EVERY SECOND IN BETWEEN GETS 9.5/10
In The April 29th issue of The Examiner, Robbie Woliver gave Every Second In Between a very detailed full-length review and rated it 9.5 out of 10. Visit the "Reviews" section to read this incredible write-up!
COURIER POST and GODFREY DANIELS RADIO BROADCAST
Lili's solo show from her January 2010 debut at Godfrey Daniels was aired this past Tuesday April 6th on WDIY. Lili was accompanied only by her guitar and vocals. In an intimate setting she performed wonderful acoustic versions of fan favorites and rarely played songs.
In the April 9th issue of the Courier Post, Lili was featured in the entertainment pull-out section, along with Joan Osborne, Roseanne Cash and Karla Bonoff. The article is titled: GIFTS OF SONG: These accomplished singer-songwriters put their faith in the alchemy of words and music. Under Lili's section the heading read:
MUSICAL HYBRID
Dusky-voiced singer Lili Anel is used to the comparisons to Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading because of her powerhouse voice. But fans will tell you that Anel's musical style is wholly her own -- and it's one that's caused Philly audiences to sit up and take notice since she moved here from New Year City a few years ago. Anel will hit both the Kimmel Center Commonwealth Plaza stage and World Cafe Live, both in Philadelphia, in the weeks to come. She is touring in support of her fifth album, "Every Second In Between," produced by Grammy-winner Glenn Barratt. The songs bring Anel's voice to the forefront, from the classically tinged "Voyager," to her cover of Nina Simone's "That's All I Want From You."
LILI AND THE HOLMES BROTHERS 4/4/10
Lili's return to the downstairs main stage at Word Cafe Live was so much fun! Lili's band including: Mike Kurman - bass, Keith Giosa - guitar and Rob Schnell - drums was tighter than ever. The new four-part harmony for "Much To My Surprise" gave the song new life. Rob's New Orleans intro to Thin Line was also an excellent touch. Keith's guitar parts and Rob's drumming have added so much to Lili's music along with Mike holding it together on bass. Supposed To Be, I Don't Need You This Way, and So Far Away never sounded better. The rehearsals have paid off in spades. This is by far the best band Lili has had in recent years. Yes, this is the band to see! Even the Holmes Brothers were impressed and those guys were smoking hot last night! Lili and the Holmes Brothers show was a high energy experience that left the fans begging for more.
In other news, Lili's WRTI interview on March 26th was in her words "The best interview I ever did."
Radio Host, J Michael Harrison did his homework and on his show "The Bridge", led Lili through a musical journey back to her childhood in Harlem, NY living above a music store. The show was supposed to be 1 hour, but as things were going so well, Michael asked Lili if she could stay late. There was so much uncovered about Lili's background and how it led to her beginnings in the music business. She went on a little after 11:00pm and left the station around 12:45am. This included a brief break with NPR News. There were 5 songs played from "Every Second In Between" :
1 So Far Away, 2 I Don't Need You This Way, 3 One More Night, 4 Much To My Surprise and 5 Goodbye. The next show will be on April 16th at the Kimmel Center. Check the Concert Schedule for details.
JAZZ AND FUNK AT THE BLINKIN LINCOLN 3/8//10
Lili was a special guest of Jimmy's Coleman's residency at the Blinkin' Lincoln last night and wow what a treat it was to hear her playing with this elite group of top notch musicians! The band lineup included Jimmy Coleman on drums, Tone Whitfied on bass, Joe Breidenstine on trumpet, the sensational Keith Giosa on electric guitar, harmony vocals and of course Lili on acoustic guitar and vocals. There were a total of 7 songs performed: Thin Line, I Don't Need You This Way, The Wrong Time, One More Night, So Far Away, Supposed To Be and The Way Out. The music opened up wide with each band member taking solos. I don't think I can point out any one song that sounded better than the other. The music as a whole was electrifying, fresh and different from anything Lili has done since her arrival in Philadelphia some five plus years ago. Lili's longtime followers have heard these songs before, but the caliber of last night's musicians made it seem as though you were hearing it for the first time.
Maybe it was the fact that for the first time Lili had trumpet parts to her songs, added by Joe Breidenstine, making the music sound even sweeter than usual. Perhaps it was the longtime working relationship between drummer, Jimmy Coleman and bassist Tone Whitfield that they knew just how to play off each other and seemed to breathe at the same time. Then there's Keith Giosa. This was Keith's third performance with Lili and he was playing as though he has been playing with her his entire life. Keith also has a history with Jimmy and Tone, so that gave the music an edge as well. Everything seemed to gel with an exceptional sound system and a great room. Lili will be playing out as much as possible with a full rhythm section. The next show will be a FREE event at the Kimmel Center on April 16th. She will be accompanied by Mike Kurman-bass/vocals, Keith Giosa-guitar/vocals and Rob Schnell-drums. But before that gig, make sure to tune in to Jazz station, WRTI on March 26th for Lili's interview. See the concert schedule for details.
"COME TOGETHER" March 6, 2010
After 2 years, last night Lili returned to Coffee Works in Voorhees, NJ in a co-bill with power pop performer John Faye. Lili took the stage with side-kick Mike Kurman- bass and Keith Giosa on electric guitar. This was Keith's second performance with Lili and there's plenty more to come! Lili has found the perfect mix with Mike, Keith and drummer/percussionist Rob Schnell. Because of zoning laws, no drums were allowed at this venue; but Rob will be performing at future shows. The fans really got into the show as Lili pulled out songs from all her CDs. Keith and Mike added vocals to "Temporary Amnesia" and "Thin Line"and Keith's guitar work on "Between Me", "I Don't Need You This Way" and "The Way Out" took Lili's music up a few notches. After John Faye finished his set, Lili and her band joined John for what turned out to be the highlight of the night. They treated the audience to the Beatles "I'm Looking Through You" and followed it with the song that blew a hole in the stage, "Come Together." Lili and John shared vocals on both of these songs and for the very last tune, without any rehearsal, they nailed Elvis Costello's "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding." This was an awesome night of music and Lili and John are sure to team up again at a venue near you! Next stop on Sunday March 7th, Lili will perform a guest set, being backed by Jimmy Coleman's band, at the Blinkin Linkin in Roxborough. Keith Giosa will also be there. See the concert schedule for details
"In The Round" March 1, 2010
It was a super night of music last night at the Tin Angel Acoustic Cafe. Lili sang in the round with 2 very talented singer/songwriters: Lizanne Knott and Nashville's Michael Logen. It was an inspiring night and those in attendance were all smiles. Wonderful story-telling, good humor and great positive energy filled the room. Always great to have Lizanne in the house interacting with Lili and an extra special treat with Michael Logen's crafty songs. If you haven't heard Lizanne or Michael, you are missing out on some great music. There are links to their websites. Also, Lizanne and Michael have an upcoming show at World Cafe on May 20th. Don't miss it! Next stop for Lili will be Friday March 5th at Coffee Works in Voorhees, NJ with John Faye on the card. Visit the concert schedule for details.
February 9, 2010
Lili's second time around on NBC's the 10! show on February 8th kicked into high gear with a full rhythm section. Jef Lee Johnson, who played lead guitar on Lili's latest release "Every Second In Between", supported Lili's 10! show appearance along with drummer, Charlie Patierno and Mike Kurman on bass. "I Don't Need You This Way'' was played on the air and the bonus performance was "Much To My Surprise." Video footage of the performance and Lili's interview by Bill Henley will be coming soon. Thursday, February 4th Lili performed in front of a packed house at Chaplin's Music Cafe for the Haiti Benefit Show. This was a very successful fund raiser and made for a great night of music. Lili's next show is on Valentine's day at Puck in Doylestown. Visit the concert schedule for details.
JANUARY 24, 2010 - Back to Back Weekend Shows
Lili�s January 22nd debut at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem was met with much enthusiasm. It had been sometime since Lili played solo and the material she chose lent for a very special performance. The folks that ran the venue were the best and made sure Lili was taken care of. A small and well-behaved crowd attended this intimate listening room. The very talented Dina Hall opened the show and her style being compatible with Lili's made for a great night of music. The show was recorded and some of the audio will be posted in the "Extras Section" soon.
The next night Lili headed to the Kennett Flash in Kennett Square, PA, this time with a full band. Players included sidekick, Mike Kurman on bass along with John DiGiovanni - drums and a new addition with Norm Dorrell on vibes. Lili's co-bill, the charismatic John Conahan who plays keyboards, joined Lili on stage for a couple of songs from the new CD "Every Second In Between." Songs included "So Far Away" and "That's All I Want From You." This show had some surprises too with Lili pulling out material from "Laughed Last"; namely "Let Her Go", "Baby When", Tonight" and "The Wrong Time". Lili ended her set with a brand new, untitled, unreleased song that integrated the band intros. Lili is one that never performs by the numbers, constantly changing the setlist and even adding new material as she is forever the songwriter. Next stop is the benefit for Haiti concert at Chaplins on February 4th. Check the concert calendar for details.
JANUARY 11, 2010 - Citypaper's Top 10 for 2009
Music critic, Mary Armstrong for the Citypaper gives her list of the top CDs for 2009:
1.Hip Hop Hoodios Carne Masada (Jazzheads)
2.Lili Anel Every Second in Between (Wall-I)
3.John Fogerty Blue Ridge Rangers Ride Again (Fortunate Son/Verve)
4.Booka and the Flaming Geckos Baghdad Texas (Loudhouse)
5.Phil Lee, Eric Brace, Kieran Kane et al East Nashville vol. 3 More Music from the Other Side (Red Beet)
6.Watcha Clan Diaspora Remixed, Marseille @ New Yokr, London (Piranha)
7.Steve Wariner My Tribute to Chet Atkins (SelecTone)
8.The Boston Boys Listen (Eric Robertson Music)
9.Commander Cody Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers (Blind Pig)
10.Sam & Ruby The Here and The Now (Rykodisc)
JANUARY 5, 2010 - JazzTimes and All About Jazz
"Once in a great while, a CD arrives out of the blue with no fanfare and proceeds to blow your mind at first listen. For me, Every Second In Between is one of those rarities." These are the opening lines from the review published in the December issue of JazzTimes Magazine. The full review can be found in the reviews section of Lili's website and the magazine can be found in bookstores and newstands all around the world. In addition, the "All About Jazz" website listed the top 10 releases of 2009 and "Every Second In Between" made the list! For Lili's music 2010 is beginning on a very positive note. Stayed tuned as the year has just begun!
JANUARY, 2010 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A new section of the website has just been added titled "Extras." The section consists of audio players from some of Lili's radio interviews, along with a player of alternate and acoustic versions of many of her songs. In addition you can hear live tracks taken from her concerts throughout the past few years.
Later this month Lili will heading to the west coast for the NAAM shows as she will be performing on behalf of Tanglewood Guitars. Check the concert section for ALL NEW SHOWS for 2010.
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