently busy concert schedule, Europe last year, a recent 2 week tour of South Africa this winter, their passion to take their music abroad is evidence of that. With national attention of their last two CD's through Grassroots Music, online and at concerts, they have found t...

Performing since ‘94, ALL Entertainment recording artist Annagail is more than just a group with six recordings and a strong fan base. They are the epitome of a band which continues to evolve instead of stagnate. A consistently busy concert schedule, Europe last year, a recent 2 week tour of South Africa this winter, their passion to take their music abroad is evidence of that. With national attention of their last two CD's through Grassroots Music, online and at concerts, they have found their way to radio stations and stores around the U.S. They've been featured on several regional and national compilations and have become an established act opening for artists such as Bleach, Plumb, Pillar, Jason Ingram, Scott Faircloff, The Appleseed Cast, Stavesacre, Ellery, Satellite Soul and many, many others. Annagail is that rare band that can support a solo singer/songwriter and can just as comfortably hold their own playing festivals with heavy hitters or in an intimate setting leading worship. And, somehow, they make sense in all extremes. A blend of courage and frailty are embraced, and they're proud of both. They're completely capable of spanning the emotional gap from Saturday night to Sunday morning. Emerging from the "songwriters circle" of the Midwest's music scene and playing colleges, coffeehouses, clubs, festivals and theaters, they honed their craft. Then came the release of 'Renaissance Recital,' the second album on 'Big Round Records' and the beginnings of moving into a full band. Their first album, 'The Folks,' quickly sold out its original pressing. They followed with continued touring and growing popularity as a live act. Waterdeep's Don Chaffer, a long time friend, produced Annagail's 'Linger In Bloom' and also the previous 'Slightly Certain,' which featured Lori Chaffer's vocals on "The Enemy and the Avenger." 'Linger In Bloom,' was recorded in Kansas City at the beautiful Culture House Studios by Chaffer, (Waterdeep, Sara Groves, Charlie Hall, Maeve, This Holiday Life, The Voice I and II) engineered by Greg Lafollette and mixed by Russ Long (Wilco, Over the Rhine, Newsboys, Sixpence None The Richer, and even Dolly Parton!) it delivered with astounding production and quality. Linger in Bloom captured a reinvention of the band, with 12 solid tracks. A broad mix of driving tunes that showcase a band just as comforatable behind a blaring Fender amp or B3 as it is an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Plenty of variety, yet still focused and executed like only 15 years of recording and concerts can do. These albums have captured the attention of many. "To any radio programmers play it, to any concert promoter book them, and to any record label sign them now. This is the real deal," raved Levi Perkins of Crossroads Radio. Tim Suttle of Satellite Soul described them as "Someone who needs to be signed. They're hard workers and great songwriters." From it's beginning Annagail has continued to evolve, the result of over 500 shows across the U.S. From '98 to ‘01, front man Jared Adams also toured the country playing lead guitar then bass for Ardent/Forefront recording artist Satellite Soul, friends from Kansas City. He appears on their Ardent release Satellite Soul Live. Opening and performing with Jennifer Knapp, Big Tent Revival, FFH, Audio Adrenaline and many others, Adams had the chance to showcase his own songs to great acclaim. Formally known as 'Route 3,' Annagail, fronted by the vocal and guitar interplay between Adams and wife Jennifer, is ready to envelope even greater opportunities with their music. From Adams troubadour style of the early 90's to Jennifer’s touring with several vocal groups, her own singing career and even a tour of Europe, the results are rich. With a true and honest passion for people and music their goal reaches far beyond just playing the next gig. The Adams have never slowed in their healthy work ethic. Besides music, they currently also take part in the ownership of a family business and a non-profit, Havilah Recovery Solutions and Havilah Global. Through an amazing journey and testimony, they have found a way for all three to work together for compassionate outreach and greater purpose. They hope to make a difference in everyone they meet whether its through song, a hand shake or a new face to put a name to. "Although we love playing live, there is so much more to music than singing and playing," says Adams. "It builds a foundation to every new relationship and it gaps the bridges between the people that we don't yet know." The soaring melodies can't hide the message in the lyrics crafted with grace. One concert goer said, "They put their heart and soul into every song, I really appreciate that." From the feed back, so do a lot of others. -Derek Emerson Hope College Arts Coordinator